Lionel G. Jean ’74 starred for the Rhode Island College men’s soccer team from 1967-70 and was considered one of the first great players in the program’s history. Jean made an immediate impact as a freshman in 1967 and continued to shine as one of the team’s most skilled athletes through his senior season in 1970, rewriting the record books along the way.
Because of his talent, Jean was often the focus of the opposition’s defense, and also took all of the team’s goal kicks, corner kicks and direct kicks on the offensive end under Head Coach Ed Bogda. The Coventry, Conn. native closed out his career as an Anchorman with a total of 22 goals and six assists for 50 points. He ranks 11th all-time in program history in terms of career goals and is tied for 13th all-time in career points. Jean, a RIC All-75th Anniversary men’s soccer selection in 2005, was named the team MVP as a junior in 1969 and captained the squad as a senior in 1970.
Shortly after his graduation in 1972, Jean became employed as a physical education/health teacher in Connecticut. He taught at the elementary and secondary levels for nearly 30 years until his retirement in 2002, while also serving as his school district’s Director of Health Education. Jean was active in coaching during his tenure as a teacher, as he coached a variety of sports at different levels including basketball, soccer and softball.
Jean currently resides in Keene, N.H., with his wife Sally, who is a professor of chemistry at Keene State College. He has one son, Jason, who also lives and works in New Hampshire.
