Women's Soccer: Brooke Hutchinson named new Head Coach
(Nashua, New Hampshire) Brooke Hutchinson has been named Rivier University's Head Coach for Women's Soccer, Athletic Director Joanne Merrill announced on Monday morning. Hutchinson becomes just the seventh Head Coach since the Raiders began play in the Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) back in the fall of 1995. Alongside her responsibilities on the pitch, Hutchinson will also assist the department with game management duties.
Hutchinson returns to the Nashua area after spending several seasons as an assistant across New England. Last season she spent time as the Assistant Coach at Wheaton (Mass.) College and helped guide the Lyons to a 15-3-1 overall record, 8-2 mark against NEWMAC opponents and saw five student-athletes earn All-Conference accolades including Rookie of the Year.
"I'm honored to be given the opportunity to grow the Women's Soccer program and be a part of the Rivier University community" Hutchison commented on accepting the position. "I've been fortunate to learn as an assistant from some excellent head coaches who have helped prepare me for the next step in my coaching career. I'm very much committed to the development of our program over time and I'm really looking forward to the start of our season next month"
Previous to her stint in Norton, she was an Assistant Coach at Eastern Nazarene College in Quincy, Mass. for three seasons. She also spent time as an Assistant Director of the Seacoast United Sports Club and spent time as the Head Soccer Trainer at The Net Sports Academy (Merrimack, N.H.) and Head Coach of Nashua World Cup.
"We are excited to have Brooke join our Rivier Athletics Family." Merrill commented. "Brooke brings with her valuable experience at the Division III level, both as a student-athlete and a coach. She also has a fantastic knowledge of the game and a passion for player development and recruiting."
The Hampstead, N.H. native, and Pinkerton Academy graduate, is very familiar with the GNAC as she was a four-year standout at Johnson and Wales University (R.I.) from 2005-2008. An All-GNAC performer in 2008, she appeared in 77 games for the Wildcats, tallying seven goals and 16 assists for 30 points while being named team captain in her junior and senior years. In 2005, she helped the Wildcats capture the GNAC Championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament. Hutchinson wrapped up her playing career as a member of the Seacoast United Phantoms in the Women's Professional Soccer League for two seasons.
"With Brooke's leadership we firmly believe that this will mark a new era for our Women's Soccer program at Rivier and we're excited for what lies ahead." Merrill continued.
The Hutchinson era will begin on Saturday, September 1st as the Raiders travel to Franklin, Mass. for a 12pm kickoff at Dean College. The first home game of the 2018 season is scheduled for Monday, September 10th against Norwich University.
