Paul Lawrence joined the Northwood University women’s soccer staff as an assistant coach in July of 2012. 

“I am thrilled to become a part of the Northwood family,” said Lawrence. “Haven spoken with Coach Pappas, and after visiting the campus, it was clear we shared the same visions for the program and his ambition matched mine. We are both committed to the future of the women’s soccer program and it is clearly an exciting time to be a part of Northwood University Athletics. I could not be more excited about this opportunity.”

Lawrence, a native of Bournemouth, England arrives at Northwood after serving as the Assistant Women’s coach at Alma College, where the team reached the NCAA tournament in his first season with the program. Besides winning the school’s first MIAA Tournament Championship in the 22-year history of the program, the Scots also notched the best record in school history at 18-4-1 record. Alma finished the season ranked 22nd in the NCAA. Lawrence was instrumental in the programs recruiting efforts and also served as the programs reserve team Head Coach. 

Lawrence joined the Scots in 2011 after two seasons at Bournemouth University. During that time he helped lead the men’s program to a National Championship appearance under the guidance of semi-professional player/coach Chris Knowles. 

Prior to his final season at Bournemouth, Lawrence was a Head coach with the Fusion team here in Midland. While with the Fusion, he spent time coaching a number of different age groups at the youth level as well as helping launch the Recreational Training Academy in 2009. Lawrence was able to gain early coaching experience as a volunteer assistant with various academy teams growing up in England while attending school. 

In the classroom, Lawrence earned his bachelor degree in Sports Development & Coaching Sciences with a 2:1 score from Bournemouth University in 2011, electing to revisit college in 2007 after working a number of professional employment business roles full-time. During his time at Bournemouth University Lawrence took a volunteer position with professional English club AFC Bournemouth where he assisted in player analysis and game video analysis. 

Lawrence currently holds a (NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, (NSCAA) Goalkeeper 1 & 2 and will be pursuing his USSF B in Jan 2014.

Paul currently resides in Mount Pleasant with his wife Maria and their new born London Olivia.