Hartwick Names Knapp Head Women’s Soccer Coach
ONEONTA, NY – On Wednesday, July 12, Dr.
Kim Fierke announced the hiring of
Brian Knapp as the new head women's soccer coach at Hartwick College. Knapp has served as the assistant coach with the Hawks for the last two seasons and he becomes ninth coach in program history.
"After an extensive interview process, it was clear that Brian was the top choice to become the head women's coach," said Fierke. "Brian demonstrated the ability to be a strong leader for the program and identified a clear path to continue its success. He will do a fantastic job."
This past fall, Knapp helped lead the Hawks to a record of 10-5-3, which marked the second straight season the program has reached 10 victories. In addition, the team earned a berth in the Empire 8 Conference playoffs for the first time since 2002 and defeated local rival SUNY Oneonta for the first time since 1997.
"I'd like to thank Dr.
Kim Fierke and the search committee for giving me this fantastic opportunity," stated Knapp. "I am grateful and excited to continue to build off the recent success of the women's soccer program and help take it to the next level."
Prior to his arrival, the former Division I standout spent two seasons as an assistant at Buffalo State. Knapp helped the Bengals to back-to-back appearances in the SUNYAC semifinals, an overall record of 18-14-7, and a conference mark of 10-6-2.
Knapp also spent one season as an assistant coach with the men's soccer program at his alma mater, the University at Buffalo, in 2012. He coaches with Black Watch Western New York Premier Soccer Club and Soccer for Success in Buffalo and has coaching experience as an assistant at Genesee Community College and with the Ha Tae Yo Youth Football Club in South Korea.
Knapp holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) E level coaching license and a D level license from the Asian Football Confederation and Korean Football Association.
As a college player, Knapp played for the UB Bulls from 2003-2006. The program improved from just one win in his freshman season to a program-record 14 victories in his junior campaign, which saw the Bulls crack the national polls. An All-Mid-American Conference pick his senior season, he finished his collegiate career ranked eighth in assists with 14.
Following his days at UB, Knapp played professional futsal for four years in the South Korean FK-League with Yes Gumi Futsal Club and for Gyeongsan Five Star Futsal Club. He led his team in both goals and assists before being brought on to the United States Futsal National Team as a reserve. In addition, Knapp played professionally for the MASL's Rochester Lancers.
Knapp earned a bachelor's degree in history from UB in 2007. He is currently pursuing a master's degree in special education.