Gaspar Steps Down as Hartford Men's Soccer Coach

Dan Gaspar

University of Hartford men’s soccer coach Dan Gaspar announced his resignation on Monday, March 21. Gaspar, who is pursuing a coaching opportunity at the international level, has been with the Hartford men’s soccer program since 2005.

“Dan has been instrumental in building the brand of Hartford men’s soccer throughout the community,” said Patricia Meiser, Director of Athletics and Special Assistant to the President. “His leadership and dedication to advancing Hartford men’s soccer will be hard to replace. We wish coach Gaspar the best of luck in his next endeavour.”

In six seasons with the Hartford Hawks, Gaspar compiled a 36-46-21 overall record while leading the program to three consecutive America East Tournament appearances in 2007, 2008 and 2009. Under his tutelage, 19 student-athletes garnered America East All-Conference honors, six of which were first team members. Highlighting the list of conference honorees is Matt Glasear, who was named the league’s goalkeeper of the year in 2007.

Throughout his six-year tenure, Gaspar was also instrumental in increasing the fan base at Hartford, which for 2008 ranked 39th nationally with an 814 per game average. Gaspar continued the trend in the following season, as the Hawks averaged 778 fans per game in 2009, ranking 41st in the nation.

Last year, Gaspar served as the goalkeeper coach for the Portuguese Football Federation’s national team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa. Gaspar was the only American-born collegiate soccer coach to be on a national team’s coaching staff for the World Cup.

A national search for the ninth men’s soccer coach in University of Hartford history will begin immediately.