University of Hartford

Ciara Crinion enters her seventh season overall and second as the Associate Head Coach in 2018 for the Hartford women’s soccer team. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Crinion, who joined the Hawks’ coaching staff in 2012 and earned the promotion in May 2017, has helped lead the program to three America East Regular-Season titles.


Crinion has been a valuable member of the Hawks since her arrival, as she has helped Hartford claim three America East Coaching Staff of the Year honors in 2012, 2013 and 2015. She continues to play a key role in all aspects of the Hawks women’s soccer program, from recruiting and scouting, to student-athlete development.
 
Both the offense and defense have received significant boosts since Crinion joined Natale’s staff six years ago. Averaging nearly 31 goals per game since 2012, the Hawks have ranked among the top-three in the America East in goals and points in each of the last six years. In 2016, Hartford, which led the league in goals (38), assists (31) and points (107), posted the program’s best offensive numbers since 2002.

Defensively, the Hawks have perennially been one of the top teams in the league since Crinion’s arrival. Hartford has held posted a goals-against average of 0.93 or better in five of the past six years and has led the America East in the category in four of those seasons.

Crinion joined Hartford’s coaching staff after a standout, four-year career at Central Connecticut. A 2010 graduate, she was a two-time Northeast Conference First Team selection during her time at Central Connecticut, helping lead the Blue Devils to an NEC Tournament Championship in 2008 and a Regular Season title in 2009. Also included in Crinion’s playing career are stints with the Irish National U17 and U19 Teams. In addition, she was a member of the Arsenal Ladies Academy (2004-06) and the Boston Renegades in the W League in 2007.

Crinion holds a USSF ‘B’ license, a Youth National coaching license, an NCAA National Diploma and a FA Level 1 and FA Level 2 coaching licenses. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science from Central Connecticut with a degree in exercise science, and is set to receive her Master’s degree in soccer coaching education from Ohio University in December 2017.