Stephen Lunney - Men's Soccer Coach - University of Louisville Athletic

Stephen Lunney

Title:
Assistant Coach
Email:
slunney@GoCards.com

Stephen Lunney joined the Louisville men's soccer program in February of 2023 as an assistant coach after spending the previous eight seasons at Lipscomb, six as an assistant coach and two as a graduate assistant.

In Lunney's first season at Louisville, the Cardinals finished 12-6-3, their highest win total since 2017. Louisville reached the NCAA Tournament for the third straight season, defeating Dayton in a thrilling 4-3 match in the opening round. Three Cardinals earned All-ACC honors, while Damien Barker John, Josh Jones and Gage Guerra were each selected in the MLS SuperDraft.

During Lunney's time at Lipscomb, his responsibilities at Lipscomb initially included working with goalkeepers along with a variety of off the field roles. Prior to the 2021 season, Lunney took on responsibility for on-field training, film review, scouting and served as recruiting coordinator.

The Bisons posted a 75-55-14 overall record and captured the Atlantic Sun Conference title in four of his six seasons as an assistant. He coached a pair of players taken at the top of the 2024 MLS SuperDraft. MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist Tyrese Spicer was chosen as the No. 1 overall pick of Toronto FC and Malichi Jones was selected eighth overall by New York City FC.

Lipscomb was among the top teams in the country in 2022 going 14-3-2 overall, sweeping the Atlantic Sun regular season and tournament championships and earning the No. 9 overall seed in the NCAA Tournament. Lunney and the Lipscomb staff were named the United Soccer Coaches Atlantic Region Staff of the Year.

The Bisons set a multitude of program records in 2022 including the most wins in program history, the highest national ranking of any Lipscomb team of any sport in history (No. 9), least goals allowed (12), most shutouts (10) and was the first ever Lipscomb team to earn an NCAA National Seed and host a NCAA Tournament game.

Prior to joining the coaching staff at Lipscomb, Lunney played collegiately at Martin Methodist College. A four-year starter and a three-year captain, Lunney started 75 of 76 games, winning two conference titles and a NAIA National Championship (2013). He was named the MVP of the National Tournament.

Following a successful junior season, he was named SSAC Athlete of the Year and SSAC Student-Athlete of the Year. He was also named an All-American during his senior year and was a three-time Academic All-American. Lunney was named NAIA Academic All-American of the Year for the 2013-14 season and was twice named the NAIA Men's Soccer All-American of the Year.

Lunney is originally from Dublin, Ireland. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in Human Performance and Physical Education from Martin Methodist College and a Master of Business Administration degree from Lipscomb University. He is a USSF licensed coach and a holds an NSCAA GK Coaching Diploma.