Troy Athletics Director John Hartwell officially announced Jason Hamilton as the new women’s soccer head coach on Monday.

Hamilton comes to Troy after spending the past season as an assistant coach with the Florida Gators women’s soccer program where he worked with the goalkeepers, team defending and focused on team set pieces.

“I want to thank athletic director John Hartwell and Dr. Hawkins for the opportunity to join the Troy family. It is truly an honor for me to be the head coach of the women’s soccer program and part of such a great university,” Hamilton said. “With a talented group of returning players who gained experience this past season and the support shown by the athletic department, I am excited for the future of out program and its success in the Sun Belt Conference.”

Hartwell says he is pleased with the hire and also excited about the program’s future.

“Jason emerged as the very best of a very good candidate pool,” Hartwell said. “We believe he has all the right tools and experience to lead our soccer program to consistent finishes in the top of the Sun Belt Conference standing and compete for conference championships.”

Prior to his time in Gainesville, Hamilton served as an assistant for the Boston Breakers of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). While with the Breakers, his role included scouting opponents, individual training, as well as working with the goalkeepers. During the 2013 season, Hamilton trained Sydney Leroux, Heather O’Reilly and Alyssa Naeher of the United States National Team

Before going to Boston, Hamilton spent two years at the University of Miami where he rose quickly in the ranks, from volunteer coach to full assistant, before leading the program as the Interim Head Coach in early spring of 2013. While with the Hurricanes, Hamilton worked with the back line, midfield and goalkeepers as well as scouting opponents and directing camps. In 2012 Hamilton helped Miami to one of its most successful seasons in the program’s history as the Hurricanes set program records for shutouts, fewest goals against, and conference shutouts. The 2012 Miami Hurricanes made its first Atlantic Coast Conference Tournament appearance in five seasons and received a berth in the NCAA Championships’ field.

Hamilton received his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Detroit Mercy in 2005. He also has several diplomas and licenses from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, the United States Soccer Federation and the United States Sports Academy.

As a player, Hamilton was a midfielder for Macomb College in Clinton Charter Township, Mich. The team advanced to the 2000 NJCAA Final Four, with Hamilton earning a spot on the NJCAA Final Four all-tournament team. He also was an all-conference first-team selection.

He then transferred to the University of Detroit Mercy and played goalkeeper there for his sophomore and junior years. As a senior, Hamilton moved back out onto the field and was a captain. After graduating, Hamilton volunteered for the team and worked with the goalkeepers.

After his college career, Hamilton played four seasons as a defender for the Windsor Border Stars in the Canadian Professional Soccer League. While he was there, the team won two Canada Cup Championships.

Hamilton and his wife, Ashley, welcomed Mackenzie to their family in March of 2013.

Hamilton replaces Chris Bentley, who spent six seasons with the Trojans and compiled a 54-58-9 record.

–Troy Media Relations