Rob Eaton Named LHU Women’s Soccer Coach
LOCK HAVEN – Lock Haven University has announced that Rob Eaton has been named the new women’s soccer coach.
Eaton is no stranger to Lock Haven or LHU. He’s a 1988 LHU graduate, a former standout player for the Bald Eagles and he also served as men’s coach at The Haven from 1997 to 2002.
Eaton brings with him over 17 years of collegiate coaching experience and is well respected in the game of soccer at all levels, in the local community, the region of central Pennsylvania and beyond.
Eaton couldn’t be more excited about returning to LHU.
“I am very proud and happy to be returning to The Haven. My energy will now be focused on guiding LHU women’s soccer to the top of the PSAC and to a national presence, while providing each student-athlete the best possible college experience,” said Eaton.
Most recently, Eaton has spent the last four seasons as the head women’s coach at Clarion University, where he’s rebuilt the Golden Eagle program. Following his first season with Clarion in 2010, he was named the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Women’s Coach of the Year.
Prior to taking the position at Clarion, Eaton coached with the Soccer Training Network. He founded the elite youth club in 2002.
Eaton served as the LHU men’s soccer coach from 1997 to 2002. He was named the 1997 PSAC Men’s Coach of the Year. While at the helm of the men’s program at Lock Haven, Eaton led the Bald Eagles to a 53-32-6 record, which included a remarkable 28-8-4 run in PSAC play. During that span, LHU finished as PSAC runner-up twice and made it to the PSAC semifinals in four of the five seasons.
Eaton has also served head coaching stints at Methodist College (Fayetteville, N.C.), Lycoming College (Williamsport, Pa.) and California (Pa.) University.
As a player at Lock Haven, Eaton was a four-year starter and key piece on the the 1984, ’86 and ’87 PSAC Championship teams. All three years, LHU advanced to the NCAA Tournament. The former team captain was a three-time All-Conference and All-Region player for the Bald Eagles. Eaton led the Bald Eagles in goals in 1986 and ’87 and was also named Academic All-American in 1987.
Eaton earned his Bachelor of Science in Recreation Management in 1988.
LHU Director of Athletes, Mark Sherburne is also pleased to have Eaton join the staff.
“I am very excited to have a coach of Rob’s caliber and expertise lead our women’s soccer program into the future,” said Sherburne. “As a former standout soccer player at LHU and a long-time resident of the area, his familiarity with the University and PSAC will be huge assets to the growth of our program. He has a strong recruiting network and established relationships with our alumni as well as the local community.”
“I am also very proud of the effort and dedication of current interim head coach Lynnette Reitz and graduate assistant coach Kati Shaner, for their continued leadership of our team and assistance as we completed the search and prepare for future transition. They have, and continue to be great ambassadors for our athletic department, university and soccer programs.”
