Dominic Gillespie enters his first season as the Assistant Women's Soccer Coach for the first team and Head Women's Soccer Coach of the development team at West Virginia State University in 2021.
Gillespie played as a goalkeeper and forward for Salem University and most recently served as the Goalkeeper Coach at Whitely Bay Football Club in England.
"I am delighted to have Dominic join our women's soccer program here at West Virginia State University," stated Mann on his hiring. "We are moving into our third phase of the program's development and Dominic is exactly what we need at this time. His character and knowledge of the game are going to help take our program to the next level."
Gillespie spent two years in charge of the goalkeepers at his hometown club before he joined the West Virginia State coaching staff. He was instrumental in player development, match day preparation, training session planning, and video analysis in his role at Whitely Bay FC.
"I am over the moon to be joining the West Virginia State women's soccer program and become a member of staff working with Coach Mann," said Gillespie upon his appointment. "The opportunity to work with Coach Mann and the players at State was a big factor in my decision to come here. I feel we have a highly talented group of players on our roster and I cannot wait to see how successful we can be."
Before he returned to his native country, Gillespie was an assistant on the Salem University women's soccer coaching staff. He led training sessions, developed goalkeepers, aided in player retention, and maintained facilities as some of his duties during the 2018 season.
Gillespie uniquely split time as both a forward and goalkeeper during his four-year collegiate career with the Salem Tigers from 2014-2017. He started his freshman and sophomore years as a goal scorer until being called on to keep goals out halfway through both seasons. He was eventually named the team's starting keeper in his junior year and remained between the posts for his senior campaign.
Gillespie earned a bachelor's degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Sports and Recreation Management and a master's degree in Business Management with a specialization in Project Management from Salem University. He also volunteered his time to coach the Mountain State Soccer U12 girls team while at Salem.
Gillespie holds coaching qualifications from both the FA and the USSF as well as refereeing qualifications from both the United States and England. He has been involved in the sport throughout his life and is driven by his passion for the game.
