Monmouth University

West Long Branch, NJ 07764

New Jersey Northeast

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Kylee Flynn

Monmouth University named Kylee Flynn the fourth head women's soccer coach in school history in July of 2022. Flynn was part of an impressive run of success as an assistant coach for 10 seasons at MU, including six as associate head coach. She was instrumental in Monmouth winning eight Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season titles and qualifying for six NCAA Tournaments since 2013.

Flynn takes over a Monmouth program set to begin its first season as a member of the Colonial Athletic Association this fall.

Flynn has been a key part of Monmouth women's soccer's run of success across the last decade, with the Hawks posting a a 74-6-6 league record in the last nine seasons. Monmouth won the regular season title in eight of its nine seasons in the MAAC, and converted six of those into NCAA Tournament berths with tournament titles. In that time, Monmouth has recorded a whopping 88 shutouts and piled up 123 total victories.

In Flynn's tenure, she has coached 19 major award winners including six MAAC Offensive Players of the Year, six Defensive Players of the Year, four Rookies of the Year and three Goalkeepers of the Year. In addition, a whopping 84 players have earned All-MAAC postseason accolades, including 42 First Team selections.

Most recently, Flynn helped mentor a 2021 group that went 15-5-1 and 8-1-1 in league play, finishing 11-2 at home to convert both MAAC regular season and tournament championships. MU opened the season with three straight shutouts and four consecutive wins and didn't look back, winning its final five games prior to the NCAA Tournament including a 4-0 victory over Quinnipiac in the conference title game.

Under Flynn's coaching, Monmouth appeared in the title game in a shortened 2021 spring season after dominating the MAAC in 2019 en route to a fourth straight NCAA Tournament, going 10-0 in the league and winning the final nine games prior to the NCAA's by a combined 32-0 count. Monmouth did not allow a goal in the final 10 games of the season, only surrendering four goals all year. The Hawks also knocked off #25 Texas on the road, 4-0 for the program's first win over a ranked opponent in nine seasons.

MU won three straight titles from 2016-18, losing just two MAAC games in that span and winning 45 times to advance to three consecutive NCAA Tournaments. The Hawks captured regular season crowns in 2014 and 2015, going 18-2 in MAAC play across those two seasons.

Flynn's second year on campus saw the Hawks dominate in its first season in the MAAC, going 17-2-2 with a 9-0 mark at home that culminated in a tournament title for the first time since 2009, with MU outscoring opponents in the conference tournament 6-0.

Flynn joined the Hawks after two seasons as an assistant at The College of New Jersey. At TCNJ, Flynn helped guide the Lions to a combined 31-7-3 overall record and a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances. She has also assisted with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program U13 and U14 teams. A New Jersey Youth Soccer Association (NJYSA) licensed coach, Flynn also spent time as an Admissions Associate at her former prep school, The Pennington School.

A native of Pennington, NJ, Flynn started her coaching career as a student assistant coach at her alma mater, the University of Tennessee following her stellar playing career in 2009. A two-time All-American as a Lady Vol and four-time All-Southeastern Conference (SEC) performer, Flynn, graduated as UT's all-time leading scorer with 102 points on 43 goals and 16 assists. She was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year in both 2006 and 2007, and a 2007 Third-Team Soccer Buzz All-America.

A two-time Hermann Trophy preseason watch list honoree, she was tabbed a Soccer America and Soccer Buzz Freshman All-American in 2005 and twice named a Top Drawer Soccer National Team of the Season selection (2006, 2007).

Flynn, who was a three-time first-team All-SEC player, was added to the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2006, 2007 and 2008, and spent three years in the United States National Team player pool. In 2005, Flynn was part of the U-18 National Team Pool, advanced to the U-21 Pool in 2006, and competed in four matches for the U-21 National Team in England in 2007, registering two goals.

The Pennington School-product, who tops the Tennessee record books with 15 game-winning goals, sent the Lady Vols to the 2007 NCAA Sweet 16 behind her tally in the 104th minute.

The only Lady Vol to lead the team in scoring in each of her four seasons at Tennessee, Flynn was a preseason candidate for the Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in 2008.

Kylee and her husband, Sean, reside in nearby Ocean Township with their two sons.

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Taylor Laverty

Taylor Laverty joined the Monmouth University women’s soccer coaching staff in July of 2022.

“Taylor checks all the boxes this program needs and then some. She has played and coached at the highest levels,” head coach Kylee Flynn said. “Her ties and experience with the CAA is essential to our program as we make the conference transition. Best of all, Taylor is an amazing person and exudes all the qualities needed to connect and lead our student athletes on and off the field. I am grateful that Taylor is joining our staff and I am certain that Monmouth women’s soccer will thrive under our leadership.”

Laverty, formerly Taylor Wilson, arrives in West Long Branch after spending the last five seasons at the University of Delaware, where she as an assistant for two seasons before being elevated to the associate head coaching role prior to the 2019 campaign.

The Rahway, N.J., native made her mark on the program during her time at Delaware. In 2019, the Blue Hens finished with an overall record of 12-7 to go along with a 7-2 mark in CAA play. It was the most wins in program history since 1994 and the most conference victories since 2005. She additionally helped coach 16 All-CAA performers, the 2019 CAA Defensive Player of the Year and one all-region standout.

Before Delaware, Laverty spent two years as an assistant coach on the St. John’s staff. During her two seasons, she helped lead the Red Storm to outstanding success as the squad went a combined 26-8-6 overall, including a mark of 12-3-3 in Big East regular season play. The team advanced to the Big East Tournament both seasons and competed in the NCAA?Tournament with an at-large bid in 2015. The 2016 team finished 11-4-5 and advanced to the Big East Tournament semifinals.

Under Laverty’s guidance, the Red Storm set school records for wins (15) and shutouts (12) in 2015 while claiming the first Big East regular season title in program history. For their efforts, Laverty and her colleagues were honored as the Big East Coaching Staff of the Year.

Before trekking to Queens, N.Y., she spent time as the director of operations for the women's soccer program at North Carolina State, helping guide the Wolfpack through an incredibly competitive Atlantic Coast Conference for head coach Tim Santoro.

Prior to her stint in Raleigh, N.C., she worked as an assistant coach at Iona in 2012. While in New Rochelle, N.Y., Laverty helped the Gaels record their first MAAC Tournament appearance since 2009 as they finished 5-3-1 in conference action.

Before embarking on her coaching journey, Laverty enjoyed a standout playing career at Seton Hall University in 2008-11 where she earned her degree in social and behavioral science in 2012.

A center midfielder for Seton Hall, Laverty concluded her playing career as one of the program's all-time greats. As a senior captain in 2011, she tallied four goals and six assists for 14 points, good enough for a spot on the All-Big East Third Team.

Her six helpers were the fifth most in school history for a single campaign while her 14 points were good enough for 10th in program history. She ranks No. 4 on the all-time Seton Hall career list with 12 assists.

A two-time Big East Academic All-Star, Laverty was also named the Big East Offensive Player of the Week and the SoccerAmerica.com Division I National Player of the Week during her senior year after scoring two game-winning goals in as many contests against Georgetown and Villanova. She was also a part of the U.S. Women's Under 18 National Team Pool.

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Robert McCourt

Robert McCourt has orchestrated the transformation of the Monmouth University Men’s Soccer program from a conference and regional power into one that consistently ranks among the nation’s elite.

The 19th-year head man of the Monmouth University men's soccer team has led the Hawks to historic and unprecedented success in his tenure in West Long Branch. The Kearny, N.J. native has piloted the Hawks to nine conference regular season titles, six league tournament crowns, and three home matches in the NCAA Tournament.

In the 2021 campaign, McCourt had the Hawks off to one of their best starts in conference play in nearly 15 years after Monmouth went a flawless 5-0 in its first five MAAC outings. It was the first time since the 2007 season that the Hawks started conference action with five straight wins, tying the program record. The five consecutive victories also marked the longest regular season conference win streak since 2013. Under McCourt’s watch, five Hawks garnered All-MAAC honors.

McCourt led Monmouth to one of the best seasons in program history in 2020-21 despite also navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawks won the MAAC Championship as the No. 6 seed, and defeated Bowling Green in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. By the end of the season, Monmouth was receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and had an RPI as high as 9. McCourt was named MAAC Coach of the Year after leading the team to four straight road wins en route to the conference championship, including a game-winning goal in the 86th minute at No. 1 Quinnipiac. Under McCourt's guidance, George Akampeke was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sean Murray was tabbed MAAC Co-Goalkeeper of the Year. In addition, Robin Oswald and Ben Zakowski were named to United Soccer Coaches' Second Team All-Region. Five players were named to the All-MAAC Team, including Akampeke, Murray, Zakowski, Julian Gomez, and Luke McBeth.

McCourt's 2019 Hawks ended the season on a two-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 6-2. Freshman Ben Zakowski had a breakout season, earning MAAC All-Rookie Team honors after leading the team with seven goals, the most by a freshman in 16 years. Former goalkeeper Bobby Edwards joined the professional ranks early in 2020, signing with MLS' FC Cincinnati.

The 2018 team welcomed a lot of new faces, and the Hawks picked up wins over Princeton and Hartford. Redshirt freshman Sean Murray was named to the All-MAAC Rookie Team after ranking third in the NCAA with 87 saves. Colin Stripling became the newest student-athlete to go pro, joining the USL League One's FC Tucson following the season.

In 2017, the Hawks earned a 1-0 win in the season opener at Georgia Southern, scoring on a diving header in the 69th minute. Monmouth went 6-1-1 at home during the season, including a 2-0 win over Penn, 3-1 wins over Hartford and Saint Peter's, a 3-2 win over Iona, a 1-0 win over Quinnipiac, and a 4-0 margin in the season finale against Niagara. The team played two nationally-ranked teams, drawing #14 West Virginia, 0-0, and falling late to #25 UMass Lowell, 3-2. Redshirt senior Colin Stripling and redshirt freshman John Antunes were both named to Third Team All-Region and Second Team All-MAAC. Sophomore George Akampeke was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. Following the season, senior Jake Areman signed with the USL's Charlotte Independence.

In 2016, McCourt and the Hawks began the season hosting #15 Denver in West Long Branch, ending in a 1-1 draw to a team that would later advance to the College Cup Semifinals. After six wins on the season, Monmouth placed six athletes on All-MAAC teams. Eric Klenofsky was named Co-Goalkeeper of the Year and Second Team All-MAAC, as he left Monmouth with the fourth-best goals against average in program history (0.745), the third highest save percentage (0.842). David Nigro was named First Team All-MAAC after his 18-point season, while Anderson Asiedu, Colin Stripling, and Zachary Pereira were named to Second Team All-MAAC. In addition, freshman defender Andy Martinez was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. On January 13, goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky was selected 34th overall by D.C. United in the MLS Superdraft, becoming the sixth Monmouth student-athlete selected by an MLS team in the last seven years under McCourt's guidance.

McCourt's 2015 squad rattled off 17-straight games without a loss, the second-longest unbeaten streak in the nation, to reach the MAAC Championship Game and earn the team's second league title in three years in the conference. In addition to mentoring a league-high eight all-conference selections, including Goalkeeper of the Year Eric Klenofsky and Defensive Player of the Year David Acuna Camacho, McCourt earned his fifth league Coach of the Year honor. David Nigro, Anderson Asiedu, Colin Stripling, Derek Luke, Klenofsky and Camacho each earned All-MAAC First Team honors, while John Egan was named to the Second Team. Zachary Pereira was also selected to the All-Rookie Team. Asiedu and Klenofsky were named to the All-Region First Team, while Acuna Camacho took Second Team honors.

McCourt had his team playing its best soccer at the end of the 2014 campaign, when it went 5-0-1 in its last six games to reach the NCAA Tournament for the fifth time in nine seasons. For the season, Monmouth led the nation in both goals-against average (0.48) and save percentage (.883), with the offense coming alive in the late surge to the tune of 2.33 goals per game in the conference tournament. For the season, Monmouth went 11-4-6 (4-1-5 MAAC), with Matt Jeffery, who earned MAAC Defensive Player of the Year, being drafted in the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. Emmanuel Senyah Agyemang and Dom Sarle joined Jeffery as All-Region selections, while Eric Klenofsky earned the goals-against average NCAA Division I Statistical Championship (0.48) for the second-consecutive year. Under McCourt's tutelage, Associate Head Coach Hugh MacDonald was named one of the top 15 assistant coaches in the nation by College Soccer News. Jeffery, Sarle, Agyemang, Klenofsky, Derek Luke and Dave Nigro were each named All-MAAC.

Under McCourt's guidance, Monmouth won the league regular season title in its first year in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference in 2013. The Hawks went 8-6-6 (7-1-2 MAAC), with Matt Jeffery earning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year honors. Jeffery and MAC Hermann Watch List honoree Joseph Schmid were each named to the All-MAAC First Team, while also taking All-Region honors. Emmanuel Senyah Agyemang also earned First Team recognition, while 2013 NCAA Goals-Against Average Statistical Champion Eric Klenofsky took Second Team honors. Klenofsky, Dave Nigro and Colin Stripling also took MAAC All-Rookie Team recognition.

The Hawks went 11-4-4 (6-2-2 NEC) in 2012. Five of McCourt's players were named Regional All-Americans, led by First Team selection Joseph Schmid. Emmanuel Senyah Agyemang, Alex Blackburn and Ryan Clark each earned Second Team honors, while Matt Jeffery took Third Team recognition. Schmid and Blackburn also earned All-NEC First Team honors, while Agyemang and Clark took Second Team. Following the season, Clark was selected with the first overall pick in the MLS Supplemental Draft by the New York Red Bulls.

McCourt received his fourth NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year honor in 2011 after leading the Hawks to their seventh-straight Northeast Conference Regular Season Championship, third-straight NEC Tournament Championship and third consecutive NCAA Tournament First Round home game. The Hawks advanced to the NCAA Tournament Second Round with a thrilling 5-4 win in penalty kicks over Stony Brook under the lights on The Great Lawn. Following four years under McCourt’s tutelage, RJ Allen was selected by Chivas USA with the fifth overall pick in the MLS Supplemental Draft, while Anthony Vazquez signed a professional contract with the Puerto Rico Islanders.

In 2010, McCourt earned NSCAA North Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year honors, his third regional honor, in leading MU to a 14-2-4 record and a national top-25 ranking all season, peaking at fourth nationally on September 21. In addition to leading the Hawks to unparalleled success on the pitch, McCourt also mentored a pair of Major League Soccer draftees last season in seniors Bryan Meredith and Ryan Kinne. Meredith was selected by Seattle Sounders FC with the 11th pick in the second round, the 29th overall pick, while Kinne went to the New England Revolution with the draft's sixth pick in the third round, the 42nd overall.

In addition, MU boasted a pair of All-Americans in 2010 for the second consecutive campaign. Kinne was named a First Team All-American for the second straight season, while rising senior RJ Allen earned Third Team All-American accolades. In 2009, Kinne also appeared on the first team, while Daniel Bostock claimed second team honors.

McCourt led the Hawks to an 18-2-2 record in 2009, the best mark in program history, as well as the program's fifth straight Northeast Conference Regular Season Title and third league tournament championship overall. The Blue and White defeated the 12th-ranked University of Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament First Round at home in one of the most emotional sporting events ever on campus, which also marked the furthest advancement any Monmouth team has ever made in its respective NCAA postseason.

Monmouth, which registered a 24-game unbeaten streak in NEC play from 2005-2007, opened the 2007 campaign with a 1-0 victory over No. 16 North Carolina, en route to a 12-5-2 overall mark.

In addition to his success on the field, McCourt mentored Tom Gray, who was selected by the MLS's Kansas City Wizards in the supplemental draft, and Damon Wilson, who signed a professional contract to play in Austria, in addition to helping former Hawk and current Monmouth assistant Hugh MacDonald play for the New York Red Bulls.

Prior to Monmouth, McCourt joined the VCU staff in the spring of 2002, after two seasons as head coach of the New Jersey Stallions of the USL Division 3 professional soccer league. He was Division 3 league National Coach of the Year in 2000 when his team finished 17-5-1, won the regular-season national championship and advanced to the playoff national final. In 2001, his Stallions advanced in the US Cup to face DC United of Major League Soccer.

At VCU, McCourt helped lead the Rams, as part of Tim O'Sullivan's staff, to the Colonial Athletic Association regular season and tournament titles in 2002 and 2003. The Rams were 15-5-1 overall and 7-1-1 in the CAA in 2002. VCU was the #8 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2002. The Rams were 17-5 overall and 8-1 in the CAA in 2003, setting a school record for wins. VCU was the #9 seed in the NCAA Tournament in 2003.

A proven winner at all levels, McCourt has been involved with the US Olympic Development Program (ODP) since 1997, serving as head coach of the Region 1 ODP U16 since 1999. During his tenure, he has coached against national teams from the United States, Brazil, Guatemala, Canada, Thailand and New Zealand. A USSF A licensed coach, he has coached international matches in a variety of countries, including Spain, France, Sweden, Costa Rica, Denmark and Mexico. On the collegiate level, McCourt was an assistant coach at Seton Hall during the 1998 season, and at New Jersey City University during the 2001 campaign.

McCourt graduated from Adelphi University with a BBA in business management/finance in 1989. At Adelphi, McCourt started and played on teams that made the second round as well as the final eight of the NCAA tournament. In 1988, Adelphi was ranked as high as fifth in the country, while during the 1987 season, McCourt earned All-Tournament accolades at the University of Virginia Tournament. He later played professional soccer with both the Albany Capitals (1990-91) and New Jersey Stallions (1993-97), and semi-pro with the Kearny Scots Americans.

While playing pro and semi-pro, McCourt worked on Wall Street as a currency trader for the Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi (1989-96).

McCourt is also active in the local New Jersey Shore community with various youth soccer clinics and community service projects. He also runs an annual Monmouth Soccer golf outing for the program.

McCourt, his wife and two children reside in Monmouth County.

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Hugh MacDonald

Former Monmouth standout, two-time Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and New York Red Bull member, Hugh MacDonald, joined the Monmouth coaching staff for the 2007 season and was bumped up to top assistant in 2008. MacDonald was elevated to Associate Head Coach prior to the 2013 season.

He assists head coach Robert McCourt in all aspects of the Monmouth program, including practice and conditioning, recruiting, game operations and management, alumni relations and community service projects.

One of the best defenders in Monmouth University and conference history, MacDonald, a two-time captain during his playing days, also works closely with the Hawks' back line, which has been one of the most consistent and dynamic units in the nation.

In the 2021 campaign, MacDonald helped coach the Hawks to one of their best starts in conference play in nearly 15 years after Monmouth went a flawless 5-0 in its first five MAAC outings. It was the first time since the 2007 season that the Hawks started conference action with five straight wins, tying the program record. The five consecutive victories also marked the longest regular season conference win streak since 2013. Under MacDonald’s watch, Monmouth finished inside the top-50 nationally in goals against average. Additionally, five Hawks garnered All-MAAC honors.

MacDonald helped guide Monmouth to one of the best seasons in program history in 2020-21 despite also navigating through the COVID-19 pandemic. The Hawks won the MAAC Championship as the No. 6 seed, and defeated Bowling Green in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. By the end of the season, Monmouth was receiving votes in the United Soccer Coaches Poll and had an RPI as high as 9. The team won four straight road games en route to the conference championship, including a game-winning goal in the 86th minute at No. 1 Quinnipiac. Under MacDonald's guidance, George Akampeke was named MAAC Defensive Player of the Year and Sean Murray was tabbed MAAC Co-Goalkeeper of the Year. In addition, Robin Oswald and Ben Zakowski were named to United Soccer Coaches' Second Team All-Region. Five players were named to the All-MAAC Team, including Akampeke, Murray, Zakowski, Julian Gomez, and Luke McBeth.

The 2019 Hawks ended the season on a two-game winning streak, outscoring opponents 6-2. Freshman Ben Zakowski had a breakout season, earning MAAC All-Rookie Team honors after leading the team with seven goals, the most by a freshman in 16 years. Former goalkeeper Bobby Edwards joined to professional ranks early in 2020, signing with MLS' FC Cincinnati.

The 2018 team welcomed a lot of new faces, and the Hawks picked up wins over Princeton and Hartford. Redshirt freshman Sean Murray was named to the All-MAAC Rookie Team after ranking third in the NCAA with 87 saves. Colin Stripling became the newest student-athlete to go pro, joining the USL League One's FC Tucson following the season.

MacDonald helped guide the Hawks to a 6-1-1 home record in 2017. The team played two nationally-ranked teams during the season, drawing #14 West Virginia, 0-0, and falling late to UMass Lowell, 3-2. Redshirt senior Colin Stripling and redshirt freshman John Antunes were both named to Third Team All-Region and Second Team All-MAAC, while holding defender George Akampeke was named to the All-MAAC Rookie Team. Following the season, senior Jake Areman signed with the USL's Charlotte Independence.

Included in the six Monmouth athletes to earn All-MAAC honors in 2016 were defender Zachary Pereira, who was named to Second Team All-MAAC, and defender Andy Martinez, who was named to the MAAC All-Rookie Team. Goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky was named Co-Goalkeeper of the Year, Second Team All-MAAC, and NSCAA First Team All-Northeast Region Team for the second consecutive season. After four years under MacDonald's supervision, Klenofsky was selected 34th overall by D.C. United in the MLS Superdraft, becoming the sixth Monmouth student-athlete selected by an MLS team in the last seven years.

Under MacDonald's guidance, David Acuna Camacho successfully made the transition from a holding center midfield position to center back in 2015, earning MAAC Defensive Player of the Year. The accomplishment marked the third-consecutive season in which a Hawk won league Defensive Player of the Year under the watchful eye of MacDonald. In addition, goalkeeper Eric Klenofsky earned MAAC Goalkeeper of the Year. All-League selection Derek Luke also signed a professional contract with FC Cincinnati following the season.

MacDonald helped Matt Jeffery to MAAC Defensive Player of the Year recognition in both 2013 and 2014 to tie his own program record as a two-time conference defensive player of the year. Following the season, Jeffery was selected in the fourth round of the MLS SuperDraft by the Colorado Rapids. The Hawks earned National Statistical Championships in both goals-against average (0.48) and save percentage (.883) in 2014.

MacDonald coached Emmanuel Senyah Agyemang to all-conference honors in three-straight seasons, while Eric Klenofsky earned his second-straight all-conference nod in leading the nation in goals-against average (0.22, 0.48) in consecutive seasons under MacDonald's tutelage. Derek Luke was also named All-MAAC in 2014.

With MacDonald's guidance, the Hawks' defense finished seventh in the nation in team goals-against average (0.7) in 2012. Monmouth also finished 14th in shutout percentage (0.47). Individually, goalkeeper Alex Blackburn finished 10th in the nation in goals-against average (.699), 25th in save percentage (.823) and 93rd in total saves (65). Ryan Clark moved to the back line as a senior and became the first overall pick in the MLS Supplemental Draft by the New York Red Bulls.

The Hawks’ defense was once again one of the nation’s best in 2011, as Monmouth finished the season fifth in shutout percentage (.590) and eighth in goals-against average (0.61) among NCAA Division I programs. Under MacDonald’s guidance, right back RJ Allen was named an All-American and went on to be selected fifth overall in the MLS Supplemental Draft by Chivas USA. Goalkeeper Alex Blackburn also finished 10th national in goals-against average (.614).

In helping MU win its seventh-straight Northeast Conference Regular Season Title and third-consecutive league tournament title in 2011, MacDonald was recognized as the NSCAA North Atlantic Regional College Assistant Coach of the Year.

In 2010, Monmouth's defense, led by Seattle Sounders FC (MLS) second round draft pick Bryan Meredith, proved to be one of the most brilliant and consistent in the country.

The Hawks ranked eighth in the nation in 2010 in goals allowed, giving up 0.66 tallies per match, while placing seventh in Division I in shutting out 55% of their opponents. For his efforts, MacDonald was recognized as part of the NSCAA North Atlantic Regional Coaching Staff of the Year.

The Kearny, N.J. native helped lead the Hawks to an 18-2-2 record in 2009, the best mark in program history. The Blue and White defeated the 12th-ranked University of Connecticut in the NCAA Tournament First Round at home in one of the most emotional sporting events ever on campus, which also marked the furthest advancement any Monmouth team has ever made in its respective NCAA postseason.

For his efforts in helping to lead the Hawks on an unprecedented run in the NCAA Tournament in 2009, MacDonald was honored as the NSCAA North Atlantic College Assistant Coach of the Year.

MacDonald played two seasons for Monmouth after transferring from Virginia Commonwealth University. A two-time Northeast Conference Defensive Player of the Year and first-team all-league selection, as well as first-team All-Region, MacDonald led the Hawks to a combined 24-8-9 record in his two years on The Great Lawn. Monmouth won consecutive regular season championships in 2005 and 2006 and advanced to its first ever NCAA Tournament behind MacDonald in 2006 after winning the NEC Tournament title.

MacDonald signed a professional contract with Red Bull New York following his senior season in West Long Branch, in which the Hawks went 14-4-3 overall and undefeated in conference play for a second straight year. He was named to the Second-Team National Team of the Year by Top Drawer Soccer, and was invited as one of 52 collegiate standouts to the Major League Soccer (MLS) Combine.

The Kearny, N.J. native played his first two collegiate seasons at VCU, earning Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) regular season titles both years, and advancing to the NCAA Sweet 16 in his rookie campaign. During his sophomore year, VCU advanced to the Elite 8.

MacDonald, who graduated from Monmouth with a degree in communication, resides in West Long Branch with his wife, Laura, and his daughter, Ellah.