ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Asheville City Soccer Club has named Carl Reynolds as head coach of its men’s team, while former head coach Scott Wells will transition into a sporting director role, the club announced.
Reynolds, who most recently served as associate head coach at Liberty University under Wells, takes over a program that has emerged as one of the top sides in USL League Two in recent seasons.
“I’m incredibly humbled and honored to take on the role,” Reynolds said in a statement released by the club. “This is a club with a strong identity and a winning foundation already in place. My focus now is clear: push standards even higher and help turn something that is already dominant into something truly exceptional.”
Reynolds brings experience from multiple levels of the game, including a successful stint with Dothan United in USL League Two. After a .500 inaugural season, his team posted a 10-2-0 regular-season record in 2025, advancing to the national semifinals before falling on penalty kicks to eventual champion Vermont Green.
He has also coached at Gardner-Webb University and Spring Hill College, where he led the program to a Gulf South Conference semifinal appearance, along with previous roles at Pearl River Community College, Southern States Soccer Club and the New York Red Bulls academy.
Club president Jimmy Wheeler called Reynolds “one of the best soccer minds” he has worked with.
“His attention to detail and elite preparation stand out, but his character is what ultimately brought this relationship together,” Wheeler said. “We’re confident this hire positions Asheville City to compete for titles for years to come.”
Reynolds replaces Wells, who led Asheville City to sustained success since taking over in 2022. Under Wells, the club compiled a 39-2-9 regular-season record, scoring 153 goals while allowing 31.
Wells guided the team to multiple milestones, including its first USL League Two playoff appearance in 2022, its first South Central Division title in 2023, and a run to the national semifinals and Southern Conference championship in 2024. He was named USL League Two Coach of the Year in 2024 after the team went 10-0-2 in the regular season.
In his new role as sporting director, Wells will focus on player recruitment and development while continuing to work closely with Reynolds.
“His move ensures that one of the best recruiters at this level remains with the club,” Wheeler said.
Wells said the transition marks a new chapter but not a departure from the program he helped build.
“Four years, countless trophies and a club I’ll die for,” Wells said. “I love you all.”
Chief Brand Officer Tim Blekicki credited Wells with elevating the club’s profile both on and off the field.
“He’s put Asheville on the national soccer map,” Blekicki said. “The city is better because of Scott Wells.”
Asheville City opens its home schedule May 16 at Greenwood Field, hosting Hickory FC in a doubleheader that also features the club’s women’s team against Southern Soccer Academy.