Western Michigan University Athletics

Paige Eli was named assistant women's soccer coach on Jan. 5, 2023 after spending eight seasons at Davenport University, the last four as head coach of the Panthers.

Eli's second season with the program (2024) was even better that the first, as the Broncos won the MAC regular season and tournament championships. That led to the Brown and Gold's first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2015. Eli helped the Broncos collect a 13-2-6 overall record, and Western Michigan became the first team in MAC history to record back-to-back undefeated seasons in conference play. The team also broke the record for the longest unbeaten streak in program history, going 16 consecutive matches without a loss. 

The 2024 squad had four All-MAC selections, and Jen Blitchok became the first All-American in program history. She led the nation in points and was named a First Team Academic All-American as well. Blitchok was joined by Madi Canada, Heidi Thomasma and Abby Werthman on both the All-MAC and All-Region Teams. 

In her first season with the Broncos (2023), Eli helped guide the team to its first ever MAC regular season championship. WMU was just the fifth team in MAC history to have an undefeated conference record (8-0-3). With that, the team broke the record for longest unbeaten streak in program history (11 games).

Not only did the team have success under her guidance, but six players were named to the All-MAC Team, while two others were able to win specialty awards. She played a key role in developing Mira Pierre-Webster into the MAC Defensive Player of the Year and Laurren Boafo into the MAC Goalkeeper of the Year. Along with Pierre-Webster and Boafo, Jen Blitchok, Abby Werthman, Jenna Blackburn and Brille Gomez were All-MAC selections.  

Prior to taking over at the helm for DU, Eli was an assistant coach for four seasons and helped guide the program during the transition into Division II and the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. The Panthers qualified and played in the GLIAC Tournament in each of the four years with Eli as the head coach.  

Eli played and graduated at Davenport University, playing four seasons and racking up 29 goals and 22 assists. In her youth career she played with the Doncaster Rovers Belles and represented England at the U17 and U19 National Team levels, while playing in the 2008 U17 World Cup.