Luca Mellor named head coach of Eastern University men’s soccer

A former Villanova standout and West Chester United stalwart is stepping up to head Eastern University men’s soccer.

Luca Mellor, who had served as an assistant in the program, was named head coach last month. He fills the position vacated by Glodi Konga’s resignation.

“Luca brings a wealth of knowledge to the position and has a deep understanding the rich history of the Eastern Men’s soccer program,” Eastern University Athletic Director Eric McNelley stated in a news release announcing the hiring.

Originally from the U.K., Mellor grew up around the game. His father coaches in the Manchester United youth system and Mellor played in that system until moving to Bradford City. He captained the U18 side and made several appearances with the U21 group before coming to the United States for college. He began his college career in the ACC at Pitt where he started 16 matches. He transferred to nearby Villanova and played in nine games for the Wildcats his first season there. In his final two years at Villanova, Mellor started 34 matches.

In addition to serving as an assistant the last two seasons, Mellor earned a degree from the Templeton Honors College and has served the department as an academic success counselor.

“It will be my honor to lead this program and the young men that make it,” Mellor stated in a news release. “I hope to further develop the relationships I have with the current players and coaches as we strive as a program towards excellence. We will carry out the Eastern mission together.”

Outside of coaching, Mellor has been an integral player for West Chester United the past several seasons. He helped anchor a defense that won the club’s second Werner Fricker Cup title in Tennessee last summer. He’s one of several players who have participated in West Chester United’s adult program – led by coach Blaise Santangelo – and are currently coaching in the area.