One of the all-time great players to don an Owl women's soccer uniform, Denise Lyons has seen her success con­tinue on the sidelines. Set to begin her 20th season at the helm of one of the top programs in New England, Lyons has led Keene State to 19 post-season tournament berths during her tenure, including four NCAA tournament berths and four ECAC New England titles, including last fall’s crown.  

Guiding the Owls to a 17-6-2 overall record and a 5-2 Little East mark last season, Lyons was instrumental in leading KSC to the conference semifinals.  The Owls capped their season by defending their ECAC New England championship with a 3-1 victory over Endicott College.  During her 14-year tenure in the LEC, Lyons has led the Owls to two LEC titles (2002 and 2004) and nine appearances in the conference finals.  Under Lyons, the Owls are second in all-time LEC regular-season wins (74-16-8) and tournament victories (17-9-1).

Coach Lyons, a former All-America player for the Owls, took over the program in 1992. Leading KSC to an NCAA berth and ECAC championship in Division II, Lyons has maintained the team's high level of play in Division III. Since joining the Little East in 1997, Keene State has made 11 trips to the ECAC tournament and received three berths in the NCAA champi­onships (1998, 2002, and 2004). Her 2002 squad set a program record for wins (20) and advanced to the regional finals. A four-time LEC Coach of the Year award recipient, Lyons carries an impressive 284-111-25 (.706 pct.) career mark into the 2011 season. She is presently ranked nationally among the top active Division III coaches in winning percentage and victories. 

Numerous Owls players have thrived under Lyons' tutelage, including All-Americans Amy Zombeck (1998), Erin Lester (2002) and Jennifer Ortisi (2003).   Since joining the Little East in 1997, KSC has produced two players of the year, two offensive players of the year, two defensive players of the year and three rookies of the year.  In addition, 71 Owls have earned All-LEC honors.

A native of Newcastle West, County Limerick, Ireland, Lyons played for the Irish National Team before embarking on her career at Keene State. A fiery competi­tor, Lyons completed her four-year career (1986-89) with 26 goals and 31 as­sists. She was named to four All-New England teams and earned All-America honors while leading her team to four postseason tournaments, including two trips to the NCAA Division II nationals. Inducted into the KSC Alumni/Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, Lyons also serves as the school’s Senior Women's Adminis­trator.