McLean County Times

Illinois State University has announced the appointment of Paul Meehan as Associate Head Coach for its soccer program. Meehan will work alongside Head Coach Raleigh DeRose to lead the Redbird soccer team.

Meehan arrives at Illinois State following a season as an assistant coach with Hawaii Pacific's men's soccer program. His coaching career spans eight collegiate programs, including a stint in 2022 with Cal State Stanislaus.

"I am excited to welcome Paul Meehan to the Redbird family," DeRose stated. "His knowledge and passion for the game will serve our program well in the months and years ahead. Paul's experience coaching at the highest level will be a critical element to our staff and program. Ultimately, Paul is a talented coach whose zest for the game is unmatched, and I look forward to beginning this new era with Paul on the staff."

Before joining Hawaii Pacific and Cal State Stanislaus, Meehan was head coach of Gonzaga University's men's soccer team. During his eight-year tenure there, he served both as an assistant coach (2013-2017) and head coach (2017-2021), succeeding Einar Thorarinsson upon his retirement. Under Meehan's leadership, Gonzaga achieved notable successes including a third-place conference finish in 2019.

From 2010 to 2013, Meehan led Corban University's men's soccer team to a conference final in 2011. Earlier roles included Associate Head Coach at Oregon State University where he played a key role in recruiting efforts.

Meehan also held positions at Marshall University (1997-98, 2003-06) and Fresno State University (1998-99). While at Fresno State, he contributed to winning the Western Athletic Conference title in 1998.

"I'm very grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank Raleigh for adding me to her staff," Meehan expressed. "I'm eager to begin working and look forward to being a part of the ISU community."

Meehan began his coaching career at Bellevue Community College leading them to multiple championships within the Northwest Athletic Association of Community Colleges.

A former player himself, Meehan captained Western Washington University's soccer team from 1980-82 before continuing his playing career with Milwaukee Wave's reserve team post-graduation.

For updates on Illinois State soccer, visit Goredbirds.com or follow their social media channels.