ORONO, Maine -- University of Maine women's soccer head coach Scott Atherley has announced the addition of assistant coach Peter McDonnell to his staff.

"We are thrilled to add a person of Peter's character to our program," Atherley said. "He has terrific experience and he will bring fresh ideas to our team. Peter is very passionate about the game of soccer and he is dedicated to advancing the game at all levels. Liis (Emajoe) and I look forward to welcoming him to our staff and team."

A native of The Republic of Ireland, McDonnell began his coaching career at the age of 16, when he ran camps for the youth soccer club of which his father and grandfather formed in 1975 in Peter's hometown of Killala in County Mayo.

In 2010, McDonnell moved to the United States to pursue a Sports Management and Coaching career with Global Premier Soccer (GPS) in Massachusetts. At GPS, McDonnell worked within the human resources department and was also the Director of Coaching within Southern Massachusetts where he led the Lady Crusaders' teams to the state semifinals in 2012.

Late in 2012, McDonnell returned to Ireland to undertake his UEFA B coaching diploma and work within The Football Association of Ireland's Emerging Talent Centers. While at the Emerging Talent Center, he was directly involved with the development of U15/U16 international and development international players before returning to the US in 2014. Upon his return, he worked at FC Copa Academy in New Jersey, serving as the Technical Director and Youth Programs Director.

Since moving to his wife's hometown of Orono in 2016, McDonnell has served as head coach of John Bapst MHS boys' program where he led the Crusaders to a 15-2 season just a year after the squad struggled to a 2-9 record. His John Bapst squad made it all the way to the regional finals for the first time in a decade. Also during that time, he served as an assistant coach for the Husson University men's soccer program.

In addition to holding a UEFA license from the Football Association of Ireland, McDonnell plans to complete the requirements for the UEFA "A" license in June. Additionally he is the holder of NSCAA National and Player Development Diplomas.

McDonnell also serves as the current Director of Coaching at Seacoast United Maine North (Black Bear) in Brewer, Maine as well as the assistant coach for the club's NPSL men's team.

-UMaine-