Jill Serafino hired as head women's soccer coach
INDIANOLA, Iowa – Simpson College announced Thursday the hiring of Jill Serafino as the next head coach of its women's soccer program.
Serafino comes to Simpson from Springfield College in Massachusetts, where she served as an assistant coach for the past three seasons. There, she helped Springfield to three straight NEWMAC Conference Championships as well as three trips to the NCAA Division III Tournament.
"I've wanted to lead a program, but I've been waiting for the right fit," Serafino said. "There is lots of potential at Simpson."
Boasting coaching experience at all levels of NCAA soccer, Serafino also served as the head coach of the New England Mutiny, a Women's Premier Soccer League team based out of Springfield. Prior to her stint at Springfield, she helped NCAA Division II American International College undergo a 13-win turnaround from 2006 to 2010.
"We are very excited to bring Jill on as the next head coach of our women's soccer program," Director of Athletics Brian Niemuth said. "She is a firm believer in developing student-athletes on and off the field, and her knowledge of the game and experience at all levels of soccer will be a great asset to our program. We are thrilled to find out what the future holds."
Serafino takes over for Ryan Sander, who resigned in November after five seasons at Simpson.
"My vision is to get the players to work together as a unit, build confidence and ultimately compete for an Iowa Conference title and a trip to the NCAA Tournament," Serafino said.
Springfield posted a 39-14-10 record in Serafino's three seasons on the staff, qualifying for the NCAA Division III Tournament in 2012, 2013 and 2014. In her first season at American International, she helped engineer a six-game turnaround, from 1-15-1 in 2006 to 7-13 in 2007. After spending a season on the staff at Division I SUNY University at Albany, Serfanio returned to AIC in 2009. In 2010, the Yellow Jackets went 14-7-1 and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Originally from Belchertown, Mass., Serafino becomes the fifth head coach in Simpson women's soccer history. The Storm went 2-16-1 in 2014 and tied for seventh in the Iowa Conference.
