WASHINGTON – Georgetown University women’s soccer Head Coach Dave Nolan is set to begin his 20th year at the helm of the Hoyas. Nolan has spent 25 seasons on the Hilltop, five as an assistant coach, and the last 20 as head coach. Nolan boasts a career record of 259-91-57 with 16-straight seasons with at least 10 wins.
Last season Georgetown captured its sixth BIG EAST crown in the past seven years and took its 11th consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament in the process. The Hoyas return 20 players from last season’s roster and welcome 11 newcomers to the Hilltop, four transfers and seven freshmen. GU is set to open the 2023 campaign on the road against Pepperdine on August 17. Kickoff is slated for 3 p.m. EST in Malibu, California.
Continue reading for a preseason Q&A with Nolan.
What does it mean to you being able to call the Hilltop home for the last 25 years?
“First off, it’s hard to believe this is year 25 at Georgetown. When I left New Jersey and a secure teaching career, (not a lot of people know I was a 4th grade teacher), I had no idea what I was getting into. My predecessor, Diane Drake, convinced me to come join her as the program moved from a club program into a varsity sport. At the time I was convinced it would only be a short-term experience and then back to teaching, but here I am, still!”
What makes Georgetown such a special place for you?
“The people, beginning with the type of student-athletes I am lucky enough to work with, and secondly the people who work here in the Athletic Department, starting with some great AD’s to work for, Joe Lang, Adam Brick, Bernard Muir and of course, Lee Reed and moving on to the staff and other coaches, the best of people”
What does it mean to you being able to enter your 20th season at the helm?
“It means that I get another opportunity to move the needle even more, the program continues to get better and more consistent every year. 11 consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances and 6 BIG EAST Championship in the last seven years is an incredible streak and one we hope to continue and possibly improve upon.”
You have produced many professional players and even have four playing in the World Cup right now, what does it mean to you seeing your former athletes excelling on the world’s biggest stage?
“It’s nice to feel that we played a small part in the journey of these 4 incredible young people as they get to experience such an incredible sporting event. It also reaffirms one of the things we put to recruits, come here and we can help you achieve all your sporting goals and still leave with a degree from one of the top Universities in the country and world.
What is one thing that has remained consistent from year one to now?
“The dedication of our student-athletes to try to leave the program in a better place than when they arrived, and the majority have.”
What is your message to all of your former players?
“I am so proud of all of them, and that it really makes my day when they pop in or pick up the phone to check in. This means more than any championship or national ranking, because it means it was more than just a soccer thing for them.”
What do you want to achieve with the 2023 Hoyas?
“Like every year, I just want this group to give it their all and have no regrets come the end of the season, if they do we have every chance to achieve some wonderful things this Fall”
What does it mean to you being the winningest coach in Hoya soccer history?
“Hopefully, in time after I am gone, they will name a Porta Potty after me, seriously when I do finish up, I want the next person after me to smash any records we have as it will have meant the program has improved even more and that will be great to see”.
What is your favorite part about coaching here at Georgetown?
“That every year we graduate all our kids, they go on to some of the best law schools and medical schools in the country, they start in some incredibly fulfilling careers and that we also help kids achieve their soccer goals too in terms of playing professionally or even representing their national teams. That is success in my books.”
Anything you want to add?
“If you get a chance, come on up to Shaw Field, or catch us on the road near you this Fall. We have a promising team who will appreciate a stand full of Georgetown people cheering us on. Hoya Saxa!!!!”
