Chris Wehan Named Director Of Regional Development
LOS ANGELES (July 29, 2025) - The Southwest Premier League (SWPL) is invigorating its development strategy to support growth across USASA Region IV, recognizing that the industry is electrified heading into 2026.
With a palpable focus on collaborative opportunities, the SWPL continues to partner with key organizations to ensure stability of the elite amateur game in Region IV.
This includes renewing agreements with the Mountain Premier League, Nevada Premier League and Texas Premiership and working with regional organizations and national consultants to highlight the many advantages of joined cooperation.
Leading these efforts for the SWPL is Chris Wehan, who recently retired after an impressive 7-year career as a professional player in the United States. Wehan will be recognized by New Mexico United for his contribution to the Albuquerque, N.M.-based USL-Championship club in a pre-match ceremony on Saturday, Aug. 16.
“We’re excited to welcome Chris to the SWPL team. His experience as a high-level player in the professional second division makes him perfect for his new role as Director of Regional Development," SWPL Commissioner Kian Kohan said. "With his extensive connections in the soccer industry, and his expertise in New Mexico, we believe Chris will help establish the Enchantment Premier League as the region's elite amateur league.
“The entire SWPL team already is working with Chris, and we have the support of New Mexico Adult State Association President Audrey Wilson, which is vital in the Enchantment Premier League's growth and sustainability,” Kohan said.
Wehan earned a communications degree from University of New Mexico in 2016, and scored 31 goals in 80 appearances for the Lobos from 2012-'16. He went on to play for San Jose Earthquakes in Major League Soccer (MLS) before a distinguished career in USL-Championship from 2017-2024.
“As an experienced player, I understand the critical role that the player experience has in league growth,” Wehan said. “The SWPL's plans to bolster New Mexico's elite amateur platform with structure, sanctioning and support means club retention and opportunities for players are our priority,” Wehan said.
The USL Rookie of the Year in 2017 with Reno 1868 FC, Wehan went on to score 51 goals in 147 league appearances. He earned the largest intra-USL transfer sum upon moving from Orange County SC to New Mexico United in 2021.
Over two stints with New Mexico United, Wehan totaled 35 goals in 91 matches and was the club's Offensive Player of the Year in 2022. He'll be inducted into New Mexico United's Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug 16.