FAIRFAX, Va. – One of the key pieces of the George Mason's men's soccer team's most recent NCAA Tournament run is returning to campus – as a member of the coaching staff.
Head coach
Greg Andrulis has announced the addition of
Timi Mulgrew as a volunteer assistant coach. The former All-American played at Mason from 2011-14 and ranks ninth all-time in career goals scored. He was a starter on the 2013 team that won the Atlantic 10 Conference tournament championship and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament.
"The addition of Timi is going to be very powerful for our team," Andrulis said. "He brings a bundle of energy every day – Mr. Enthusiasm. The experience of having played here, being on very successful teams, being a pro. He'll be a positive mentor to the guys – both on and off the field. He's a very good person and a true Patriot. To have somebody with the background of playing and competing here and now giving back to the team is awesome. I couldn't be happier that he has decided to join us."
Mulgrew, a native of nearby Sterling, comes back to the Patriots after playing professionally in the states. After completing his college eligibility, the midfielder/forward signed a deal with the New England Revolution in the MLS. He was loaned to the Rochester Rhinos and played for Mason alum Bob Lilley, helping the Rhinos win the 2015 USL championship.
At Mason, he played in 74 games and made 65 starts. He finished his career with 26 goals, which is tied for ninth-most in program history. He also ranks fourth with 170 career shots. He was an All-Colonial Athletic Association selection in 2012 and made the A-10 All-Tournament Team in 2013 as the Patriots captured the tournament title in their first season in the A-10.
He saved his best season for his last, though, scoring 13 goals and ranking in the top five in the country at the end of the regular season. His seven game-winning goals tied for most in Division I. He was named a Third Team Division I NSCAA/Continental Tire All-American and Second Team College Soccer News All-American and the VaSID Co-Player of the Year. He also received First Team All-Midwest Regional and First Team All-Atlantic 10 honors.
Andrulis said Mulgrew will assist the staff with practices and implementing different styles of play while also pulling from his professional and collegiate playing experiences. He also plans to finish his bachelor's degree in communication and marketing by next spring.
"I'm over the moon. It is a great opportunity for me," Mulgrew said. "It came at a great time in my life as well. It has kind of given me an opportunity to get back on the field, be around a coaching staff I love, that taught me so much, that gave a lot to me. It is a blessing to give back a little bit. Whatever expertise I've gained going forward from college I can try to impart on some of these guys. I'm just excited to be in that atmosphere again, try to motivate and be excited for them."
