Leander returns to lead Clinton soccer
When the administration at Clinton High School approached Filip Leander about returning as head coach, the decision was an easy one.
Leander, who had previously coached the Dragons, was impressed with the vision that Principal Robbie Herrell and Athletic Director Josh Reid have for the school’s athletic program.
“This is my 18th year as a teacher here, and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else,” Leander said. “When Principal Herrell and (Athletic Director) Reid shared their vision for the program, I thought, ‘How could you not want to be a part of it?’ They have great plans for Clinton athletics, and when I was able to fit this into my schedule, I wanted to be part of it.”
Leander is one of three new head coaches recently hired by the school, joining new football coach Jake Dawson, who was hired in December, and new baseball coach Eric Hart, who replaced Rob Stacy after Stacy departed for West High in Knoxville.
In addition to his duties at Clinton, Leander serves as the director of FC Alliance, a top club soccer team in Knoxville. With 25 years of club coaching experience, he also led the Dragons’ soccer program during the 2010s.
“This is the first season of my second tenure as the boys’ soccer coach here,” he said. “I think my last year was in 2017, or something like that.”
At Clinton, Leander faces a rebuilding season with the help of his coaching staff, which includes assistant coach Sylvain David. David also served as an assistant under former head coach Gene Chunn, who retired following the 2024 season.
“Sylvain David is back as an assistant, and with my schedule, I’m going to lean heavily on him,” Leander said. “He’ll be like a co-coach.
“We have a lot of young talent and kids who love to play the sport, and the coaches are excited.”
For Leander, soccer is about more than just the game.
“For me, it’s not about soccer,” he said. “It’s about helping our school and giving kids the opportunity to excel at something they love.”
