Hayden Barbosa
Hayden Barbosa

Bio

Hayden Barbosa is in his seventh season as the head men’s soccer coach at Rivier University in 2023.

Barbosa has brought unparalleled enthusiasm and experience to Rivier since taking on his role in 2017.  With the focus on instilling a solid team culture combined with successful recruiting methods and recent field renovations.  Barbosa is confident the program is heading in the right direction.

The 2021-2022 year saw the program's best achievements since 2017 when Barbosa and his staff brought in 22 freshmen and two transfers to join his upperclassmen and reenergize the program. One of the year's most notable moments was a 3-2 conference win over Lasell University. The second time in program history.  A 6-0 win over non-conference foe Northern Vermont University-Lyndon and capturing their first Rivier University Spring Tournament (R.U.S.T.) title on Sunday, April 24th, 2022.

Barbosa also served as the Assistant Coach at his Alma mater, Lasell University, from 2011-2014. While at Lasell, his primary responsibilities were training goalkeepers and overseeing all recruiting efforts. His first recruiting class consisted of Division I and II prospects and transfers who came in to contribute to an overall 15-4-1 record. The following year they finished with a 17-4-2 overall record, as GNAC finalists and an ECAC appearance. Graduating several All-Conference and All-Americans who have moved on to play at the next level both at home and abroad.

Barbosa also served as the assistant coach at Daniel Webster College during its most historical seasons. He served DWC for two seasons (‘14-’15). His role with scouting, coupled with his contribution to tactical implementation, helped the program to achieve 15-6-1 and 18-4 overall records, back-to-back NECC champions, and 2 NCAA appearances.

In 2016, he served as Head Coach for the Greater Lowell United F.C. “Dragons” in their final season in the NPSL (National Premier Soccer League). A 4th-tier Amateur Professional team in the American soccer pyramid. During this season, he showcased some of the area’s most talented Div. I, II, and III players captured 4th place in one of the most competitive conferences in the country. The club also sent four players to the NPSL Combine.

Barbosa’s collegiate playing career began at Dean College, where he was a starter for two years. After graduating with his Associate's Degree in Early Education in 2002, Hayden was then recruited to play for the Lasell University Lasers. It was during his playing days at Lasell the right fullback found his stride. Barbosa led the defense through the program's first NAC championship title in 2004 and its first birth into the NCAA tournament in 2005. In two years, he boasts 11 assists and 1 goal. In addition to being selected to the First Team All-Conference in 2004, he was the program’s first player to be selected to participate in the prestigious NEISL All-Star game, which is a selection of the best Div. I, II, and III senior student-athletes.

At the mere age of 17, Barbosa was a member of the “Dracut Frontline” in the historical American Indoor Soccer League, an amateur, professional league. He was also a member of the New Hampshire’s Olympic Development Program and was selected for the national pool twice. Hayden’s also a proud member of the ’98 Nashua High School South, Class “L” State Champions, and was an All-State selection in 2000.

In addition to Barbosa’s head coaching role, he is the Rivier University Athletic Department’s Assistant Sports Information Director and Diversity Equity and Inclusion Representative. Holds several advanced Coaching Licenses through the USC (formerly NSCAA) and has a background in education and sports management. He is the proud son of Debra and the local soccer legend, Manny “Boom-Boom” Barbosa. He currently resides in Nashua with his wife Kerry and their three children, Tiana, Armani, and Mia.