WASHINGTON – American University women's soccer head coach Phil Casella has announced the addition of Nicolas Lancaster as the program's goalkeeping coach prior to the start of the 2026 season.

"We are excited to welcome Nicolas to the American University women's soccer staff as our new goalkeeping coach," said Casella. "Throughout this process, Nicolas stood out for his commitment to goalkeeper development and his ability to create a competitive training environment that will prepare our student-athletes to perform at the level we expect. His attention to detail, passion for teaching the position, and dedication to helping players grow will be tremendous assets to our program. We are looking forward to getting started and welcoming Nicolas to the AU family."

Lancaster has been the Goalkeeping Coach for Maryland United FC since January, 2026, and is also the Director of Goalkeeping for Montgomery Soccer Inc. (MSI) where he oversees goalkeeper development across multiple age groups and levels. He also works with MSI's 2008 Girls Gold (U19) team, assisting with individual development plans, training sessions and player feedback.

Prior to arriving in the DMV area, Lancaster gained collegiate coaching experience as an assistant coach at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Seton Hill University. 

A former collegiate goalkeeper, Lancaster was a member of the Seton Hill University men's soccer program from 2018-22, competing in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC). He holds a United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Goalkeeping Diploma and a USSF National D License.

Lancaster earned his bachelor's degree in communications with a minor in sports management from Seton Hill in 2022 before completing a master's degree in sports management at Indiana University of Pennsylvania in 2023.