Chris Cahill has been named the third head coach in Kennesaw State women's soccer history, Director of Athletics Milton Overton announced Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Cahill, a 14-year coaching veteran, spent last season as an associate head coach for the Owls.  

“Coach Cahill is an excellent coach with a track record of success at the Division I level,” said Overton. “His values and work ethic align with our vision at Kennesaw State, and we are excited to have him lead our program into Conference USA. His local connections will help tremendously in recruiting as we take a historic step as an athletic department.”

“We are happy to announce Chris as the next head coach of our women’s soccer program,” said Tamica Smith Jones, KSU Athletics Chief Operating Officer and women’s soccer program administrator. “After interviewing Coach Cahill, it was obvious that he is a great fit and has already established strong relationships with the student-athletes. He is also well regarded from his time in CUSA. We anticipate his broad community ties helping us advance the goals set for our program in this new and exciting era.”

Prior to KSU, Cahill earned over a decade of experience at Middle Tennessee State University serving as the Blue Raiders’ associate head coach. He coached 29 all-conference selections including Conference USA’s all-time goal scoring record and points holder, Peyton DePriest. 

“I am extremely humbled and grateful for the opportunity to be the next head coach at KSU,” said Cahill. “I would like to thank President Schwaig, AD Milton Overton, COO Tamica Smith Jones and the team for the opportunity to lead the program into Conference USA.

“I have followed KSU soccer since its inception and always felt that Rob King and Benji Walton made this a special place. I look to continue to build upon that tradition and am excited to move forward with this group. I would like to thank my wife, family, and all the coaches who have taught me something along the way. I would not be in this position if it wasn’t for their guidance and support.”

The Blue Raiders got off to a hot start with Cahill on staff as the team recorded the program's most wins and shutouts during a four-year period from 2012-2015. MTSU also finished the 2012 season second nationally in scoring offense.

During his time in Murfreesboro, Tenn., Cahill coached two Conference USA Freshman of the Year and two CUSA Offensive Players of the Year. He also had 20 student-athletes selected to academic all-conference teams while three were named academic all-Americans. 

While at MTSU, Cahill was also responsible for identifying and building relationships with recruits for the 2013-21 classes. 

Prior to his time in Tennessee, Cahill was as an assistant coach at the University of Evansville. He aided in video breakdowns of games and practice while serving as the recruiting coordinator in 2011 and 2012.   

Before Evansville, Cahill was a full-time volunteer assistant at Auburn from 2009-2011. He was promoted from a graduate assistant role after the squad won the SEC West in 2010. The Tigers made back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament during Cahill's tenure.   

Cahill is familiar with the Peach State as he coached at Harrison High School located down the road from the Kennesaw State campus. While on staff, the Hoyas tallied two regional titles and were ranked as the number-one team in the country for 12 consecutive weeks in 2008.   

Cahill is no stranger to Kennesaw State as he served on campus as an Assistant to the Director of Student-Athlete Services in 2008. He assisted with advising, class registration and supervised study hall.  

Cahill is a graduate of Georgia Southern with a bachelor's degree in sport management. He received his master's degree from Auburn in business and marketing education.