Franklin Pierce University

Diego Thielen was named the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Franklin Pierce University in January 2026 after serving as the program’s First Assistant since 2023. He takes over one of the premier programs in NCAA Division II, having already played a key role in one of the most successful stretches in program history.

During his time on staff, the Ravens compiled an outstanding 45-7-11 overall record, highlighted by the 2023 NCAA Division II National Championship and back-to-back NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearances in 2024 and 2025. The 2023 squad finished a perfect 21-0-2, while the program also captured the 2025 Northeast-10 Conference Tournament title. Following the championship season, the coaching staff was recognized as the NCAA Division II National Coaching Staff of the Year and East Region Coaching Staff of the Year.

Thielen has also been instrumental in player development, helping mentor four All-Americans, 14 All-Region selections, and 28 All-Conference honorees during his tenure in Rindge.

Prior to Franklin Pierce, Thielen served as an assistant coach at Lenoir-Rhyne University from 2021-23. There, he helped guide the Bears to a 22-10-4 record, two NCAA Tournament appearances, and the 2022 South Atlantic Conference Tournament championship. He coached two All-Americans, three All-Region selections, and 10 All-Conference performers.

In 2022, Thielen also gained experience at the pre-professional level as the First Assistant Coach for Tri-Cities Otters FC of USL League Two, helping lead the team to a top-four finish.

Thielen began his collegiate coaching career at Ohio Valley University, where he served as a graduate assistant from 2019-21. During his tenure, the program posted a 24-6-2 record, including an undefeated 11-0 campaign in Spring 2021. The team captured both the GMAC regular season and tournament championships and finished the season ranked No. 3 nationally. Ohio Valley also made an NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 appearance in 2019, and the coaching staff was named Midwest Region Coaching Staff of the Year in 2021.

A former student-athlete at Ohio Valley, Thielen was part of multiple championship teams, including the 2017 GMAC regular season and tournament champions, while also advancing to the NCAA Division II Sweet 16. In 2018, he helped lead the program to a Midwest Region title and an Elite Eight appearance.

Thielen holds a Master of Arts in Education from Ohio Valley (2021) and a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management and Business Administration (2019). He also holds a U.S. Soccer Federation National C License, along with advanced certifications from FC Barcelona in team sports training and tactical analysis.