Southeastern Lions name Nathan Gillespie Head Women’s Soccer Coach

HAMMOND, La. – Nathan Gillespie has been named the fourth head women’s soccer coach in Southeastern Louisiana University history, SLU Director of Athletics Jay Artigues announced Friday.

Gillespie, whose hire is pending approval from the University of Louisiana System’s Board of Supervisors, has spent the last three seasons as an assistant coach under previous head coach Chris McBride. McBride resigned to take the head coaching position at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette last month.

“After a thorough national search, I’m pleased to announce Nathan Gillespie as our new head soccer coach,” Artigues said. “Nathan’s played a large part in our program consistently reaching excellence in the classroom, in the community and in competition. We’re excited to have him lead our program and continue our success.”

Gillespie is excited to take over a Lady Lion program that has won nine Southland Conference championships and made four NCAA Tournament appearances.

“I’m delighted to be able to work with such a mature group of young women and I couldn’t ask for a better program to lead,” Gillespie said. “I’d like to thank (President) Dr. John Crain, Jay Artigues and (Senior Woman Administrator) Lindsey Owens for giving me the opportunity to guide the Southeastern women’s soccer program. I also would not have been able to turn my dream into a reality without the continued support of my family.”

Gillespie was part of a Southeastern staff that led the Lady Lions to the 2020 Southland Conference Tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Gillespie served as the goalkeeper coach for Southeastern, helping Nadine Maher earn Southland Conference Tournament MVP and National Goalkeeper of the Week honors. During his tenure at SLU, the Huntingdon, England native, have quickly adapted to life in Hammond, America.

“During my three years at Southeastern, I’ve truly learned what a ‘college town’ is and I couldn’t think of a better place to continue my career,” Gillespie commented. “Hammond and SLU would not be the same without each other. The level of support given our program from our community is second to none. I’m looking forward to seeing that support in Strawberry Stadium on match days.”

Gillespie earned his master’s degree in sports management from Delta State, where he spent two seasons as a graduate assistant and goalkeeper coach, in 2019. Previous coaching experience saw him work with Biggleswade United FC, Cambridge United FC and Sporting CT.

Gillespie was a four-year starting defender at Cumberland University in Lebanon, Tennessee from 2010-13. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 2014 in business administration from Cumberland.

The Gillespie Era opens with the kickoff of the 2022 season in August.

SCORE ONE MORE CLUB/S CLUB
Fans interested in becoming active supporters of the women’s soccer program are encouraged to join the Score One More Club. Lion alums are encouraged to join the exclusive S Club, which is restricted to Southeastern athletic letter winners. All membership fees and donations to Score One More Club are available for the exclusive use of the Southeastern soccer program. Membership information is available by contacting the Lion Athletics Association at laa@southeastern.edu or (985) 549-5091 or visiting www.LionUp.com.

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