Men’s Soccer Welcomes USAFA Alum as Volunteer Assistant Coach
9/22/2026 3:26:00 PM | Men's Soccer
USAF ACADEMY – Air Force Academy 2013 graduate, Major Sam McNell, returns to Cadet Soccer Stadium as a Volunteer Assistant Coach in the 2026 season. McNell, a decorated combat pilot, brings over 20 years of playing and coaching experience to the staff.
"We are thrilled to add Sam to our staff," head coach Greg Dalby said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to our program both on and off the field. Sam is currently the Head Coach of the All-Air Force soccer team and has had tons of success leading that program. He brings a unique perspective to our cadet-athletes from his time as a cadet-athlete here at USAFA as well his time as a combat recuse pilot in the Air Force. His humility, experience, and passion to influence our cadets will make our program better and I'm so grateful to have someone of Sam's caliber with us day to day."
McNell was a member of the men's soccer team under head coach Doug Hill from 2009-13. He graduated from USAFA with a degree in Political Science and Foreign Area Studies. He was Distinguished Graduate of his HH-60G graduating pilot class in 2016.
A combat pilot with a proven record of excellence across multiple deployments, McNell's operational experience is highlighted by 11 civilian rescues; showcasing courage, precision, and commitment to service. McNell was tabbed 2018 Squadron CGO of the Year, 2020 United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa Pilot of the Year, and 2024 Group FGO of the Year.
McNell earned his Master of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University 2022. He served as a coach for the All-Armed Forces men's and women's soccer teams with two of those seasons spent as head coach.
In 2024, McNell returned to USAFA as a T-53 instructor pilot where he served in capacities ranging from Director of Staff to Director of Current Operations. He has hundreds of instructor hours, is a dedicated educator, and takes pride in shaping the next generation of aviators.
"We are thrilled to add Sam to our staff," head coach Greg Dalby said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge to our program both on and off the field. Sam is currently the Head Coach of the All-Air Force soccer team and has had tons of success leading that program. He brings a unique perspective to our cadet-athletes from his time as a cadet-athlete here at USAFA as well his time as a combat recuse pilot in the Air Force. His humility, experience, and passion to influence our cadets will make our program better and I'm so grateful to have someone of Sam's caliber with us day to day."
McNell was a member of the men's soccer team under head coach Doug Hill from 2009-13. He graduated from USAFA with a degree in Political Science and Foreign Area Studies. He was Distinguished Graduate of his HH-60G graduating pilot class in 2016.
A combat pilot with a proven record of excellence across multiple deployments, McNell's operational experience is highlighted by 11 civilian rescues; showcasing courage, precision, and commitment to service. McNell was tabbed 2018 Squadron CGO of the Year, 2020 United States Air Forces in Europe and Africa Pilot of the Year, and 2024 Group FGO of the Year.
McNell earned his Master of Science in Sport Management from Liberty University 2022. He served as a coach for the All-Armed Forces men's and women's soccer teams with two of those seasons spent as head coach.
In 2024, McNell returned to USAFA as a T-53 instructor pilot where he served in capacities ranging from Director of Staff to Director of Current Operations. He has hundreds of instructor hours, is a dedicated educator, and takes pride in shaping the next generation of aviators.
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