The Bard College Department of Athletics & Recreation has hired Kate Hofstede as Head Women's Soccer Coach, it was announced Monday.
A former player and coach at the NCAA Division I level, Hofstede comes to Bard with years of experience in coaching, recruiting, and player development, and a passion and commitment for community service and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts.
"I'm very excited about the opportunity to lead the Bard women's soccer program," Hofstede said. "I really value the Division III experience, and at Bard, the quality of the people and the philosophy of the institution really drew me in.
"Coaching is my passion, but a close second is teaching," she continued. "At Bard, I believe coaching and teaching blend together very well. There is an emphasis on educating the students about how to be the best version of themselves in all areas of their lives."
"Kate stood out in a deep pool of candidates," said Interim Athletic Director David Lindholm. "She is a passionate educator and talented coach, committed to helping students grow and develop on and off the field. We're thrilled that she is joining our community and excited for the impact she will have on our department and the College."
The head women's soccer coach at Marist College from 2011-2017, Hofstede's emphasis on excellence in the classroom resulted in numerous academic awards for the players and team, and as a member of the Diversity Council, she organized and executed numerous events on campus and off. Players frequently did community service at the Newburgh Armory Unity Center, and the team built a relationship with the Friends of Jaclyn Foundation, which aims to improve the quality of life for children battling pediatric brain tumors and other childhood cancers.
In addition to coaching responsibilities, all head coaches have an administrative assignment that supports the department's operations and the growth, well-being, and development of students and staff. Hofstede will serve as the athletic department's Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Coordinator, working with Dean of Inclusive Excellence and NCAA Diversity and Inclusion designee Dr. Kahan Sablo and all of the varsity programs to elevate the department's DEI training and initiatives. She will also help the department coordinate recommendations from 122 Consulting's climate work this spring.
"I'm looking forward to building a foundation to develop and implement DEI initiatives at Bard," Hofstede said. "Discrimination is something I've experienced personally. I wish that I had some guidance growing up, or resources, to help me understand what the overall perception is of DEI, and how it is defined. It really would have helped me."
Most recently, Hofstede has been coaching at the youth level, working with high school-aged players on college recruitment. She has also served as a regional scout for the United States Women's Youth National Teams, and a coach and player evaluator for the Olympic Development Program.
As head coach at Marist, Hofstede led the team to the best season in the history of the program in 2011, when Marist went 13-6-2, won the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference regular season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NCAA Tournament. After the season, she was named the MAAC Coach of the Year.
The next year, the Red Foxes were co-regular season champions at 15-7 overall and 8-1 in MAAC play. The 15 wins was a new program record. In six seasons at Marist, she guided the program to five MAAC Championship Tournament appearances.
"I want to thank the search committee, the players, as well as Interim Athletic Director David Lindholm for the time and effort that went into this," Hofstede said. "I've heard so many good things about Bard, not only as an athletic department, but as an institution, and I'm looking forward to jumping in with a lot of energy and enthusiasm."
Prior to coaching at Marist, Hofstede was the top assistant coach and Director of Goalkeeping at her alma mater, Columbia University, from 2005-06, and 2007-11. Columbia went 36-21-12 during her time as a coach there. She played at Columbia, both as a goalkeeper and a field player, and obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology and Education (2005) and her Master's Degree in Physical Education (2011) there.