Delaney Wells returns as coach for soccer

Coach Delaney Wells needs no introduction -- she was a soccer player at Troy for two seasons, got her degree here and is now a part of our soccer coaching squad. She’s a Trojan through and through. 

After spending three seasons under Head Coach Stuart Gore at Northwestern State, Wells followed him to Troy, where she scored six goals in two seasons as a Trojan. Following her graduation, she decided to stay with Troy as an assistant coach. 

“I realized with the coaches I’ve had previously, obviously [Gore], just how much of an impact he had on me, just as a person, not even a soccer player,” Wells said. “I realized I would want to do that for other players.”   

While her coaching career is just getting started, Wells is already navigating the transition from player to coach. 

“I had 28 best friends in November as a player, and now in January I’m their coach,” Wells said. “Trying to find the fine line between player and coach has been the hardest adjustment.” 

Gore has had an impact on every player he’s coached, including Wells.  

“He’s really changed me as a person, and he’s shaped me into who I am now,” Wells said. “It’s nice having someone genuinely cares about you and wants the best for you.” 

Every season brings new challenges and changes from last season. Wells said the coaching staff is prioritizing team chemistry this season. 

 “We’ve definitely been working on changing the culture and making it more like a team,” Wells said. “Obviously, we have a really young team. 

“With young players comes some inexperience and a lot of homesickness, so it’s important to create a family environment for everyone that comes to Troy.” 

Wells said Troy encouraged her to pursue her education and get into coaching.  

“I would have never changed my major or pursued a Master's with a coaching concentration if it wasn't for Troy.” 

Wells and the Trojans look to continue the season with a game versus North Alabama on the road on Aug. 28 at 7 p.m.