Long-time Embry-Riddle women's soccer assistant Liam McIlhatton is the Eagles' new head coach. The announcement was made by ERAU Director of Athletics John Phillips on Wednesday afternoon.
"I am thrilled to announce Liam as our new women's soccer head coach," Phillips stated. "During the search process, Liam clearly articulated his vision for leading this program. I look forward to supporting him and building upon the rich tradition of success that has come to define Embry-Riddle women's soccer.
"Liam is not just committed to our student-person-player mantra, he has lived it. He has been a student-athlete, a team captain, a graduate assistant coach, and for the last 12 years he has served as the assistant coach to one of the best programs in the country. There is no one better prepared or more committed to carry on the tradition of excellence we have established than Liam."
"I am delighted to have been named the head coach of Embry Riddle Women's Soccer," McIlhatton said. "This program means so much to me and I would like to thank the committee for placing their trust and faith in me to continue taking the program forward. I would also like to thank Sam [Bohon] for the last 12 years because without her this opportunity would not have been possible. I am really excited to get to work with the players and we are looking forward to the fall."
Only the third head coach in the program's 24-year history, McIlhatton brings familiarity and continuity to the women's soccer program having served as the program's top assistant for the last 12 seasons. Working alongside Eagles' former head coach Samantha Bohon during that time, McIlhatton has helped elevate ERAU women's soccer to national prominence at both the NAIA and NCAA II levels. The Eagles won five Sun Conference titles and advanced to five NAIA National Tournament appearances in his first five seasons and since ERAU's transition to NCAA II, they have captured two Sunshine State Conference tournament titles and one regular season crown and made two NCAA II tournament appearances, including a Sweet 16 finish in 2019.
"There is no better person to take over this program than Liam," Bohon said. "For the last 12 years, he's wholeheartedly invested in Embry-Riddle Women's Soccer and has been instrumental in its growth and success. In a lot of ways, he already had ownership that comes with being a head coach, so his transition will be pretty seamless. He's gifted when it comes to Xs and Os and values the relationship-building aspect of coaching. And his character and integrity are second to none. The program has a bright future with Liam at the helm."
McIlhatton played four seasons for the Embry-Riddle men's soccer team from 2003-06. The Scotland native helped the Eagles to four conference regular season and four regional tournament titles and totaled 28 points on eight goals and 12 assists in 67 career appearances. He received All-Conference recognition twice and was named to the All-Region and honorable mention All-America rosters as a junior.
McIlhatton earned his undergraduate degree from ERAU in Communications in 2007 and his Master of Science in Aeronautics in 2013. He earned his National Diploma from the NSCAA in January 2013 and completed his Advanced National Diploma in January 2014. He also holds a NSCAA Premier License as well as a UEFA B License and is working toward his UEFA A License.
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