Marty Gordon
Radford University has honored a former coach by naming the soccer field at the school after him.
Tommy Lillard was not only a member of Radford University’s men’s soccer team, but also served as the head coach for both the men’s and women’s teams. The announcement of the Tom Lillard ’79 Field at Patrick D. Cupp Memorial Stadium was made during Radford’s annual Red and White Gala in the Dedmon Center.
Lillard served as assistant and then head coach for six seasons (1980-85). Instrumental in the men’s program’s transition to NCAA Division I, he was also pivotal in the formation of women’s soccer in 1981, serving as its first head coach. In 2014, Lillard was inducted into Radford University’s Athletics Hall of Fame for his accomplishments.
With the men, Lillard guided RU to an NAIA district title in 1980 and a Virginia Intercollegiate (VISA) title in 1981, earning VISA Coach of the Year. In his final season, he guided RU to a 5-1 Big South finish and its first title game appearance. Lillard also served RU Athletics in various administrative roles until 2008.
In 2017, Radford University selected Lillard to fill the vacant position of associate vice president for University Advancement.
