Mercy University Athletics

Paul Woodley, Class of 1990, came to the United States and Mercy College after playing his amateur soccer in Ireland. A native of Dublin, he competed with club teams such as NCR United, where he was named Most Valuable Player for three straight years and led the team to two straight championships.

Woodley went on to make the Amateur Team selects, which gave him a greater chance at being recognized. It was with this team that he was noticed by Mercy Coach Paul Wilson.

Woodley was offered a scholarship and came to the U. S. where he learned a more physical style of play than he was accustomed to in Ireland. He successfully made the transition and would go on to complete one of the most successful careers in program history.

Known for his defense out of the sweeper position, Woodley also posted nine points in 1986, scoring two goals and recording five assists. His efforts in the backfield helped the Flyers to a 15-4-1 overall record, a 5-1 mark in league play, a share of the Suburban Conference title, and a Top 20 national ranking.

In 1987, Woodley served as a co-captain during his junior season, helping to guide the team to another National Top 20 finish on the heels of a 13-6-3 overall record. The Flyers made an ECAC Tournament appearance that year as he chipped in three assists and was named First Team All-Suburban Conference, was a NSCAA All-American selection, and earned a spot on the Academic All-America team.

In his senior campaign of 1989, Woodley again played an integral part of one of the top defenses that allowed just over one goal per game. The Flyers went on to a 12-2-3 overall record and advanced to the NCAA Tournament regional finals, only the program's second NCAA bid ever at the time. He was again named to the Academic All-America team, while earning All-Conference and All-American honors.

Following his collegiate playing career, Woodley earned his bachelors degree in business, graduating with a 3.32 cumulative grade point average. He went on to serve one year as an assistant coach at Mercy and played for the New York Shamrocks, one of the oldest soccer clubs in New York. Woodley is now a carpenter with the Local 608. He and his wife, Kathleen, a teacher in Clarkstown, currently reside in Tarrytown.