NEWARK, Del. - - Wilmington University Director of Athletics Dr. Stefanie Whitby has introduced Bryan Thorp as the next head coach of the women's soccer program.

"Coach Thorp's extensive experience at the collegiate level, along with his demonstrated leadership and success developing athletes from diverse backgrounds across the country, make him exceptionally well-suited to lead our women's soccer program," Dr. Whitby expressed. "We are excited to welcome him to Wilmington University and look forward to the continued growth and success of our program under his leadership."

Bryan Thorp takes over a women's soccer team that went 12-3-6 last year, winning its second Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament in program history and advancing to its third NCAA Division II East Region Tournament.

Thorp brings years of youth soccer experience to Wilmington, returning home in 2023 to become the Assistant Director of Delaware Football Club (FC) and the Elite Club National League Regional League (ECNL RL) Girls Director.

He's traveled all over the United States providing leadership, coaching education, and individual and program development plans, all on top of coaching and evaluating. He began in Livonia, Michigan, in 2008, eventually running the Michigan Wolves Hawks Soccer Club (SC) until 2017. He returned to the East Coast to become the USDA Academy Director at Continental FC Delco in Downingtown, Pa., through 2018, before becoming the Technical Director of the Louisiana Soccer Association in Baton Rouge, Louisianna.

Thorp then launched and managed the MLS NEXT program in Baton Rouge, overseeing the Louisiana Total Development Program (TDP) Elite through 2022 and then became the Player Development Director of the Oklahoma Celtic in Norman, Oklahoma, through 2023. He came back to the First State in 2023 and has been with Delaware FC out of Hockessin ever since.

"The WilmU women's soccer program has a strong foundation built by players, coaches, alumni, and supporters and that inspires me," Bryan Thorp said. "I am honored to carry this legacy forward. I look forward to working with our student-athletes to build a culture of commitment, growth, and merit on and off the field. I believe we have a bright future and am excited to chase accomplishments together."

The Delaware native has obtained a US Soccer and UEFA A Coaching Licenses, as well as a Scottish Football Association Talent ID Award.

Thorp becomes the sixth head coach of the Wildcats in its NCAA era and begins his tenure in May.