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Princeton University Athletics
Women's Soccer Team Adds Hofer to Coaching Staff
February 25, 2020 | Women's Soccer
"After an extensive search that included many top-notch candidates, we are very excited to welcome Courtney to our program," Driscoll said. "From the minute I met her on the recruiting trail in January, it was evident that she has a rare passion for both the game of soccer and mentoring student-athletes at the highest level. While Courtney boasts a myriad of talents, what was most comforting and compelling was her genuine desire to be a part of our program. Her energy, drive and hunger to learn are ingredients that will carry her very far in this profession and will undoubtedly have an immediate impact on our student-athletes. I am truly thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside her during the infancy of what I know will be an amazing career."
Hofer comes to Princeton after spending the 2019 season as an assistant coach at East Carolina in her first collegiate coaching position. Following her graduation from Connecticut in 2018, Hofer played professionally in Italy for Empoli FC in Tuscany as the team finished second in the table in the 2018-19Â Serie B season.
"I couldn't be more grateful to be at Princeton and for the opportunity Sean has given me," Hofer said. "This program has had a lot of success in the past and I'm excited to be a part of it, learn, and help the program continue to grow. I want to thank (ECU coach) Jason Hamilton, the staff and student-athletes at East Carolina. They have helped me tremendously and I wouldn't be here without them. This is a dream job for me and I can't wait to get to work and be a part of this special program and university."
Hofer will join a program that graduates the Ivy's all-time leader in career shutouts, Natalie Grossi, but returns two keepers in rising junior Grace Barbara and rising sophomore Ella Gantman. Barbara turned in 135 shutout minutes in two appearances last season.
During her collegiate career, which included three seasons at TCU and a final season at UConn, Hofer helped TCU to its first-ever NCAA tournament appearance in 2016, playing in 24 games over her three seasons before playing in 10 games at UConn.
What they're saying about Courtney Hofer...Â
"Courtney will be an incredible asset to the Princeton women's soccer program. She has the drive, passion, and knowledge to help the team's success on and off the field. She is going to have an incredible career in coaching and be an impactful figure for many young women like she was here at ECU."
- Jason Hamilton, East Carolina head coach
"When Courtney played for us, she was already a coach in the making. She was a very good goalkeeper, but what separated her was the ability to communicate and coach from the field. Courtney has the tools and passion to be a very good coach at a high level but she is also willing to embrace the process and learn from the best, and I appreciate that humility in her. I am proud of her and excited to see her grow and carve out her own path in this coaching world."
-Margaret Rodriguez, UConn head coach
