Decorated player with a decade of collegiate coaching brings a whole-player philosophy
Greenville, SC – March 25, 2026 – Greenville Liberty SC today announced Abby Minihan as the team’s new head coach, marking a new chapter as the organization continues to invest in women’s soccer and create more opportunities for players across the Upstate. Minihan comes to the Liberty with over ten years of collegiate coaching experience, along with a background in leadership and performance psychology.
A member of the University of Michigan Athletics Hall of Honor and a finalist for the Hermann Trophy, Minihan most recently served as head coach of the women’s soccer team at USC Upstate, where she guided the program through consistent growth and on-field progress, including a Division I-era record for wins in a season and notable defensive improvements.
“I’m incredibly excited about this opportunity and the chance to be part of what the Liberty is building,” said Minihan. “There is already a strong foundation in place, and I look forward to helping shape a team culture that competes at a high level.”
Minihan joins the club as Greenville Pro Soccer prepares to open GE Vernova Park at BridgeWay Station in June, marking an important milestone for both the Liberty and Greenville Triumph, improving the matchday experience and supporting the club’s long-term vision for soccer in the Upstate.
The Liberty will field a U20 team this summer, competing in a six-game schedule from mid-June through late July, with the potential for postseason play. Visit www.greenvilleliberty.com for schedule and ticket details as they become available.
Before joining USC Upstate, she had coaching roles at Syracuse, Michigan, Liberty, and Western Michigan, as well as previous head coaching experience at Pittsburgh-Bradford and Anderson University.
Her experience in the game goes beyond coaching. A four-year starter at Michigan, Minihan was a three-time First-Team All-Big Ten selection, Big Ten Player of the Year, and an All-American, and she later competed professionally and with the U.S. U-21 National Team.
In recent years, Minihan has broadened her focus beyond the pitch – earning a master’s degree in human resource development and studying team performance, leadership, and organizational effectiveness. She has also served as a certified strengths coach, helping athletes gain a better understanding of themselves and how they contribute within a team setting.
That perspective now shapes her coaching philosophy and approach with the Liberty.
“I’ve always believed that when athletes understand who they are—not just what they do—they perform more freely and compete at a higher level,” Minihan said. “For me, it’s about developing the whole player. If we can build confident, resilient individuals, the performance will follow.”
Minihan’s blend of high-level playing experience, college coaching background, and emphasis on leadership development aligns with the club’s future direction.
“Abby brings the ability to develop players while building a strong, connected team environment,” said Zach Prince, General Manager and Sporting Director for Greenville Triumph and Greenville Liberty. “That balance is critical for where we are as a club, and we’re excited about how she’ll shape this group both on and off the field.”
“This is an important moment for the Liberty and for the continued growth of women’s soccer in Greenville,” said Wallace Cheves, chairman of Greenville Pro Soccer. “We’re building something that will have a lasting impact, and Abby is the right leader to help shape what comes next.”
