Alvernia Selects Seamus O'Connor To Lead Women's Soccer Program

Reading, Pa. (January 27, 2021) - Alvernia University Director of Athletics Bill Stiles has named Seamus O’Connor as the next head coach of Alvernia’s Women’s Soccer program. 

O’Connor joins after spending seven seasons as the Head Coach of Division I Temple University. 

“Seamus brings over 15 years of college head coaching experience - at all three NCAA divisions - to our women’s soccer program, and has a proven track record of quickly rebuilding programs,” said Stiles. “His success as Head Coach at Temple particularly sticks out as he set the program record for wins in a season twice!”

In their first season under O’Connor’s leadership, the Owls posted their first 10+ win season in over a decade after going 11-8-1 in 2014.  The Owls started the season out on a seven game winning streak, which still stands as the longest winning streak in program history. The following season, O’Connor led Temple to back-to-back 10 win seasons for the first time in history after winning a program record 12 games on the season. O’Connor also led Temple to its first win over a Big Ten when the Owls defeated Maryland 1-0 in 2018. 

“In addition to his accomplishments on the field, academic excellences, relationship building, communication and positive student-athlete experience are also hallmarks of his programs,” added Stiles. “Finally, it is clear that he is committed to, and models, the mission and core values of Alvernia.”

Prior to taking on the head position at Temple, O’Connor served as the Owls assistant coach for two seasons.

Before arriving at Temple, O'Connor served in multiple capacities with Chestnut Hill’s soccer programs. In 2007 O'Connor was named the head coach of the men’s program before taking over coaching responsibilities of both the men’s and women’s programs in 2008 and 2009 when he was named the Director of Soccer. 

O’Connor began his coaching career back in 2005 with Immaculata University where he spent two seasons with the Mighty Macs. 

“I am filled with pride to be the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Alvernia University,” said O’Connor. “I would like to thank Athletic Director Bill Stiles and the search committee for having the confidence in me to lead your women's soccer program.  I am extremely excited to get started with the current team, connect with future recruits, and to play my role to help to ‘Lead the Pack.’”

“Throughout my entire interview process, it was clear that Alvernia University is a community where relationships and teamwork are valued,” added O’Connor. “I was instantly attracted to the importance the University places on recognizing the dignity and giftedness of each person.  I look forward to being part of a community that is centered on student growth and providing a fantastic experience for our student-athletes.”

O’Connor holds goalkeeping and coaching licenses from the Football Association of Ireland (FAI) and the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). He also holds a Bachelor's degree in Business from the Athlone Institute of Technology in Ireland, where he was the starting goalkeeper for three seasons. While in college, O’Connor trained with League of Ireland clubs Athlone Town and Longford Town. O’Connor also possesses a Master’s degree in Recreational Management from the University of Limerick (Ireland). 

“The program has the foundation and support by the Athletics Department to be successful,” added O’Conner.  “I am looking forward to the challenge of coaching in the MAC Commonwealth — one of the toughest Division III conferences in the nation.  I believe that this team has tremendous potential and can become an elite team in both the MAC Commonwealth and the region.”

“Because of the Franciscan values of Alvernia University, that are rooted in their Catholic and Liberal Arts traditions, I will be able to create a program where student-athletes will know they will develop to their potential as soccer players, students and people - where they will be able to achieve the goal Alvernia University has for all its students and staff to “do well and do good,” said O’Connor.

Coach O’Connor will begin with the University on February 4th. A final decision from the Middle Atlantic Conference and Alvernia University on Women’s Soccer season in the spring has not yet been determined. 

# GOLDEN WOLVES #