Shocking Move: Hauser Becomes Associate Head Coach—What This Means for Women’s Soccer!

Hofstra University's Head Women's Soccer Coach Simon Riddiough has announced the promotion of Kelsey Hauser to the role of associate head coach, following her impressive contributions during her seven seasons with the program. Riddiough praised Hauser, stating, "Kelsey is a tremendous coach and a huge asset to our program and me personally. This promotion is well-deserved and highlights her value to Hofstra women's soccer."

Since joining the Pride staff in 2019, Hauser has played a pivotal role in the team's achievements. Her first season saw Hofstra clinch its third consecutive CAA Championship while advancing to the NCAA Second Round. The team finished the regular season with an unbeaten 7-0-2 conference record and recorded five shutouts, allowing less than one goal per match against CAA opponents. In the spring 2021 season, Hofstra continued its success, posting a 7-1-1 overall record and claiming the CAA regular season title.

The fall of 2021 marked another remarkable year for the Pride, as they secured 17 victories and won the CAA Championship, all while conceding only 13 goals throughout 22 matches and achieving 13 total shutouts. The program added another championship in 2022 and advanced to the CAA semifinals in 2024, followed by a quarterfinal appearance in 2025, further solidifying its competitive stature in collegiate soccer.

Before her tenure at Hofstra, Hauser was the head coach at Clarkson University from 2015 to 2018. Under her leadership, the Golden Knights made their first-ever appearance in the Liberty League Tournament, and Hauser was honored as the Liberty League Coach of the Year in 2017. Her coaching prowess also helped mentor numerous all-conference and all-region student-athletes while maintaining high academic standards within the program.

Hauser's collegiate coaching experience extends beyond her time at Clarkson. She has previously served as an assistant coach at both Clarkson and Vassar College, contributing to teams that secured conference tournament appearances and improved their standings.

A native of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, Hauser was a standout player during her collegiate career at Skidmore College, where she earned first-team all-region honors over four seasons. She also received multiple all-conference accolades while helping the Thoroughbreds achieve two NCAA Tournament appearances. After graduating, Hauser continued her soccer journey by competing semi-professionally in the Women's Soccer Premier League.

Hauser holds an undergraduate degree in management & business with a minor in mathematics from Skidmore College, and she completed her MBA at Clarkson University. In recognition of her early contributions to the sport, she was selected to the United Soccer Coaches 30-Under-30 Class for 2020-21, a program that highlights young and emerging coaches in the game.

This promotion not only reflects Hauser's dedication to the Hofstra women's soccer program but also underscores the growing recognition of women's sports in collegiate athletics. With her expertise and commitment, the Pride looks to build on their recent successes and continue their upward trajectory in the competitive landscape of women's soccer.