Jan Hoffelner Announced as Kentucky Men’s Soccer Assistant Coach
LEXINGTON, Ky. – Kentucky men’s soccer head coach Johan Cedergren announced Friday that he has hired Jan Hoffelner to be an assistant coach.
Hoffelner joins the Kentucky men’s soccer coach staff as an alumni of the program, having played for Kentucky under Cedergren in 2021, where he was a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist and a United Soccer Coaches Association first team All-American.
“Having had the privilege of being part of the University of Kentucky program as a player, I have a deep understanding and appreciation for the values, culture, and opportunities this institution provides,” Hoffelner said. “The University of Kentucky fosters an environment that not only develops athletes but also prepares individuals for success beyond the field. What made my decision even easier was the incredible coaching staff. Their wealth of knowledge, experience, and commitment to their players’ development is unmatched. I am confident that under their guidance, I will be able to refine my skills, grow as a coach, and achieve both my professional and personal goals. Being part of a program with such a strong tradition and vision is truly an honor.”
Hoffelner has most recently worked with club teams stateside in the Atlanta metro area as he was the goalkeepers coach for East Atlanta FC, where he trained goalkeepers specifically. He then moved to the Gwinnett Soccer Academy where he conducted training sessions focusing on foundational skills, agility, and game fundamentals for goalkeepers.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jan Hoffelner back to Kentucky,” Cedergren said. “Throughout the interview process, Jan separated himself by showing his extensive knowledge of training the goalkeeper position as well as his love for the University of Kentucky and the program that he had a hand in building here. It’s always exciting to welcome alumni back home, but to be able to add someone of Jan’s caliber both tactically in meeting rooms, as well as instruction on the pitch, it elevates our staff to an elite level of coaching. We can’t wait to get started with Jan joining our staff.”
He graduated from St. John’s University in May of 2021 with a 3.9 GPA and a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration before moving to Kentucky in the fall of 2021 to complete his final year of eligibility with the Wildcats and earning a graduate certificate.
Hoffelner became the third Kentucky men’s soccer player to be a first team All-American in 2021, where he also was the Conference USA goal glove winner as the league’s top goalie and was named to the All-CUSA Tournament Team, as well. He finished the season ranked fifth in NCAA Division I in save percentage (.810), logging over 1,700 minutes in the net while only allowing eight goals.
Behind his leadership in the back, Kentucky posted a program-record 12 shutouts in his time as a Wildcat as Kentucky advanced to the round of 16 of the 2021 NCAA Men’s Soccer Championship after shutting out Santa Clara in the second round of the championship at the Bell Soccer Complex in Lexington.
For the latest on the Kentucky men’s soccer team, follow @UKMensSoccer on X, Facebook and Instagram, as well as on the web at UKAthletics.com.
