Longwood Athletics Director Tim Hall announced Paul Gilbert as the next men's soccer coach on Wednesday, December 2023.

Gilbert comes to Longwood following two highly successful seasons at Indiana Tech, but he brings success across multiple levels and stops with him to Longwood. He boasts a career record of 68-55-23 over eight seasons as a head coach, including a 32-7-13 record in his two seasons at Indiana Tech. In both years, his team made the NAIA National Tournament.

"First and foremost, I want to welcome Paul, his lovely wife Erinn and their three children to the Lancer family!" Hall said. "I am delighted they said 'Yes' to leading our men's soccer program.

"Paul is cut out for this opportunity through training and temperament. He is a tireless worker, an advocate for comprehensive student-athlete welfare, an educator and a highly-skilled soccer tactician. I have every confidence that Paul will lead this program in a championship manner."

Last season, Gilbert guided Indiana Tech to the NAIA National Tournament Quarterfinals, matching the program's best run in the national tournament in team history. During the run, Indiana Tech, which won a conference title, upset the number two team in the country to advance to the round of 16.

In his first season, he guided the team to the opening round of the NCAA Tournament while going 12-3-7 and winning the conference championship.

"I first want to thank Athletic Director Tim Hall and the rest of the search committee for the opportunity to become Longwood's next Men's Soccer Coach," Gilbert said. " Throughout the interview process it was evident that the Longwood athletic department is dedicated to building and maintaining meaningful relationships while pursuing excellence in all aspects of the student-athlete experience. These two aspects made it clear that Longwood is an institution where we can thrive both on and off the soccer pitch."

"I am so excited to be on campus, meet the current players and begin building for the 2024 Fall season.  We will immediately begin implementing our game model with our principles, developing a unique style of play that players and fans will enjoy."

Prior to coaching at Indiana Tech, he helmed a young Lubbock Christian program for six years. While at LCU, he won at least nine games three times in six seasons, and he helped the program navigate the COVID-shortened 2020-21 campaign.

In his final season at Lubbock Christian, he helped the Mustangs advance to the Lone Star Conference Championship Game for the first time as an NCAA Program.

He began his coaching career at Adrian College as an assistant for two seasons before serving as a volunteer assistant coach at Michigan State. While at MSU, he worked with both the men's and women's teams and focused on goalkeeper training, in addition to other duties.

WHAT THEY'RE SAYING ABOUT PAUL GILBERT:

I am very happy and excited for Paul and his new role. I know he will bring exceptional energy and work ethic to the program. His focus and dedication will have high impact on student athletes. I'm looking forward to seeing his continuing success.

Marki Mitrovich—US Men's National Team U23 Coach

I am extremely happy and excited for both Paul Gilbert and Longwood University. Paul has been successful wherever he has gone and at all levels. He is a really talented soccer coach, but more importantly a leader with a positive attitude and high integrity.  I couldn't think of a better person to lead Longwood University into its next chapter!

Damon Rensing—Head Men's Soccer Coach, Michigan State

Paul has proven to be a sharp young coach who has led multiple programs to success and always recruits, trains, and plays with a clear identity in mind while competing for championships! Soccer aside, Paul's dedication to student-athletes and preparing them for life after college and to be successful character driven individuals is one of his greatest strengths! Looking forward to following Longwood Men's Soccer as Paul transitions over as the new Head Coach and leader of the program!

Cale Wasserman—Head Men's Soccer Coach, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

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