James Thorpe enters his third season on the Aces’ women’s soccer coaching staff in 2012. Thorpe, a former MLS goalkeeper for DC United, trains Evansville’s goalies, as well as runs the team’s off-season workouts. He has played a huge role in transforming senior Chaviel Harrison into one of the top goalkeepers in UE history, as she has rewritten the Aces’ record book year after year. Under the direction of Thorpe, Harrison broke the single-season save record as a sophomore with 116, topping the old record of 105 set in 1993. In 2011, Harrison shattered the record again, finishing the season ranked fifth in the nation with 136 saves.
As a player, Thorpe competed for DC United in 2008 against Mexican First Division opponent Cruz Azul in a CONCACAF Champions League match, in addition to playing in seven matches in Reserve Division play. In 2009, Thorpe played in the USL for the Western Mass Pioneers.
At Franklin Pierce University, Thorpe led his team to the NCAA Division II title in 2007, earning the NSCAA Division II National Player of the Year award. The native of East Longmeadow, Mass. was a three-time NSCAA All-American as well as the NE-10 Goalkeeper of the Year three years in a row.
"James’ role has expanded from working solely with our goalkeepers to training the entire team during the off-season,” said Head Coach Krista McKendree. "He has added a new dimension to our team with his warm-up routine for the players. His experience as a player combined with his passion for the game has made James a very good addition to our staff. The whole team has benefited from his experience as both a collegiate and professional player.”
