Fordham University women’s soccer adds Eleri Earnshaw to coaching staff

Bronx, N.Y. – Fordham University women’s soccer head coach Jessica Clinton announced the hiring of Eleri Earnshaw as assistant coach on Thursday.

“We are excited to have Eleri join us, as she brings a number of years of collegiate coaching experience with her to Fordham,” said Clinton.  “Eleri has played and coached at a high level; playing for Arsenal and Wales while spending time  with Central Connecticut, Yale and LIU.   I have seen Eleri work from a distance over the past few years and I have been impressed with her development of the LIU program, connection with players and overall work rate.  I believe Eleri will make an immediate impact to our program on and off the field.”

Earnshaw served as the head coach at Long Island University for the past three seasons (2017-19), where she was the fourth head coach in the history of the program.

Before her most recent stint at LIU Brooklyn, she spent three seasons at Yale University (2014-16), serving as an assistant for two seasons before spending her final campaign as a full-time assistant. Earnshaw’s responsibilities with the Bulldogs were primarily focused on training, development and program management. Prior to Yale, Earnshaw worked three seasons as a volunteer at Central Connecticut State (2011-14) and two years as a graduate assistant at LIU (2008-10).

A native of Rhyl, Wales, Earnshaw also has extensive experience playing at the club and international levels. Earnshaw had a terrific playing career as she spent six years with the Welsh Youth National Teams (U14 – U19).

Earnshaw’s collegiate playing career began at Iona, where she was a three-time All-MAAC selection before she joined the Blackbirds and earned All-NEC honors in her senior campaign in 2007.

After her college playing career, Earnshaw played with the New York Magic of the W-League and continued to play for the senior Welsh National Team earning 32 senior caps. From 2001-04, Earnshaw played with the highly successful Arsenal Ladies Football Club in England where she helped the squad win the Women’s Premier League title, Women’s Premier League Cup and the FA Women’s Cup.

Earnshaw current holds a UEFA B Coaching License as well as her UEFA B Youth Coaching License.  She continues to provide opportunities for other young players through her work with Downtown United Soccer Club out of Manhattan.