KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Mar. 3, 2021) – United Soccer Coaches announced today that after a nationwide search, Patricia “Trish” Hughes is its new College Programs Officer and she will officially start on March 8. She is taking the place of Rob Kehoe who is retiring after 12 years in the role. Those interested in getting to know Hughes and her future plans for the role, can join us for a free webinar hosted by United Soccer Coaches Podcast Host Dean Linke on Tuesday, March 9 at 1 PM EST/Noon CST.
The College Programs Officer serves as the advocate for the association’s college members and the college game with the NCAA and other college soccer governance bodies. It is also the liaison for college soccer coaches to organizations including US Soccer, MLS, NWSL, NCAA committees and represents United Soccer Coaches on the Intercollegiate Coaches Association Coalition (ICAC)
“We are very excited to welcome Trish to this important role,” said Lynn Berling-Manuel, CEO of United Soccer Coaches. “This is a crucial position for our association’s advocacy for college soccer and Trish’s wide ranging background in college athletics really gives her a full toolbox to draw from.” The position reports directly to the CEO.
Hughes was selected from an initial pool of over 140 applicants that were reviewed by a Search & Screening Committee chaired by former University of Washington Head Coach Lesle Gallimore. It was composed of a diverse group of college coaches that represented all divisions and both genders. The committee distilled it down to a final four candidates that were then vetted by senior staff and Berling-Manuel who made the final selection.
“I am thrilled to join the United Soccer Coaches team as the College Programs Officer and grateful for this opportunity to lead, serve and represent our college coach members,” said Patricia Hughes. “This opportunity positions me to draw from all my soccer experiences as a student athlete, college coach and administrator to serve the association and its stakeholders moving forward with dedication, and commitment. I am excited to get to work, advocate and build an inclusive culture that represents college coaches at every level.”
Hughes comes to the position after three and half years as Athletic Director of Salem College in Winston-Salem, NC. During her successful tenure at Salem, she led multiple community initiatives, developed a college-wide NCAA Compliance education program, and implemented and monitored Title IX training strategies plans and processes. Her career path has included not only athletic administration at Salem, the University of New Haven and the University of Montevallo, but a wide variety of NCAA committees and projects, head soccer coach roles at the University of Montevallo and Belmont University, assistant coach at Auburn University and a stint as Director of Operations for a large youth soccer club. She also had a playing career, which included both college and appearances for the Ireland Women’s National Team.
“Salem produces leaders—and we have done so for nearly 250 years,” said Susan Henking, Salem College Interim President. “Whether students, faculty or people like Trish Hughes who served as our director of athletics, we are leaders who learn. And, we are very proud that Trish Hughes will continue to lead in her new position, following her passion for soccer.”