Mercersburg Academy is pleased to announce the appointment of Tim O'Donohue as the director of soccer, head boys soccer coach, and English teacher, beginning July 1. 

Director of Athletics Lauren Jacobs notes, "We are excited to welcome Tim to the Mercersburg family. As director of soccer, Tim will build on the strong foundation of both the boys and girls programs by supporting recruiting, college placement, and coaching development, leveraging his expertise and broad network to help Mercersburg soccer continue to grow."

With this growth, Mercersburg will continue to benefit from the leadership and dedication of faculty members Skyler Clark (boys associate head coach) and Kristen Pixler P '26, '28 (girls head coach) who will remain on staff. Over the past three years, Clark has been instrumental in developing the boys program, leading the team to a 12-9-1 record in 2025, a second-place finish, and a PAISAA state quarterfinal appearance. Pixler has set the standard for excellence with the girls program, most recently winning the 2024 Commonwealth Cup. Together, their commitment to the program and strong relationships with student-athletes ensure continuity in order to elevate Mercersburg's already strong soccer culture.

O'Donohue brings more than 25 years of collegiate coaching experience at the NCAA Division I and III levels, along with a distinguished record of competitive success, leadership, and student-athlete development. Over his career, he has led teams to 16 NCAA tournament appearances, compiled a 225–95–58 career record, and earned national recognition as a program builder known for disciplined, high-performing teams.

Most recently, O'Donohue served as head men's soccer coach at the United States Naval Academy, where he guided the Midshipmen to the 2022 Patriot League championship and an NCAA tournament spot. His tenure at Navy included the longest winning streak in program history and national top-30 defensive rankings. Prior to Navy, he was the associate head men's soccer coach at the University of Connecticut where he led the team to three NCAA quarterfinals. As head men's soccer coach at Stevens Institute of Technology, O'Donohue led Stevens to an undefeated regular season in 2006, as well as to 10 NCAA appearances, including national finalists in 2008 and six Sweet 16s between 2003-2009.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, O'Donohue brings meaningful classroom experience and a strong commitment to education. He holds a B.A. from Muhlenberg College and has previously taught at the high school level. At Mercersburg, he will join the English department, where he looks forward to engaging students through inquiry-based learning, critical thinking, and real-world application.

"After 28 years in college soccer, I am excited to begin the next chapter of my career at Mercersburg Academy," O'Donohue said. "College athletics has given me extraordinary opportunities to coach, mentor, and compete at the highest level, and I am deeply grateful for the players, colleagues, and institutions that shaped my journey."

O'Donohue continues, "Mercersburg's commitment to the whole student—academically, athletically, and personally—strongly aligns with my own values as an educator and coach. I look forward to contributing to the classroom, the athletic program, and the residential community while continuing to mentor young people at a formative stage of their lives."

Head of School Quentin McDowell P '25, '27 noted the strength of O'Donohue's dual role. "I have known Tim and watched his stellar career for nearly 30 years. He exemplifies the kind of educator-coach we seek—someone who understands that learning happens everywhere," McDowell said. "His record of leadership, integrity, and mentorship at the highest levels of athletics, combined with his commitment to teaching, will have a lasting impact on our students and our community."

O'Donohue is widely respected in the soccer community for his emphasis on teamwork, accountability, and long-term development—principles that align seamlessly with Mercersburg's mission. His arrival marks an exciting new chapter for the soccer program and reinforces the school's commitment to excellence both on the field and in the classroom.