Kristin Hensinger ’07 Promoted to Head Women’s Soccer Coach at Western New England
Bedford, N.H. native and 2015 Downes Hall of Fame inductee served as an assistant under Ron Dias since 2008
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (August 9, 2016) – Former women's soccer captain and 2015 Downes Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Kristin (Thornton) Hensinger '07 has been named the next head women's soccer coach at Western New England University, it was announced today by Director of Athletics Dr. Mike Theulen.
Hensinger takes over as the seventh head coach in program history following the retirement of fellow Hall of Famer Ron Dias, who stepped down last week after leading the Golden Bears for 22 seasons. The Bedford, N.H. native is no stranger to the women's soccer program at Western New England, having served as an assistant under Dias since the 2007 campaign and taking over as recruiting coordinator last fall.
"I am very excited to announce that Kristin Hensinger will take over as head coach in leading our women's soccer program into its next era," Theulen said. "It is not often that you have the opportunity to replace one Hall of Famer with another, but that is what has taken place here.
"Kristin has been a fixture in our women's soccer program for over ten years, both as an outstanding player and coach. She has received rave reviews regarding her coaching knowledge, expertise in skill development, and in recruiting.
"Kristin enjoys the utmost respect from our players, and is a great role model for them. She lived the Western New England Way and continues to do so in all that she does. Kristin is an invaluable addition to our staff."
One of the top players in Western New England women's soccer history, Hensinger was a two-time team MVP and four-time All-Great Northeast Athletic Conference (GNAC) performer as a midfielder.
While serving as team captain during her senior campaign in 2006, Hensinger led the Golden Bears in scoring with 23 points (six goals, 11 assists) on her way to All-New England Women's Intercollegiate Soccer Association (NEWISA) recognition. She was selected as the GNAC Tournament MVP after helping Western New England secure the conference title and the program's fourth appearance in the NCAA Division III Tournament. Hensinger finished her impressive career with 72 points (18 goals, 36 assists) in 79 matches.
"I would like to thank Coach Theulen, Coach Sassi, and the rest of the athletic administration for this opportunity," Hensinger said. "I would also like to thank Coach Dias for his dedication to the women's soccer program and the University over the past 22 years.
"Coach Dias has developed a tradition of excellence both on and off the field. He has molded countless female athletes into exceptional soccer players and at the same time instilled many great values in them, preparing his athletes to be successful in whatever they pursue after graduation.
"Personally, Coach Dias has been a great teacher, coach, mentor and friend. It was an honor to have played for him, and a privilege to have coached with him. I am looking forward to the opportunity to build upon the foundation he has established over the last 22 years."
A 2007 graduate of Western New England, Hensinger earned her bachelor's degree in psychology before going on to receive her master's degree, also in psychology, from Springfield College in 2009.
Western New England opens its 2016 campaign at home on Thursday, September 1 with a non-conference contest against Hartwick College at 4:30 p.m. The Golden Bears then hit the road for two matches at the 12th Annual Husson Classic on September 3-4 at Husson University in Bangor, Maine.
