FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (August 19, 2020) – Northern Arizona University women's soccer announced their most recent hire, Taylor Spradling, who will be joining the staff as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
"I am thrilled to add Taylor Spradling to our staff," head coach Kylie Louw said. "He will bring a multitude of knowledge and value to our program. Taylor helped build an extremely successful program at Xavier and he came highly recommended. He made an immediate impact and easily fits into our values and vision for the program. I am delighted to have him a part of our program and I look forward to his contributions to our players and staff."
Coming from Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio, Spradling led the program to their first NCAA win against Virginia Tech in the 2019 NCAA Tournament, finishing the season with a school-record of 17 wins, as well as a BIG EAST regular season championship and tournament title.
The 2019 Musketeers also set a school record for most shutouts at 12, recorded the second most goals scored in a season (43), assists in a season (42), points in a season (128), and the second lowest goals against average (0.71), with each of those marks being the best for the program in the last two decades. Xavier finished #19 in the Top Drawer Soccer rankings and #24 in the United Soccer Coaches rankings.
Before joining the Musketeer staff in 2017, Spradling worked with the Cincinnati Sirens since 2015 as an assistant, specializing in goalkeeper development. Spradling also worked with the Ohio South Olympic Development Program and Fairfield Optimist Soccer Club at the same time.
Prior to 2015, Spradling spent a pair of seasons at Belmont University, working as an assistant coach both in 2013 and 2014, as well as one season as the assistant men's soccer coach at Cincinnati State in 2012 where the team advanced to the Final Four of the NJCAA Championship.
Spradling played collegiate soccer at Northern Kentucky University from 2009-11 and spent 2010-11 with the Cincinnati Kings of the Premier Arena Soccer League. He earned a bachelor's of criminology from NKU, a master's in sports and recreation science from Ohio University, as well as a USSF "C" License, a Premier Diploma, Director of Coaching Diploma and Advanced Goalkeeper Diploma from NCSAA.
"I would first like to thank Mr. Marlow, Mr. Moinuddin and Coach Louw for this incredible opportunity to join a wonderful university and athletic department," Taylor Spradling stated. "The athletic staff and team have been nothing short of welcoming and it is clear that everyone is ready to continue to build a great program here. I would be remiss if I did not thank my past employers and all of my mentors. I have been extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by phenomenal coaches, administrators and even better people. Lastly, I must recognize the support of my family and close friends that have supported me unconditionally over my career. Go Jacks!"
What They are Saying About Spradling
"I'd like to congratulate Coach Louw and the NAU program for this great hire, and I'd like to thank Taylor for his three years with Xavier. Taylor was with us from the beginning, and he played a huge role in helping us form and build our culture. Taylor is relationship-driven, and he cares deeply about student athletes, both on and off the field. He brings relentless positive energy, works extremely hard, and is always willing to sacrifice for the program. I'm so happy for Taylor, and believe that this will be a great fit for both sides. We all look forward to his continued growth and success with NAU."
-Nate Lie, Head Coach, Xavier University
"He is a talented coach who has gathered an immense amount of experience at both the college and club levels. He has a lot to bring to the program both as a mentor and a coach. His passion and faith will help guide the young ladies through life. Northern Arizona and the women's soccer program are lucky to have Taylor as a part of their university."
-Heather Henson, Head Coach, Belmont University
"The beauty of Taylor's impact as a coach comes from his relationships. He has a wide array of knowledge and experience to share with players, but his ability to relate to others and bond with others creates such a dynamic, energetic, and genuine culture within the team that it's hard not to find joy playing soccer and getting better. He brings a lightheartedness back to the game while still asking the most from his players. Some days players can be burnt out from practice and season, and Taylor is that person who can bring life back into practice and that innocent joy back into soccer. He made my experience at Xavier one that I find myself wishing to have more time with, and wishing he were still here. However, NAU has got very lucky to have such a thoughtful and intentional coach join the program."
-Grace Bahr, Former Xavier University Player, Former United States Women's Youth National Team
"I had the opportunity to work with Taylor in my first year in the United States. Taylor helped me settle in and adapt to a new environment. He has great knowledge and enthusiasm for the game. I hope I get the chance to work with him again one day."
-Liam Doyle, Memphis (USL), Isle of Man Men's National Team
