Mark McKeever begins his eighth season as head coach of the Young Harris College men’s soccer program.  

The Motherwell, Scotland, native led the Mountain Lions to a 10-6-1 ledger in 2011 as the men's soccer squad became the college's first regionally or national ranked team since the college became a four-year institution. The Mountain Lions were ranked as high as No. 6 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's NCAA Division II Southeast region.

In his time as a coach in the NJCAA, McKeever lead his teams to the Region 17 Final in four of his five years.  He was selected the Region 17 Coach of the Year in 2007. The Mountain Lions were ranked in the top 15 of national standings in both 2008 and 2009.  His players have received numerous prestigious awards, including NJAAA All-American, NSCAA All-American, and Region 17 Player of the Year. 

Prior to transferring to the United States as a student-athlete, McKeever served as a YTS for two years with the professional club Hamilton Academicals F.C. Scotland.  He continued his successful playing career in Tyler Community College from 1997-98 and transferred to Christian Brothers University, where he obtained his bachelor's degree in psychology and a master’s degree in education.  

During the 1998 season he was named an NJCAA All-American.  In 2000, he claimed the NCAA Division II Gulf South Conference Player of the Year award.   The team he captained at CBU remains one of the most successful men’s soccer teams in the school’s history.  

After graduating, McKeever went on to be elected the fourth pick in the draft for the USL professional league for the Nashville Metros.  McKeever’s success did not end with his playing career.  He began his coaching career at CBU with both men’s and women’s programs in 2003 as an assistant, winning the Gulf South Conference two consecutive years with the women's program.

Coach McKeever’s accreditation includes the Scottish Football Association “D” license, the NSCAA National, Advanced National, and Premier Diploma.  

His motivation to gain knowledge and experience about the game extends to his players’ success athletically, and he devotes the same dedication to their success academically.  

“My aim is to push my players to achieve their potential in the classroom and on the field as a means of building a solid base for the rest of their lives.”

For the 2010 fall semester the men’s soccer team held a 3.17 G.P.A., the highest of all men’s sports teams at Young Harris.