RIVERDALE, N.Y. - Manhattan College has named Ashley Hammond head men's soccer coach as announced by Director of Athletics Robert Byrnes on Thursday. The long-time New Jersey club coach becomes the program's seventh head coach in its 42 year history.
"We are excited to bring Ashley on board," Byrnes emphasized. "His vast coaching experience, passion to succeed and extensive track record of success will propel our program in the right direction. Ashley is a great addition to the Manhattan College community."
Hammond brings over 20-years of coaching experience to Riverdale. He has worked with the Montclair (NJ) United Soccer Club since 1987 and is in his 19th year serving as the Director of Coaching. In his time with Montclair United, Hammond has guided several teams renowned for their high level of technical skills and stylish passing to state and national prominence.
"I am very excited with this terrific opportunity at Manhattan College. And am very impressed with the pedigree of the current roster of Manhattan players and their unbridled enthusiasm to improve," said Hammond. "I passionately believe that the players with the best touch of the ball will always win in soccer. And moving forward, the Jaspers will play a pure -- and winning -- brand of soccer."
Hammond coaches the Montclair Aristocats (U18 girls) and Montclair Thunderbolts (U16 girls). Under his direction for the last 11 years, the Aristocats advanced to the State Cup Finals seven of the last eight years, and won four New Jersey titles (2002, 2005, 2007, 2009). In 2005, he led the Aristocats to the National Y League championship. The Aristocats are currently ranked the #1 Under-18 team in New Jersey, #2 in Region I amongst teams in the Northeast USA and #5 nationally. Hammond achieved similar success with the Thunderbolts since he stepped to the helm in 2004. The Thunderbolts advanced to back-to-back State Cup Finals (2007 & 2008), and then won the State Cup Championship in 2009. The Thunderbolts are currently ranked #14 in the United States, #3 in Region I and are the top team in New Jersey.
At the high school level, Hammond served as the Montclair Kimberley Academy boys coach from 1996-2000. He was named New Jersey Star Ledger Coach of the Year in 2000 after guiding the team to its second straight Colonial Hills Conference title and the County Championship. In 1999 Montclair Kimberley Academy won the 1999 Prep School State Cup.
Hammond is the co-owner and director of Sports Domain Academy which trains boys and girls, men and women under 18 in Montclair, N.J. Hammond has training experience and has conducted clinics on the international level with clubs such as with Norwich City FC (England), Colchester United FC (England), Queensland State Team (Australia), Olympiakos FC (Greece), Shorobe FC (Africa) and Sagamihara School (Japan). He has donated an annual soccer-training program in Maun & Kasane, Botswana (Africa) for the last eight years. In the United States, Hammond has previously worked with the New Jersey State Olympic Development Program (ODP) and the National Y League Training Camp in Florida.
Hammond graduated from Montclair State University in 1994 earning a bachelors degree in physical education and coaching. He co-authored Goal!: The Ultimate Guide for Soccer Parents (1999) with Gloria Averbuch whose daughter, Yael, is a player on the United States Women's national soccer team.
