Colby Cunningham 2019-20 Women's Soccer Staff

Colby Cunningham is in his second season as an assistant coach with the Fighting Irish.

In 2020, the Irish had a number of individual offensive breakout seasons under Cunningham’s tutelage. Juniors Eva Hurm and Sammie Fisher both earned All-ACC third team honors after leading the Irish in goals, assists and points. Sophomore Luisa Delgado returned from injury and finished second in assists (4) and third in goals (4) and points (12).

Cunningham also worked with graduate transfer Autumn Smithers. She started every game for the Irish at center back and led the team in minutes with 1,811. She tallied her a brace in the 2-1 comeback road win over Western Michigan. She played 90 plus minutes in 12 of the 21 games this season, including playing every minute of the final four games of the season.

In his first year with the Irish, he worked with Sabrina Flores in her final season with the Irish. Flores was selected by SkyBlue FC in the 2019 NWSL Draft and is currently playing overseas with Sevilla FC.

Prior to Notre Dame, Cunningham spent two years as an assistant for men’s team at Saginaw Valley State. He helped the Cardinals to tremendous success in his times, winning a GLIAC Championship in 2016 and 2 NCAA Tournament births. The Cardinals compiled a record of 28-9-3 during the 2016 and 2017 seasons while producing two All-Americans, 18 All-GLIAC, two Freshman of the Year, a GLIAC Defensive Player of the Year and GLIAC Goalkeeper of the Year. 

He served as an assistant coach for three seasons at Detroit City FC while they competed in the NPSL Members Cup. During his time at DCFC, which boasts one of the largest fan bases in all of North America, they reached three playoff appearances and two runs in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup before losing to USL Championship team Louisville City FC in penalty kicks in 2016.

Colby also has experience coaching at the club level, where he coached with Liverpool International Academy – Michigan and the Olympic Development Program. 

Cunningham played at Oakland University during the 2007-08 season where he earned an All-Academic award as well as earning his bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. He also played in Lørsenskog, Norway for the third division team Fjellhamar FK. He currently holds his USSF “B’ License as well as an NSCAA National Diploma.