![Welcome, Director of Soccer Derek Harrington!]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1768338648/mcauley/uobplly7gc4prdmnuqsd/harringtoncrop.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1768338648/mcauley/uobplly7gc4prdmnuqsd/harringtoncrop.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1768338648/mcauley/uobplly7gc4prdmnuqsd/harringtoncrop.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768338648/mcauley/uobplly7gc4prdmnuqsd/harringtoncrop.png","width":1080}])
Mercy McAuley High School is proud to announce the appointment of Derek Harrington as Director of Soccer, bringing a nationally respected leader, educator, and championship-winning coach to the Mercy McAuley family.
Mr. Harrington brings an extensive and distinguished résumé, having produced championship-winning soccer programs across the United States. His teams have captured five State Titles in four different states, reflecting a consistent record of excellence, leadership, and player development.
His coaching honors include being named Region and State All-Classification GACA Coach of the Year in 2023, Regional Coach of the Year in 2022 and 2023, Virginia Independent Schools BRC Coach of the Year in 2017, and Florida Coach of the Year in 2003. Beyond team success, Harrington has made a lasting impact on the broader soccer community through his service as Georgia ODP RIC Southeast Technical Lead and as a staff member for ODP programs in Georgia, Florida, Nebraska, and North Texas.
A highly credentialed professional, Mr. Harrington holds both U.S. National and
Harrington also brings a strong academic foundation, holding a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from the University of South Florida and a Bachelor’s degree in Education with Science from Bedford College of Higher Education in England. This combination of academic preparation and on-field experience uniquely positions him to mentor and develop student-athletes both athletically and personally.
With deep connections throughout the collegiate and professional soccer landscape, Mr. Harrington has helped place players at the collegiate and professional levels and has contributed to the development of tactical analysts for the U.S. Men’s National Team staff. In addition to his role at Mercy McAuley, Harrington also serves as a trainer for Cincinnati Elite FC (CEFC), a prominent youth soccer club in the Cincinnati area known for its strong commitment to player development.
“We are incredibly excited to welcome Mr. Harrington into the Mercy McAuley family,” said Jay Kramer, Athletic Director. “We feel extremely blessed to have someone of Derek’s extensive knowledge and exceptional experience leading our soccer program. His track record speaks for itself—he has won everywhere he has gone.”
In his role as Director of Soccer, Harrington will provide leadership, vision, and oversight for the entire soccer program, with a focus on player development, coach mentorship, and building a sustainable culture of excellence. Director Harrington will be responsible for all training programs, tryout structures, and roster planning. He will establish program-wide standards and expectations and ensure consistency in policies, discipline, and communication across the program. He will be an integral part of day-to-day soccer operations, as well as the recruiting, mentoring, and evaluation of coaches. This is a year-round position.
Mercy McAuley looks forward to the positive and lasting impact Director of Soccer Derek Harrington will have on its student-athletes, program, and community.