Hoover Named New Soccer & Lacrosse Coach

After an extensive national search, Jonathan Hoover has been named the head coach for the Alfred State men's soccer and lacrosse teams. Hoover will begin his duties in mid-June.

Hoover joins the Pioneer athletic department from Franciscan University (Steubenville, OH) where he was an assistant coach for both the Barons men's soccer and lacrosse teams. He has spent the last three seasons coaching the defense, creating scouting reports on opponents, and assisting with lacrosse recruitment and the past two seasons assisting with player and team development, practice planning, and soccer recruitment.

Hoover is excited about the opportunity at Alfred State. "It has been a dream of mine to be a head coach at the collegiate level.  To get the chance to coach one sport is great, but to coach two sports that I am passionate about is even better."

Athletic Director Dr. Kelly Higgins is excited to have Hoover on board and excited to see him build both programs. "My thanks to the search committee in bringing forward high quality candidates capable of taking on the challenge of coaching both teams, and for the input I received from all involved in the process.  It was those efforts that made this choice possible.  Jonathan combines a passion for teaching and coaching with a background in coaching both lacrosse and soccer at the collegiate level. His background has him familiar with the area and our competition, and he exhibited a focus on excellence and student-athlete welfare can only bring out the best."

Dr. Skip Sullivan, college president, echoes Higgins' excitement. "Glad to welcome Coach Hoover to our staff.  We look forward to a great year in lacrosse and soccer.   The best is yet to come with Pioneer athletics."

Hoover holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from Wheeling Jesuit. He has taught social studies at the high school level at Indian Creek High School the past six years. Prior to coaching at Franciscan, Hoover was the head soccer coach at Indian Creek and led the team to an improved record in each of his seasons and to the school's first playoff win in 15 seasons.

Hoover is ready to begin preparation for the upcoming school year. "We have a lot of work to do as we prepare to improve on last season. I want my teams to play with integrity, to be committed to the overall team goals and to trust their teammates.  I also want my players to be respected not only on the field, but also in the classroom."

Hoover and his wife Hollie are the parents of four children, Sophia, Aurelia, Micah, and Olivia.

What others are saying about Coach Hoover

Ward Rogers: Head Soccer Coach at Franciscan University

"Jonathan has been a great contributor to the soccer program at Franciscan, both as a student of the game and a mentor to the players. He helped us develop the character of the team, preparing the student athletes for challenges in life as well as on the field. I am confident Jonathan will provide strong leadership as the soccer tradition at Alfred State continues to develop."

Pete Rosaschi: Head Lacrosse Coach at Franciscan University

"Jon has all the qualities that any school would want in a head coach. He has the ability to bring a team together as a family, and get the most out of each player individually."

Joe Dunlevy: Athletic Director at Indian Creek High School

"Jonathan Hoover is an outstanding person, father, husband, coach and teacher.  Alfred State's gain is definitely a big loss for all of us at Indian Creek.  I have worked alongside Jonathan as a teacher and a coach and the last five years as our athletic director.  He ran a tremendous program at our school as witnessed by the enthusiasm in the program and the increased number of athletes and the success of our program.   The athletes loved playing for him and his students enjoyed his class.  For me personally I did not have to worry about any problems in our soccer program.  I am sure he will build successful programs and even more important will be a great role model for the players in his program."