COMMERCE – East Texas A&M University soccer coach Ashley Gordon has appointed Steven Cooney as an assistant coach for the 2025 season, tasked with working with the Lion goalkeepers.
 
Cooney's past collegiate coaching stops include North Texas and UT Dallas. He joins a Lion soccer program that is the only program in the Southland Conference to finish in the top three in each of the last three seasons.
 
Gordon said, "we're proud to welcome Steven Cooney to our soccer staff. He brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having coached at nearly every level of the game — from college and semi-pro to youth and Olympic development programs—and his passion for developing players is matched by his infectious energy."
 
"His proven track record, relentless enthusiasm and commitment to excellence will be a tremendous asset to our team."
 
Along with working with the Lions, Cooney is also a goalkeeper coach for the Denton Diablos 2 of the USL, head boys' goalkeeping ECNL coach for the BVB International ECNL, serving as the Director of Goalkeeping of North Texas Olympic Development Program, and the Director of Coaching Goalkeepers and Strikers for the One and 9 Soccer Training.
 
"I'm incredibly honored to step into the role of goalkeeper coach for the East Texas A&M soccer team!" said Cooney. "I'm grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Coach Gordon and (Luca) Crivellari as we pursue a conference title and aim to earn our first-ever berth in the NCAA Division I tournament."
 
"I'm especially excited to work with the talented goalkeepers on our roster and begin building one of the most elite goalkeeping programs in collegiate women's soccer."
 
Holding over 20 years of soccer coaching experience, Cooney was the goalkeepers coach for UT Dallas for five years, followed by a two-year stint with North Texas. Originally from the United Kingdom, Cooney also held a coaching position within Arsenal's regional program.
 
Cooney USSF National 'B' Coaching License, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, US Youth Soccer National Youth License, and FA Level 2 Coaching Badge.  
 
The Lions began fall preseason training earlier this week as they prepare to begin the season at home against Little Rock on August 14 at 7 p.m.