Sam Etherington Season 2026
Sam Etherington enters her first season as a full-time assistant coach for LSU Soccer after serving five years as the program’s Director of Operations. Since arriving in Baton Rouge in 2021, Etherington has been an integral part of LSU’s sustained success, contributing to five consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, a SEC tournament championship appearance, and national rankings as high as No. 5.
A native of Newcastle-upon-Tyne, England, Etherington brings a diverse coaching background spanning youth development through Division I soccer. She previously served as head coach at Louisiana College (2015–20), assistant coach at Idaho State (2020–21), and graduate assistant coach at the University of Dubuque (2013-2015). Across those roles, she has been heavily involved in player development, recruiting, scouting, and program operations. In addition to her collegiate experience, Etherington has been active in elite youth development, serving with the Olympic Development Program both within the state of Louisiana and on region staff, and most recently as a coach for the Louisiana TDP 2009 Girls Academy team.
While at the University of Dubuque, Etherington played a critical role in the program’s historic success, helping guide the Spartans to their first-ever IIAC Conference Championship and Conference Tournament Championship. Dubuque also earned its first NCAA Tournament appearance and achieved its first national ranking, climbing to No. 22 in the country. During her five-year tenure at Louisiana College, she led the program to the best start in school history (3–0–0) in her debut season and served in leadership roles across campus, including the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee and the university’s strategic planning committee. At Idaho State, she contributed to recruiting efforts, scouting reports, and overall program management while the team posted a 3.73 GPA, the highest in recent years.
Most recently, while coaching the Louisiana TDP 2009 Girls Academy team, Etherington helped guide the group to a Girls Academy National Semifinal in 2025 and celebrated the first-ever U.S. Youth National Team call-up for a Louisiana TDP player.
As Director of Operations at LSU, Etherington oversaw travel logistics, budget management, equipment coordination, game day organization, and overall program operations, while remaining closely connected to the coaching process. Her transition to an on-field role reflects her long-standing commitment to development and leadership within the program.
A standout student-athlete at Nicholls State from 2008–11, Etherington appeared in 70 matches with 66 starts, recording five goals and 11 assists. She served as team captain her senior season and was named Team MVP as both a junior and senior.
Etherington holds a USSF B License, FA Level 1, United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma, and United Soccer Coaches Goalkeeping Level 2 License. In 2015, she was selected to the United Soccer Coaches “30 Under 30” program, participating in a year-long mentorship initiative designed to develop emerging leaders in the coaching profession. Most recently, in 2024, she was chosen as part of the second Coach Credentialing Cohort with United Soccer Coaches, completing a year-long program focused on elevating standards within the collegiate coaching landscape.
She earned her bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences from Nicholls State in 2013 and her master’s degree in Communications from the University of Dubuque in 2015.