Judson women's soccer head coach Diego Cevallos made former Judson men's soccer player Gareth Thornley one of his first appointments as an assistant coach. Thornley adds more international flavor to the coaching staff and has many experiences as both a player and coach.

Thornley, a native of Manchester, England, had an illustrious playing career in both England the the United States. He played professionally for Bolton Wanderers and Preston North End and also represented the England Schoolboys. In college, he played in four NAIA National tournaments with Lindsey Wilson (KY) and Judson. He spent his first two seasons at NAIA powerhouse Lindsey Wilson and helped them to back-to-back conference and regional titles along with a Final Four finish in the NAIA Tournament. In 2005, he transferred to Judson and won two more conference and regional championships with the Eagles. He also helped Judson two appearances at the NAIA National Tournament.

While at Judson, he was named to the All-Chicagoland Collegiate Athletic Conference team and was the "Defensive Player of the Year."

His coaching career in Chicago youth soccer is equally decorative where he has guided his teams to many league and tournament Championships. He is currently on the coaching staff at Cary Defenders.

Gareth holds a NSCAA National Diploma and UEFA C License.