Leah Fortune enters her sixth year as the associate head coach at Lipscomb after joining the program in the summer of 2017. Leah’s addition to the staff made an immediate impact with the Bisons. Last season, Fortune helped the squad to their third ASUN Tournament championship, fourth ASUN Regular Season Champion title with a 15-5-1 record, and third NCAA Tournament appearance in four years.
In 2019, Fortune helped the Bisons to their third-straight ASUN Regular Season title with a record of 13-6-2, their second straight ASUN Tournament championship, and a second straight appearance in the NCAA tournament.
In 2017 and 2018, Fortune was a part of the record setting Lipscomb program that saw Lipscomb capture their first ASUN Regular Season championship, post a program record in wins at 15-5-2, claim their first ever ASUN Tournament championship and trip to the NCAA College Cup. Along with the other members of the coaching staff, Fortune was named on the United Soccer Coaches Staff of the Year in the NCAA I South Region. Additionally, Leah was instrumental working with attacking players Ellen Lundy (2017) and Olivia Doak (2018) named as ASUN Player of the Year.
Prior to her arrival at Lipscomb, Fortune had already experienced coaching at the NCAA Division I level with USC Upstate. She played an integral role in the development of forward Kenzie Major. Which included a four-goal game early in the year at South Carolina Upstate to make her the first player in the Division I era to accomplish that feat. Additionally, newcomer Nicki Krejci became the school record holder for the most assists in a season in the D1 era.
Fortune had what can only be described as a stellar playing career culminating in her time playing internationally with the Brazilian Women’s National Team. From 2008-2012 Leah played for the Brazilian National Team and U20 Brazilian National Team, Brazilian Women’s National team Olympic Qualifiers in Ecuador accumulating 6 CAPS with the Senior Women’s National Team.
Additionally she was part of the COMEBOL Championship team in Columbia (2010) and Chile (2008) starting every game. She also played with the U-20 Brazilian National Team in two U-20 World Cups in Chile and Germany. She won the Golden Boot Award at the TACA Governadora Cup (Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay). Her 2009 awards included: Daily Herald All Sports Athlete of the Year, Parade Magazine All-American, ESPN All-American, Chicago Sun Times All-Area selection, Chicago Tribune All-Area pick, and Daily Herald All-Area Team Captain.
Collegiately, Fortune played for University of Texas (2009-10) and Lee University (2011-13). While at Texas she earned Big 12 Conference Freshman Honors. Her career at Lee was stunning. She earned SSAC-Offensive Player of the Year, SSAC All American Team,
2012 Capital One Academic All-America for a maintained GPA of 3.94,Awarded NCCAA and NAIA First Team All-American, NAIA Outstanding Offensive Player, and was the recipient of the 2013 NCCAA Michelle Akers Award for Division I Women’s Soccer.
Following her collegiate career, In 2014 she signed with Vitoria Futebol Clube before playing in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) with the Orlando Pride in their inaugural season in 2016. In her first appearance with the Pride she provided the game winning assist. She also served as team captain for the USL W-League Charlotte Lady Eagles, leading the team to multiple playoff championships.
Fortune has directed six international tours, partnering with Sports Outreach and Team Chicago Brasil. Fortune holds her USSF National C License.
"What an amazing hire we have in Leah Fortune,” Lipscomb women’s soccer head coach Kevin O’Brien said. “The combination of her playing credentials with her heart for sports ministry is perfect for our program here at Lipscomb. She is a transformational soccer coach that is going to have an immediate and positive impact in the lives of our players both on and off the field.
"Leah has great energy, maturity, and a soccer intelligence that's second to none. I'm excited to continue building a championship culture here in Nashville with the incredible staff we have compiled.”
