Women's Soccer | 8/1/2025 9:30:00 AM
BETHANY, W.Va. (pacathletics.org) - Bethany College Director of Athletics Jen Windmiller has announced the hiring of Olivia Wilkerson as the head women's soccer coach, effective immediately.
Wilkerson has over a decade of coaching experience, most recently serving as the assistant coach of both soccer teams at Carlow University in Pittsburgh since 2023.
She has been a staple name in the Pittsburgh soccer scene well before her time at Carlow. Wilkerson has been a part of PA West Olympic Development Program since 2021, coached at the Pittsburgh Football Club since 2015, and has coached various other youth programs in the Pittsburgh area.
"I am excited to welcome Olivia Wilkerson as the next head coach of Bethany College women's soccer," said Windmiller. " With NCAA Division III playing experience and a strong coaching background across all levels in the Western Pennsylvania region, Olivia brings valuable connections and a proven ability to recruit and retain talented student-athletes. Her passion for the game and commitment to the holistic development of her players make me confident that she will lead our program to new heights."
The women's soccer program has already made a big leap, coming off a record breaking 2024 season. The team posted four shutouts and only gave up more than two goals in one contest all season. Their defense guided them to the Presidents' Athletic Conference Playoffs for the second time in the post-covid era.
"I am incredibly excited and truly honored to step into my role as the new Head Coach for the Bethany College Women's Soccer program," said Wilkerson. "I feel so grateful for this opportunity and for the trust that has been placed in me to lead such a talented group of student-athletes. Bethany has a strong tradition and culture, and I look forward to building upon that foundation while continuing to push the program forward. My goal is to bring passion, leadership, and my experiences to create an environment where our players can excel both on and off the field and achieve success together as a team. Bethany's commitment to academic excellence and its tight-knit community are what make this place so special, and I'm eager to help our student-athletes thrive in every aspect of their college experience."
While serving as a coach of physical skills, Wilkerson has also served as a cognitive fitness coach for soccer clubs around the east coast. Her most recent experiences being with the Pittsburgh Football Club and the Maryland Elite Soccer Club.
The women's soccer team will host Kenyon on Hoag Field for their first game of the season on August 30th. All-PAC returners include scoring sensation Monica Bird and midfielder Avallina Aurilio.
Contributed by Bethany Athletic Communications