David Lilly, a 2007 Milligan graduate, will be the new men’s head soccer coach.
The decision was announced by Athletic Director Mark Fox, who said in an email to faculty he is “extremely excited to have David join our athletic department.”
Lilly, a native of Coatbridge, Scotland, was a highly-decorated athlete in his time at Milligan. He was named the AAC Player of the Year in 2005, and in 2006 he was awarded both the Conference and Regional Player of the Year titles. He was also awarded the NAIA honorable mention All American title in 2005 and 2006 and finished his career at Milligan with 32 goals and 26 assists.
After his time at Milligan, Lilly went on to pursue a professional soccer career and signed in 2006 with West Virginia Chaos, a team that plays in the Premier Development League. From there, he went on to play for Mississippi Brilla in 2007 while also serving as the assistant coach to the men’s and women’s soccer teams at Milligan. In his time as assistant coach at Milligan, he helped guide the Buffaloes to a conference championship.
Since then, he has played for the Carolina RailHawks of the USL First Division and returned to the Brilla to play in 2009.
Lilly is currently serving as the assistant coach for East Tennessee State University’s men’s soccer team. He has helped them achieve a 72-47-19 record and three NCAA National Tournament appearances since he arrived there in 2010.
Milligan’s coach position opened up last semester, after former coach Adam Laney was fired mid-season. Milligan gave no reason for Laney’s dismissal.
The Buffaloes finished their season with a record of 3-16-1, maintaining a series of losses since their last winning season back in 2012.
Lilly will be formally introduced at a press conference Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the McCormick Dining Room.