Troy, NY----The Sage Colleges Athletic Director, Dani Drews announced the selection of Caitlin Colfer (Baltimore, MD) to serve as the first full-time head coach of the Gators' women’s soccer program.
"After an extensive national search, we are thrilled to bring home one of the Capital District's finest athletes to take the helm of our women's soccer program,” said Drews.
Colfer, a two-time NSCAA/adidas All-American at nearby Colonie Central High School in 2003 and 2004, returns to her roots after excelling as a Division I scholarship performer at The Ohio State University from 2005-2009. During her outstanding collegiate career, she tallied 11 career assists and ranked 13th all-time for career assists for the program when she graduated. She earned four OSU Scholar-Athlete Awards, and in 2007 and 2008 she was an Academic All-Big Ten honoree, as well as a NSCAA/adidas Second Team All-Academic honoree in 2007.
Colfer said of her appointment, “I am extremely excited and grateful to Dani Drews, and the entire Sage athletic department for giving me this wonderful opportunity to lead the Sage’s women’s soccer program.” Colfer added, “I am eager to reacquaint myself with many of the high school and premier coaches in the Capital District. It is clear that Sage is committed to taking this program to the next level, and I am confident in our future. I believe I can build on the great work that has already begun with the women's soccer program and guide the Gators to success.”
Drews added, "Caitlin's playing accomplishments are outstanding, but equally impressive are her credentials as a young coach. She has already earned her "B" license and accolades from the USSF in just a few years since graduating from Ohio State. With her local ties and passion for the game, she is the perfect person to lead the Gators to the next level."
She was a member of the Region I Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2000-2005. During this time, she represented the United States three times internationally in Ireland, Spain, and Portugal. She continued her playing career with the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and served as the team captain for the 2006 and 2007 Adirondack Lynx, which garnered the Northeastern Division Championship title in 2006. In 2011, Colfer led the Baltimore, MD, ASA Chesapeake Charge to the Region I Championship. She was a two-time bronze medalist in the Empire State Games as a member of both the Adirondack Scholastic Girls and Women’s Open soccer teams.
Colfer was the recipient of the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) Bob McNulty Award of Excellence in 2010 awarded to the most outstanding coaching candidate at the USSF National “C” Licensing School. Colfer recently completed her USSF National B License requirements in January 2012. Colfer comes to Sage after serving as the first assistant coach at Goucher College (Towson, MD) the past three years, where she was instrumental in the success and development of several players that earned numerous awards from the Landmark Conference and NSCAA All-Region honors.
An experienced youth coach, Colfer has been involved as a coach and staff member at camps held at The Ohio State University, University of Maryland, Loyola University (MD), and three USSC/Nike Soccer Camps at Goucher College. Locally she has been on the camp staffs at Siena, Skidmore and Hartwick.
Colfer attained her bachelor of science degree in human development and family science from The Ohio State University in 2009, and earned a master of education degree in athletic program leadership and administration from Goucher College in 2011. She inherits a program that earned nine consecutive post-season appearances, including five straight Skyline Conference Tournament berths. Colfer replaces Barry Balkwell, who served as part-time coach for the team for ten seasons and was 79-71-22 during that time. In addition to her duties as head women’s soccer coach, Colfer will also serve as the assistant director of recreation at The Sage Colleges.
-30-