Director of Athletics and Recreation Ryan Kaiser announced Friday that Matt Hanna, who spent the last two seasons as an assistant coach for the Chaparrals' women's program, has been named its head coach.
 
"Matt has the coaching experience and background to make our women's soccer program competitive regionally and nationally,'' Kaiser said. "He's an energetic person who knows how to get things done. We're looking forward to watching our women's team play with passion.
 
Hanna became the men's assistant in 2021, and added women's duties prior to the 2022 season.
 
Originally from Sydney, Australia, Hanna has a wealth of experience with a coaching career spanning more than 15 years. Prior to his assistant positions at COD, he worked with community clubs as a coach mentor for volunteer coaches and in Australia, worked alongside the Western Sydney Wanderers, delivering a wide range of community-based programs.
 
"It's a fantastic opportunity to lead and build a soccer program,'' Hanna said. "I'm very fortunate to give COD and the women's soccer program my full-time attention. There are talented athletes who make DuPage County home and want to play competitive soccer. It's my job to find them and allow them to flourish in a great academic and athletic environment.''

Hanna graduated from Western Sydney University with a bachelor's degree in health science and sports development. He continued his professional development here in the United States, completing his US Soccer D License and working on his C license.
 
Matt and his wife Megan and their four daughters — Ashley, Kim, Matilda and Christina — make their home in Rogers Park.
 
Hanna replaces Zac Ludwig, who became head coach in 2019. Ludwig served as both men's and women's head coach and remains the men's coach, having stepped into the role in the Fall of 2021.
 
Zac Ludwig on the hire
"Matt has been a tremendous asset to the COD soccer programs, and he is well deserving of taking the next step as the women's head coach. He has been integral to the successes we have had thus far, and I am confident that he will lead the program to continued growth and improvement.''