Hall of Fame
From his start as a student-athlete to serving as an administrator, Tommy Lillard ('79) made numerous contributions to RU Athletics. A member of the inaugural men's soccer team, he served as assistant and then head coach for six seasons (1980-85). Instrumental in the men's program's transition to NCAA Div. I, he was also pivotal in the formation of women's soccer in 1981, serving as its first head coach. 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.
