Hayden Hollinger Joins Women’s Soccer as Volunteer Assistant Coach
LEXINGTON, Ky. – As preseason gets underway for Kentucky women’s soccer ahead of the 2021 season, Hayden Hollinger has joined the program as a volunteer assistant coach.
“Having the opportunity to bring in a young, talented coach like Hayden not only enhances the program but also shows how attractive Kentucky is as a destination which develops both players and coaches,” said head coach Ian Carry. “Coming from The Citadel and working under Ciaran Traquair, we knew his coaching ability and overall moral compass would be in line with what we have worked so hard to achieve. After being here only a short period of time, it is obvious he fits right into our environment, and ultimately our DNA.”
Prior to arriving in Lexington, Hollinger served as the graduate assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at The Citadel during the 2019 and 2020 seasons. He assisted the Bulldogs with the day-to-day running of the program as well as creating and running training sessions.
Hollinger’s first season at The Citadel was one for the record books. The program recorded six wins in 2019, setting the program record for most shots on goal in a season at 141. The Bulldogs tallied 31 goals and 27 assists during the season to rank fifth and third, respectively, in the record books.
The Bulldogs also recorded a victory in the opening round of the 2019 Southern Conference Tournament against East Tennessee State, marking the first time in school history The Citadel notched back-to-back tournament wins. Following the record-setting season, The Citadel landed one player on the All-Southern Conference Second Team as she became the first Bulldog since 2014 to earn the honor. Ten players were also named to the Academic All-SoCon Team, the most in program history.
The 2020 campaign was also remarkable for the Bulldogs with Hollinger on staff. The program earned their highest preseason pick since 2011 and had an individual preseason selection for the first time in seven years. They held a six-game unbeaten streak to match the longest set from 2011 and earned their first win in program history over conference rival Mercer, while the goalkeepers matched the school mark with five shutouts for the second-straight year and set a single-season record of 23 goals allowed.
Before his stint at The Citadel, Hollinger was the tournament director and academy coach at Global Premier Soccer. In that role, he directed the planning of the James Island Youth Soccer Club (JIYSC) fall and spring soccer tournaments and had a hand in sales, marketing, field planning, costs, and other key components of running a highly successful tournament. He also managed the JIYSC social media channels.
Hollinger was a youth soccer coach of three academy teams for JIYSC, which included planning and coaching sessions and other roles fundamental to leading a club team and creating an engaging learning environment for children ages 8-17 years. Under his direction, he guided the 2010 boys’ team to the No. 1 spot in the state and country in their age group.
Hollinger, who was named team captain as a senior, attended St. Mary’s University where he was a two-year starter at center back. Before joining the Rattlers, he spent his freshman and sophomore seasons at Hartwick College where he helped the Hawks to two Sunbelt Conference titles and NCAA Tournament appearances in 2014 and 2015. In Summer 2017, Hollinger competed for the Texas United PDL.
A native of Inverness, Scotland, Hollinger earned his BA in International Relations from St. Mary’s in 2018 and received his MBA at The Citadel in 2021. He also received his USSF D license in 2021.
For the latest on the Kentucky women’s soccer program, follow @UKWomensSoccer on Twitter and on Instagram, on Facebook, and on the web at UKathletics.com.
