Erie, Pa. – Associate Head Coach Austin Solomon was named Mercyhurst's new head men's soccer coach, as announced by Assistant Vice President for Athletics Brad Davis. 

The 12th head coach in the men's soccer program's history, Solomon replaces Ryan Osborne who accepted a position on the coaching staff at the University of Wisconsin. 

"I am thrilled to name Austin our next head coach," said Davis. "Austin has been a fixture on the staff for ten years, and he's more than ready to continue the culture and success the program has established regionally and nationally."

Solomon joined the coaching ranks for the Lakers in 2013 as a graduate assistant before becoming an assistant coach prior to the 2015 season and the associate head coach in February of 2018. During his time as a member of the sideline, he helped coach Mercyhurst to five PSAC regular season titles and three PSAC Tournament Championships, with the most recent coming in 2022 when the team finished 19-1-1 with a perfect 10-0 record in conference play. Over the course of his time on the sidelines, Mercyhurst has amassed a record of 128-44-10 for a winning percentage of .703.

"First and foremost, I'd like to thank Assistant Vice President for Athletics, Brad Davis, for his support and trust during this transition," said Solomon. "This program means a great deal to me and leading it in this new role fills me with excitement and pride. Having gone through this program as a player and an assistant coach, I have several former teammates, players, coaches, and administrators to thank for their impact in my life. Their support has been immense and a reminder that this program goes so much more beyond soccer."

Solomon first joined the Lakers in 2009 as a player, seeing time on the field through the 2012 campaign. The native of Tegucigalpa, Honduras was named the captain for the 2012 season and helped lead the team to their first-ever PSAC regular season title and PSAC Tournament title. That season also saw Mercyhurst make it to the NCAA DII National Semifinals with Solomon playing a major part, scoring the game-winning goal against Gannon in the Sweet 16.

"Fall is around the corner and the whole focus is on the preparation for the season," said Solomon. "I am thrilled to work towards our goals with this talented and driven group of student-athletes, and add to the program's tradition of excellence."