(Tuesday; July 8; Sioux Center, Iowa) When Tim Lee accepted an assistant coaching position with the Dordt University men's soccer program last January, becoming a head coach wasn't part of the immediate plan.

Complete Interview https://open.spotify.com/episode/1ZHu7zRmSGXrGst0zhAwks?si=515b0aa7c406476f

Just months later, Lee has been entrusted with leading the Defender program as interim head coach for the 2026 season. While the timeline came sooner than expected, he believes the opportunity is part of God's providential leading.

"I would say it's always been a dream to eventually become a head coach," Lee said. "Did I know it was going to come this soon? Probably not. But the Lord works in different ways. Even when I first stepped on campus in January, I just remember feeling so blessed to be a part of what is going on here at Dordt."

That sense of calling began long before the head coaching opportunity presented itself. From his first interactions with Dordt, Lee saw an athletic department intentionally committed to developing student-athletes through the principles of the Defender Way.

"The Defender Way and the four pillars really stood out to me," Lee said. "The Great Commission—wanting to love the Lord and love others and making that evident through the things we do—that highly resonates with me and who I am as a person."

Lee points to servant leadership as another defining characteristic of Dordt's culture.

"Servant leadership is something that myself and everyone around me can continue to grow in," he said. "It's something that's invaluable as a Christian."

The Defender Way's emphasis on pursuing excellence extends beyond the playing field, another value that connected with Lee as he recently completed his master's degree.

"I know school isn't everyone's favorite thing," Lee said. "But the Lord calls us in Colossians 3:23 to do all things as unto Him. Pursuing excellence in the classroom and in every area is something I'm passionate about."

That pursuit of excellence ultimately leads to competing for championships, but Lee believes success on the field is built upon a stronger foundation.

"I think Dordt has the facilities, the people and the support system," Lee said. "If we can get the right coaches and the right players in place, men's soccer is a program that can pursue championships."

Lee spent the spring semester serving as Dordt's assistant coach, focusing on recruiting while helping establish the team's training model and day-to-day instruction.

When he arrived in January, recruiting immediately became a priority as the coaching staff worked to build the incoming class.

"We were trying to play a little bit of catch-up," Lee said. "There were a lot of phone calls, building relationships and connecting with people."

On the field, Lee embraced a hands-on approach that reflects both his personality and coaching philosophy.

"As a young coach, one of my strengths is the energy I can bring," he said. "Being able to demonstrate, move, run with the guys and coach right there on the field—that's my favorite part of coaching. I think that energy bleeds into the program."

Just as important as the training sessions was what Lee observed about the team's culture.

"I think we have a really good group of guys," he said. "They're all unique individuals from different places, but they love each other. They love playing soccer together, and they enjoy spending time together off the field. That's ultimately the kind of group you want to be around."

When the opportunity to become interim head coach arose, Lee acknowledged the excitement was accompanied by humility.

"It was always something I wanted to do," he said. "But with greater responsibility comes more responsibility. I know I don't have all the answers as a young coach, but if I lean on the Lord and the people around me, there's nothing that can't be done well."

That mindset also shapes the style of soccer Lee hopes to build at Dordt.

He envisions an aggressive, fast-paced team that attacks with purpose and embraces the hard work required to sustain that style.

"I want to play an aggressive, go-forward brand of soccer," Lee said. "It's fun to watch, fun to coach and fun to be a part of. But it's exhausting, and it requires fitness and hard work."

The style reflects more than tactical preference. It mirrors the type of players Lee hopes to recruit—student-athletes who embrace challenges rather than avoid them.

"If they're willing to work hard and do the gritty work, that's the type of player we're looking for," he said.

That philosophy extends well beyond soccer.

When Lee meets prospective student-athletes, his message isn't centered on playing time or wins. Instead, he invites recruits into a culture of transformation.

"If you want to be part of a program that does hard things—where you apply yourself in the classroom, in your relationships with professors, teammates and coaches, and you want to serve other people—then this is a great fit for you," Lee said.

Conversely, he is equally clear about what Dordt is not.

"If you want to coast through classes, play some games and just go through the motions, this isn't the place for you," he said. "I want people to know they're getting a transformative experience. Dordt is a place where people genuinely care for you, but I also want players who are willing to do hard things."

As preseason approaches, Lee sees his role as more than preparing a team for matches. He is helping shape a culture where competitive excellence grows from spiritual maturity, servant leadership and meaningful relationships.

For Lee, that vision isn't simply a coaching philosophy—it is why Dordt felt like home from the moment he arrived on campus.