Congratulations to Lee Horton (Charlotte Latin) on this recognition! Coach Horton has been a huge supporter of the Clash of the Carolinas since its' inception in 2007.
KANSAS CITY, MO. (Nov. 5, 2026) United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday the recipients of the association’s 2026 Long-Term Service awards for college, high school, and youth soccer. The awards are presented annually to members who have exhibited a career of contributions at their level of the sport and a continued commitment of service to the association.
Robert W. Robinson High School Long-Term Service Award: Lee Horton
Lee Horton has dedicated more than three decades to the growth and development of American soccer, serving as a pillar of leadership, mentorship, and excellence across all levels of the sport. With 33 years of coaching experience and equal tenure as a member of United Soccer Coaches, Horton’s career stands as a testament to lifelong service.
Horton’s administrative and organizational contributions have deeply shaped youth and high school soccer. At the state level, he served as newsletter editor, vice-president, and president of the North Carolina Coaches Association, while continuously acting as a regional chairperson for boys’ and girls’ programs. He actively chaired Independent School state seeding committees, hosted numerous state final four events, directed soccer clinics, and helped establish key local organizations, including the Charlotte Soccer Academy. Globally, he has expanded his players' horizons by leading international trips with both high school and USL teams.
Within United Soccer Coaches, Horton’s leadership extends to serving as the Regional Coach of the Year chairman (1999–2002) and the Boys High School National Coach of the Year chairman since 2018. He has attended nearly every National Convention since 1979, frequently introducing featured speakers.
Horton’s impact on the field is equally remarkable. He guided Charlotte Latin School to seven state championships with the boys' teams and 11 state titles with the girls' teams, achieving number one national ranking in 2010. He was recognized twice as a National Coach of the Year (one boy and one girl). Additionally, he led the Charlotte Lady Eagles of the USL W-League for 16 years, earning 13 playoff appearances, five national final fours, and a national championship, alongside two USL W-League National Coach of the Year honors. Inducted into both the USL Women’s League Hall of Fame and the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame, Lee Horton’s extraordinary devotion continues to leave an indelible legacy on the sport.
