EIU Names Mark Hansen as Men's Soccer Head Coach

Eastern Illinois, a Summit League affiliate member for men's soccer, named Mark Hansen as its new head coach. Below is the official EIU press release.




CHARLESTON, Ill. – Eastern Illinois Vice President for Student Affairs and Interim Athletic Director Dr. Dan Nadler announced today that Mark Hansen has been hired as the head coach of the Panther men’s soccer program.  

Hansen joined the men’s soccer staff at EIU in the fall of 2009 and worked as the program’s goalkeepers coach and recruiting coordinator through the 2013 season.  He has overseen the day-to-day operations of the program during the spring of 2014.

“Mark is a great fit for this position as we move forward with the men’s soccer program here at Eastern Illinois,” stated Nadler.  “As an alumnus and former assistant coach for the Panthers he is familiar with the tradition of EIU soccer and understands what it will take to make this a competitive program in The Summit League.”

"I would like to thank Dr. Nadler for giving me the opportunity to be the next head men's soccer coach at Eastern Illinois University,” said Hansen.  “I am very excited for the future of EIU Men's Soccer and I look forward to competing for Summit League championships and NCAA Tournament appearances on a consistent basis, as well as working with our student-athletes in helping them become young adults who will represent EIU with class and integrity both on and off the field."

Hansen played for the Panthers from 2005-08 guiding the Panthers to 34 wins during his career and back-to-back double-figure win seasons (2006 and 2007) for the first time since 1988-89. He finished his career with a 1.17 goals against average, the best career average in school history.

In 2010, Hansen saw goalkeeper Sean Molony earn Missouri Valley Conference honors as he was selected to the honorable mention team after finishing the year with the third most shutouts (4) and saves (84) in the conference. As a team, the Panthers posted the fourth best goals against average in the MVC and had the third most saves.

In addition to his role at EIU, Hansen serves as the director of coaching for the Eastern Illinois F.C. and assists in coordinating all camps and clinics for the men's soccer program. He recently stepped down from his position as the goalkeeper coach for the Olympic Development Program for Central Illinois.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and sports studies in 2009 before earning his master’s degree in sports administration 2010.

Hansen resides in Charleston with his wife Rachel, the director of marketing for the Panther athletic department.