Temple University Athletics

David MacWilliams

It usually takes a coach four years to make a program his own at the collegiate level. David MacWilliams did just that, posting the most wins (13) in a Temple University men's soccer campaign in his fourth season at the helm. He followed that with a second straight double-digit win season in 2004, the first consecutive 10-plus win seasons since 1986-87. 

Now in his 11th year as the Owls' head coach, MacWilliams has made Temple a force to be reckoned with in the region and beyond. After a three-year rebuilding effort, the Owl mentor led the 2003 Temple squad to its most wins since 1990. He guided his charges to a 13-6-3 record and a runner-up finish at the Atlantic 10 Tournament. Along the way, Temple set a school record with 11 shutouts and posted two wins over nationally-ranked Duquesne and a win at NCAA participant North Carolina State.

Continuing to use his formula for success, MacWilliams successfully guided the Cherry and White to back-to-back runner-up finishes (2003, 2004) in the conference tournament, posting double-digit wins for the second straight year.

The 2009 season saw the Owls reach yet another winning record of 9-7-2.  The season was highlighted by a share of the Soccer Six crown and an upset of #15 Charlotte at Ambler Sports Complex, the highest ranked team the Owls have defeated under MacWilliams.

In 2008, MacWilliams guided the Owls back to the Atlantic 10 Tournament for the first time since their efforts in 2004.  Cruising to their best ever finish in the regular season (2nd), TU’s season was highlighted with an upset win over nationally ranked conference foe Dayton.

Coach MacWilliams has brought in his fair share of talent since taking over the helm in 2000.  In 2008, J.T. Noone was honored as the Owls first All-America selection in 22 years.  Over his nine year career thus far, MacWilliams has groomed 17 all-conference players, and a two time Defensive Player of the Year in Patrick Hannigan (2003, 2004).  

Along with mentoring four Soccer Seven Players of the Year in his tenure, MacWilliams himself was honored as Soccer Seven Coach of the Year in 2003, 2004, and 2009.  Off the field, MacWilliams coached two second team Academic All-America honorees in Steven Wacker (2004) and J.T. Noone (2008, 2009).   

MacWilliams, who owns a 72-98-18 mark at Temple, has over 20 years of coaching and playing experience, including four years as the head coach of the Philadelphia Kixx of the Major Indoor Soccer League. He also was the head coach of the MISL's Baltimore Spirit from 1993-95, and was an all-Star coach during his tenure with both clubs. He was inducted into the Baltimore Blast Hall of Fame on January 21, 2006. 

Still active in youth soccer, MacWilliams was named the 2002 Eastern Pennsylvania Coach of the Year. He guided the Olympic Development Program's under-17 team to the Region I Championships and the national finals that year. He guided his Under-17 squad to the Region I Championships, qualifying for the national tournament in 2005. 

A standout player at Philadelphia University where he captained the 1978 Final Four team, MacWilliams was a three-time Regional All-American (1976-78). As a senior in 1978, he led the nation in scoring with 22 goals and a school-record 16 assists for 60 points, earning national All-America honors.  He currently ranks third on the Philadelphia University all-time scoring list with 47 goals and a school-record 43 assists for 137 points. He was inducted into the Philadelphia University Hall of Fame in 1985. 

Following his time at Philadelphia University, MacWilliams went on to a stellar professional playing career. He was captain of the Baltimore Blast, where he was selected as the team's Best Offensive Player. The team's leading scorer and an all-star selection during his career, he later earned a position on the league's All-Decade team.  

MacWilliams also played professional soccer for the NPSL's Chicago Sting, the Major Indoor Soccer League's Philadelphia Fever, the North American Soccer League's Philadelphia Fury and Tampa Bay Rowdies. He also played on the United States National Team from 1977-80, participating in the 1979 Pan American Games. 

In addition to coaching, MacWilliams also directs the David MacWilliams Pro Soccer Academy. He resides in Lansdale, Pa. with his wife Beth and their three children, David, Megan and current Temple men's soccer sophomore Matthew.