Paul Jennison

Coaching Licenses

• USSF A-Youth License
• USSF Grassroots Instructor License
• United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma
• United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma

Paul Jennison was named an assistant men’s soccer coach on June 13, 2024. He comes to Columbia after spending four years as the head of goalkeeping at the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Fla.  He was tasked with leading all aspects of the goalkeeping program.

Jennison’s coaching career began with a nine-year tenure as a Wellness Teacher and Head Boys / Girls-Varsity coach at the St. Charles East High School in St. Charles, Ill. Prior to IMG, Jennison was an assistant coach for three seasons at Northwestern University, helping the team achieve two NCAA post season appearances.

With 17 years coaching experience, Jennison has extensive goalkeeping knowledge involving USL League Two, U.S. Soccer Training Centers, Director of Goalkeeping Illinois ODP, Midwest Region ODP and coaching internationally with the British Virgin Islands Men’s National Team.

A strong advocate of Coaching Education, he earned a U. S. Soccer National “A-Youth” License and Grassroots Instructor License. He also holds a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma and a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma, both he earned with distinction.

Originally from Middlesbrough, England, he attended Parkland College in Champaign, Ill, in 2003 and 2004, where he earned several accolades. He transferred to Eastern Illinois  where he played his final two seasons.

Jennison graduated in 2008 from Eastern Illinois with a bachelor’s degree in Physical Education. He earned a master’s degree in Kinesiology (Coaching) from Georgia Southern University in 2014.

Jennison arrives in Columbia with his wife Lauren and two daughters, Charlotte and Olivia.