Lancaster Inferno Announces 2026 Pro-Am Coaching Staff

Lancaster Inferno has announced its coaching staff for the upcoming 2026 women’s pro-am season, featuring returning leadership, internal promotions, and experienced additions across both the First Team and U23 squad.

Coach Steph returns for her fourth season as First Team head coach and ninth overall season on the women’s pro-am staff. She will be joined by former U23 Head Coach Wendell Hannaford, who moves into the role of First Team Assistant Coach. 

Returning for his third season as assistant coach is Adam Johnny Morris, while longtime Director of Performance Chris Weibel enters his 12th season with the club. New additions to the staff include Mental Performance Coach Julee Wells and Goalkeeper Coach Maddie Murphy.

On the U23 side, former assistant coach Kyle Diem has been promoted to Head Coach after three seasons on the pro-am staff. Former Inferno player and current academy coach Maddie Carper joins as U23 Assistant Coach.

“I’m excited to have Wendell work alongside me in a new capacity with the First Team this season,” said Coach Steph. “His leadership with the U23s has played a major role in developing players and we’ve seen 16+ players get promoted to the First Team along with 5 USL Academy selections for First Team matches. Looking forward to continuing to build on the standard we’ve set for women’s soccer in our area this season with a talented group of players and staff.”

In the past three seasons, the First Team has earned a national tournament appearance, a USL W League playoff berth, and multiple conference honors. Prior to becoming head coach, Steph assisted then Head Coach Francisco Cleaves during two consecutive national championship tournament appearances and two conference championship titles, earning recognition as one of the top women’s clubs in the nation.

“It’s been a blessing to have led the U23s for the last 5 years,” said Coach Hannaford. “The team has enjoyed significant success during that time and it comes down to the talent, commitment, and passion of the ladies I was privileged to coach. I know Coach Kyle will do an amazing job moving forward. I am excited for the opportunity to work directly with our 1st team and Coach Cleaves. The history of the Inferno Senior teams, the sustained success across more than a decade, and the undeniable talent and commitment of our players is second to none. I can’t wait to get to work on the field.”

Coach Diem takes over a U23 program that has become a key part of the Inferno pathway since 2020, while Carper and Murphy add valuable playing and coaching experience from within the organization.

“I am ecstatic to come back and work with the U23 team and this group of players,” said Coach Diem. “I think we have a star-studded core group of players returning, and a bunch of new and exciting talented players joining this year. I look forward to another fantastic year, and I cannot wait to get started.”

“I am so thankful for this opportunity to join the Inferno pro am coaching staff,” said Coach Carper. “I spent a few years playing on this team, and I’ve seen the success of this program first hand. The dedication of the coaches, the passion from the players, and the support from the community are what makes Lancaster Inferno so special. I can’t wait to get started and see what this group can accomplish. Roll Fern!”

“I am super excited to be apart of the coaching staff at Lancaster Inferno along great mentors,” said Coach Murphy. “So looking forward to developing the next generation of professional goalkeepers. Thank you for this opportunity and I can’t wait to get started!”

With continuity throughout the senior staff and a strong emphasis on player development across the pathway, Lancaster Inferno enters the 2026 season looking to build on more than a decade of sustained success within the women’s game. For full coaching staff bios, visit Inferno’s Coaching Staff page.