Christiane Lessa

Bio

Coach Lessa joins the Eagle family with extensive international and collegiate coaching experience across the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America. She has coached at every level of the game — youth, college, professional women’s and men’s soccer, and national team environments — bringing a global perspective and high-performance standards to Dyersburg State.

Her coaching journey has taken her to Brazil, Iceland, Norway, China, and Canada, where she has worked with top players and elite environments, including U.S. Women’s National Team co-captain Carli Lloyd, Canadian National Team goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan, and international defender Estelle Johnson.

Coach Lessa holds multiple U.S. Soccer, FIFA, and CONCACAF coaching licenses and is currently pursuing her FIFA A International License. She is fluent in English, Spanish, and Portuguese, allowing her to recruit and mentor players from diverse backgrounds around the world.

Proven College Success & Player Development

Before arriving at Dyersburg State, Lessa built a reputation as one of the top junior college coaches in the country. As head coach at Iowa Central Community College, she led the program to a NJCAA Division I National Championship and was named NJCAA National Coach of the Year. Her teams consistently ranked among the top programs in the nation, and many of her players advanced to NCAA Division I and II universities.

Throughout her career, Coach Lessa has helped student-athletes earn scholarships and continue their careers at four-year schools, including the University of Louisville, University of Kentucky, Florida Atlantic University, and Barry University.

International & Professional Experience

Lessa’s professional coaching experience includes leadership roles in Brazil, Iceland, China, and the United States. She has coached and developed players in professional environments and served on staff within the NWSL and international clubs, gaining valuable experience she now brings to the college game.

Student/Athlete-First Coaching Philosophy

Known for her passion, discipline, and mentorship, Coach Lessa focuses on developing complete student-athletes — technically, tactically, physically, and mentally. Her mission is to help players grow on the field, succeed in the classroom, and move on to the next level of their careers.

At Dyersburg State, she is building a competitive, family-oriented program that prepares players to transfer to four-year universities and compete at the highest level.

“I am truly honored and grateful to become part of the Dyersburg State Community College family. I would like to sincerely thank the search committee and Steve Cornelison for this incredible opportunity and for their trust in me to lead this program.

Every player who joins our program becomes family. My commitment is to help each student-athlete grow as a player, a student, and a person while preparing them for the next step in life and soccer. At Dyersburg State, our mission is simple: to develop high-level players, strong students, and confident women who are ready to succeed at the next level — in soccer and in life.” Coach Lessa