Stephen Lunney Promoted to Associate Head Coach
August 21, 2026 | Men's Soccer
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – University of Louisville men's soccer head coach John Michael Hayden has announced the promotion of Stephen Lunney to associate head coach, recognizing Lunney's contributions to the Cardinals program since joining the staff in 2023.
"Stephen has earned this promotion through his unwavering commitment to our program, our student-athletes, and our pursuit of excellence," said Hayden. "Over the past three years, he has proven himself to be a tireless worker, an exceptional coach, and a trusted leader within our staff. His impact on our culture and daily environment is immeasurable, and I am excited to recognize his contributions with this promotion to Associate Head Coach."
Lunney enters his fourth season with the Cardinals after spending the previous eight seasons at Lipscomb, where he served six seasons as an assistant coach and two as a graduate assistant.
Since Lunney joined the Louisville staff, the Cardinals have made an NCAA Tournament appearance and produced multiple All-ACC selections and MLS Draft picks. In his first season with the program, Louisville finished 12-6-3, its highest win total since 2017, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament for the third consecutive season. Three Cardinals earned All-ACC honors that season, while Damien Barker John, Josh Jones and Gage Guerra were selected in the MLS SuperDraft.
Lunney came to Louisville following a highly successful tenure at Lipscomb. During his six seasons as an assistant coach, the Bisons compiled a 75-55-14 record and won four Atlantic Sun Conference championships. In 2022, Lipscomb posted a program-record 14-3-2 mark, won both the regular-season and tournament titles, earned a No. 9 national seed in the NCAA Tournament and hosted an NCAA Tournament match for the first time in program history. Lunney and the Lipscomb coaching staff were named the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region Staff of the Year.
A native of Dublin, Ireland, Lunney played collegiately at Martin Methodist College, where he was a four-year starter and three-year captain. He helped lead the program to two conference championships and the 2013 NAIA National Championship, earning National Tournament MVP honors. He was also a three-time Academic All-American and twice named the NAIA Men's Soccer All-American of the Year.
Lunney earned a bachelor's degree in human performance and physical education from Martin Methodist College and a Master of Business Administration from Lipscomb University. He holds a USSF coaching license and an NSCAA Goalkeeper Coaching Diploma.
Lunney's promotion comes as Louisville begins its 2026 campaign under Hayden, who is in his eighth season leading the Cardinals. Louisville opened the 2026 season Thursday with a 2-1 victory over IU Indy at Dr. Mark & Cindy Lynn Stadium.
