Courtesy of Logan Smith, Walsh University Sports Information Director

NORTH CANTON, Ohio – Walsh University and the Director of Athletics Dale Howard have announced the hiring of Andy Hoggarth as the new men's soccer head coach. Hoggarth was formerly the head coach at Slippery Rock University for 2014 and 2015 and becomes the sixth head coach in Cavalier program history.

"Walsh is very excited to have a head coach of Andy Hoggarth's experience and record of success at the NCAA DII level join our staff to lead our men's soccer program," said Howard.

"Andy was selected from a candidate pool of over 50 applicants, many of whom have collegiate head coaching experience. When he met with some of the student-athletes during the interview process, it was clearly evident that he connected with them and could provide a vision going forward to develop the student-athletes in mind, body and spirit, as well as to compete on the field of play."

"I am very excited to be selected as the new coach here at Walsh University. The mission and vision of the university is very much aligned with my philosophy as a coach and I look forward to building on previous traditions and incorporating some new and fresh ideas to the program," added Hoggarth.

"I would like to thank President Jusseaume and Director of Athletics Dale Howard for their confidence in me as I start this exciting journey. I look forward to getting to know the student-athletes and moving the program forward in a way which everyone connected to it can be very proud of."

While at Slippery Rock, he guided his team to a 25-13 record over two years. After an 11-7 record in 2014, the Rock went 14-6, defeated two teams ranked in the top 25, won its final five games, and won the PSAC tournament championship. Before making his way to Slippery Rock, Hoggarth was an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Akron's women's soccer team.

Hoggarth has also served as the head coach for both the men's and women's programs at Thiel College in Pennsylvania. He has also been the associate head coach at Shenandoah University in Virginia. While at Thiel, Hoggarth increased the roster size of both programs as he took the men's team from 12 to 30 players and the women's team from nine to more than 30 as well. He also increased the winning percentage, GPA, and retention of players at in both programs.

Outside of the college ranks, Hoggarth has also served as the head coach for AFC Cleveland where he has led his team to a conference championship and won the Rust Belt Trophy.

Hoggarth earned his Bachelor of Science degree in sports studies from Northumbria University in Newcastle Upon Tyne, England in 2003. He later earned his Master's Degree in education with a focus in health and physical education from Shenandoah University in 2010. He has also obtained his National Diploma, Advanced National Diploma, Premier Diploma, and English Football Association Prelim License from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Hoggarth and his family reside in Hudson, Ohio.

Photo and additional information provided by Slippery Rock Sports Information.