There have been two constants within the Lee women's soccer program over the last 13 years…championships and the Lanter Sisters.

It started back in 2009 when Clair made the short journey over from Soddy Daisy, Tenn. and joined a Lady Flames program that had just won the first of an unprecedented four straight NAIA National Championship. Clair, a lockdown defender, helped lead Lee to three straight NAIA National Titles in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

"I look back on my time at Lee with immense gratitude. I was able to learn from wonderful coaches and professors that not only invested in me as a player and student but as a person. I'm incredibly thankful for the positive impact they had on my life," said Claire. "I have had the privilege of regularly returning to Lee to watch my younger sisters play. It's always great to see how much the campus has grown and to cheer on the Lady Flames. I love being able to see the legacy continue!" 

Younger sister Summer joined the squad in 2013 and put together a four-year career that rivaled anyone in the storied history of the program. She was named an All-American and the GSC Player of the Year in 2016 and 2017. Summer would become the first Lee athlete to win the GSC Female Athlete of the Year honor during the 2017-18 season. She was also named to the GSC's All-Decade team in 2020.

"My favorite memories at Lee have to do with the team. I loved playing under the lights with the student section cheering for us. The winning and the success of the team were always exciting, and I am forever grateful for the memories of championships with my teammates," said Summer. "While the winning was fun, it wasn't what made the program so memorable for me. There was more to the team than what could be seen from the outside. To be on the inside was to be part of a family. Each year new teammates joined the team and older players left, but the family culture stayed the same."

Then came the youngest sister, Anna. Summer and Anna would team together for one year in 2017, leading the Lady Flames to the program's first GSC Tournament Championship and a NCAA Sweet 16 appearance.

Anna would make a name for herself in 2018 as she captained a defense that won the program's first NCAA South Region Championship and advanced all the way to the Final Four. She ended her career and the Lanter Sister "Dynasty" this past season, guiding the Lady Flames to another GSC Championship and an undefeated 19-0-1 record.

"I have been around the program since my sister Clair began playing in 2009. My sister Summer then followed in 2013. I rarely remember watching them play and not experiencing a win. However, once I became a member of the team, I quickly realized that my sisters were a part of something much bigger than their successful records," noted Anna. "While I was being recruited, I remember my family guiding me to choose Lee because they believed it was the perfect fit for me. Looking back, I realize that my sisters, as older siblings often do, were looking out for me. They knew firsthand that the program and school would shape me into a far better person than when I joined. Most importantly, they knew that Lee would provide me with an atmosphere that strengthened my relationship with Jesus."

Greg and Jeana Lanter reflected on what it meant to them to have three of their girls play at Lee, "It is with tears in our eyes and a heart overflowing with gratitude, Jeana and I reflect on our family's 13 years spent at Lee.  We wanted our daughters to have an opportunity to attend a Christ-centered University with an elite soccer program.  Lee delivered on both," said Greg. "The soccer experiences are countless, sharing in 218 victories, three NAIA national championships, one NCCAA national championship, an NCAA Final Four and ending with an undefeated GSC season.  The team and individual awards collected along the journey were amazing, but the quality friendships of the teammates, parents, coaches, and Lee's leadership made it special.  Our coaches have been excellent, investing not only in their game but also in their lives.  We had the privilege to get to know both Dr. Conn and his wife, along with Coach Carpenter (Athletic Director) and his wife.  Seeing their servant-hearted leadership and how much they cared assured us that our girls were in an environment they could excel."

Coach Hennessey was the head coach during Summer and Anna's tenure, "It's been a privilege to coach Anna and Summer during my time at Lee. They were exemplary role models and gave everything to the program. It would also be remiss of me not to express a wider thank you to Greg and Gina, who have been avid supporters of Lee women's soccer throughout the past few years."

All three sisters performed at a high level on the field, but they also thrived in the classroom and made a difference in the community. All three graduated with honors and Anna is currently finishing up her MBA at Lee. Clair's team began reaching out to an elderly gentleman with a learning disability named Mr. Roy who lived in an assisted living facility near campus but loved to walk by the field to get exercise. Mr. Roy came to every game after the girls befriended him prior to his passing in 2017.

"Caring and loving on Mr. Roy is just one example of the heart of this program.  It has been a joy to watch," said Greg. "We are so thankful for the days our girls spent on Lee's campus."

The success the three experienced at Lee is now carrying on into their professional careers. Clair manages a team of client specialists at Unum. Summer is a surgical nurse at Memorial Hospital and Anna has been interning with Southern Champion Tray's accounting department and plans to move into a full-time role upon completing her masters.

The Lady Flames are poised for another championship season next year. Key players will return for Coach Hennessey and will be joined by one of the nation's best recruiting classes. However, one constant will be missing. For the first time in more than a decade, a Lanter sister will not be leading the way for the Lady Flames.