Hall tabbed as replacement for gaffer that guided Neosho County to new heights
Elliot Chadderton, the architect of the Neosho County Panthers soccer programs for five years, was hired as the new women’s head coach at Missouri Southern State University in Joplin last week.
“I’m really excited about it,” Chadderton said. “I’ve lived in Joplin for seven years and I know the community really well. I know the potential we can elevate the program to. There’s a lot of opportunity and I’m really excited to get started.”
Chadderton, a British native, leaves after guiding the men’s program at Neosho County to the best twoyear run of any team sport in school history.
Chadderton joins the NCAA ranks as a head coach of a Division II school in the MIAA while leaving behind a storied legacy at the junior college level.
The Panthers made backto- back national tournaments, won their third and fourth straight KJCCC title and finished as NJCAA Division II runners-up in 2024.
“I didn’t expect it and that’s something I’ve spoken to people about,” Chadderton said. “That’s your vision when you walk into a program. But how many programs actually get to that level? There’s credit to the players who moved to Chanute and really bought in and invested in the program. That makes my life so much easier. I had kids that wanted to be there. They should get the credit.”
Chadderton also served as the women’s head coach when he arrived in Chanute, before moving to an assistant role last year.
In 2023, Neosho County’s women won the KJCCC title and reached a No. 10 ranking in the national poll.
“It’s been a whirlwind,” Chadderton said. “I walked into both programs and they were just average — especially on the women’s side. I knew there was a lot of work that was needed to be done.”
Riann Mullis, the athletic director at Neosho County, was thankful for Chadderton’s time on campus.
“I’m really happy for him, we all are,” Mullis said. “We wish him the best of luck. He exceeded our expectations. A lot of junior college is about getting athletes to the next level. That’s the goal for coaches as well. We take pride in that for our coaches. As an athletic director, that’s part of my responsibility. We’re so happy he got that opportunity. It’s bittersweet, but we know he’ll excel there.”
Over five seasons as the head coach of the men, the Panthers amassed a 61-22-13 record under Chadderton.
Chadderton said he was eyeing the Missouri Southern job when it opened.
“I’ve always said that it wasn’t a matter of looking to get out of Neosho County,” Chadderton said. “It was about what is best for my family and I. My family is super important to me. When an opportunity comes open in your town, it’s a no-brainer to get an application in.”
Missouri Southern State finished 2-13-3 in the fall, including a winless record in MIAA conference play. The school announced the departure of previous head coach, Sade Boswell, in early November.
Hall taking over men from Chadderton
Sam Hall, who served as the women’s head coach this past fall, is moving to the men’s side to replace Chadderton.
The move is pending board approval. Hall served as Chadderton’s assistant on the men’s side.
“First and foremost, Elliot did a fantastic job,” Hall said. “I love the challenge of being able to match and make the men’s side better. That’s why I took the job. What I plan to do is retain the guys that were here last year. They were part of a great season. And I want to add quality in areas we’ve lost. I want to try and better every position. We want to win a national title. I know what the team is capable of. I think it’s my job to get the best out of these players individually.”
Mullis said the college is now seeking a head women’s coach. Sam will serve as that coach’s assistant on the women’s side, and vice versa.
“When we hire any coach regardless of the sport, our goal is for that coach to fit the culture of our athletic program,” Mullis said. “We have a culture of competitiveness and compliance and involvement in our community. Ultimately, the goal is to find somebody that can fit that mold for us. Elliot absolutely did. Because of that culture, you see the overall success.”
Hall’s first move was to focus on player retention. He told the Tribune that no players have announced intentions to transfer because of Chadderton’s departure.
“As soon as the announcement came, a lot of the guys set up meetings with me instantly,” Hall said. “I had some conversations with the players and they’re all eager to be a part of it. They want to see how it will look. In terms of retention, I’m not worried at all. I haven’t had anybody who was here last year and didn’t graduate say they’re going to leave.”
Hall guided the Neosho County women to an 8-8-2 record, including a playoff win, in the fall. The Panthers went 7-2-1 over their last 10 matches.
“The formula we have at Neosho County with the head coaches working together provides a great reference point for the players,” Hall said. “They know the expectations, so it becomes a big growth opportunity. Of course whatever coach comes in, we’ll have their style and approach. But I’ll be there as well to remind them of what made them successful.”
Mullis hopes to have a new women’s coach hired in early 2026.
“I have a sense of urgency to hire somebody so we don’t skip a beat,” Mullis said. “I don’t love to set deadlines. But if I had to, I’d like to have a coach hired by the end of January.”
