Matt Newton | Varsity Head Coach

Matt Newton took over head coaching duties at JF in the fall of 2015, after serving as an assistant coach for the Cavaliers since 2010. Newton continually maintains a top 16 program in Virginia 4A soccer. While at JF, he has helped the Cavaliers win numerous District and Regional titles. Regularly earning state tournament births, Newton led JF to a Virginia state title in 2017. He was selected as the State Coach of the Year for 4A in that season.

During the fall, Newton serves an Assistant Women’s Soccer coach at the University of Lynchburg.  He joined the Lynchburg coaching staff prior to the 2018 season.  While being on staff, Matt has helped the Hornets claim two Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championships (2018, 2022) and competed in the NCAA Tournament three times (2018, 2021, 2022), including the 2018 DIII National Quarterfinal. 

Newton graduated from Liberty University with a bachelor's degree in Religion specializing in Youth Ministries in 2011 and a masters degree in Pastoral Counseling in 2015. Newton also earned his masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Lynchburg in 2021.  His current coaching certifications include an Advanced Regional Diploma from NSCAA and a Level III Goalkeeping Diploma from United Soccer Coaches.

Newton currently serves as a Career and Technical Education Teacher at Jefferson Forest High School and resides in Bedford, VA. with his wife Abby and their two sons.

Lizz Kappler | Varsity Assistant Coach

With over 20 years of soccer experience as both a player and coach, Elizabeth Kappler brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the field. Kappler, former D1 athlete, helped hold the school record for most wins and shut outs in program history. Kappler helped contribute to 3 Big South Championship titles as a player. As a coach she has contributed to numerous District and Region titles, VA State Championship and NPL Final Four Championship.

For the past six years, Kappler has been coaching in the Lynchburg area at various levels for both girls and boys. In addition, Kappler is a state ODP coach for Virginia. Her dedication to the sport shines through in every aspect of her coaching, fostering growth and development in each player and team. 

Kappler currently serves as a Health and Physical Education Teacher with Lynchburg City.

Claire Lloyd | Varsity Assistant Coach

Starting since her freshman year on the back line for the University of Lynchburg. Lloyd helped anchor a defense that was ranked the sixth-best defense in the nation with a .36 GAA. She is a three-time All-ODAC team selection, and one time selection in the United Soccer Coaches All-Region VI team.

Lloyd is from Virginia Beach, Va., where she played at Kellum High School and for Beach FC soccer club. She is currently majoring in Exercise Physiology on a Physical Therapy track.

Guillermo DeNovais | Junior Varsity Head Coach | Varsity Assistant

Over 30+ years of experience as a player and coach of both boys and girls of the surrounding area of Lynchburg. Coach Guil has been with the Cavaliers as the Head Coach of the JV program since 2018. He also assist Coach Newton with the Varsity team.

DeNovais played  2 years at Division III EMU, in Harrisonburg,VA.  Over the last 10+ years he has been coaching travel soccer.  DeNovais holds a US Soccer Federation D License and NSCAA Advanced Regional Diploma.

A Master Electrician, DeNovais is a Project Manager at a local electrical firm. He resides in Forest, with is wife and children.

KATE DUNCAN | JV Assistant Coach | Goalkeeper Coach | Varsity Assistant

Coach Kate Duncan came to JF from the University of Lynchburg, where she was a Goalkeeper for the Hornets. Duncan helped Lynchburg claim one Old Dominion Athletic Conference Championship (2018) and competed in the NCAA Tournament two times (2018, 2021), including the 2018 DIII National Quarterfinal.  She graduated from the University of Lynchburg with a degree in Graphic Design.

Duncan is originally from Charlotte, NC, where she went to Ardrey Kell High School.  At Ardrey Kell she was selected second team All-Conference and team defensive MVP as a junior, earned first team All-Conference as a senior, and participated in NC East-West All Star Game. Duncan was part of the North Carolina Olympic Development Program, and was trained by Phillipe Poole, the current USWNK Goalkeeper Coach.  Additionally, she was part of the Charlotte Soccer Academy, the premier club in Charlotte, and a top club Nationally. 

Currently, Duncan serves as a Director of Multimedia at a company in the Lynchburg Area.

Bailey Yeager | Middle School Head Coach

Sydney Metz | Middle School Assistant Coach