Coaching Staff

Head Coach Kelly Wakeman

On April 17, 2020, York College Assistant Dean for Athletics and Recreation Paul Saikia announced the hiring of Kelly Wakeman as the new women's soccer coach for the Spartans. Wakeman takes over for long-time head coach Vicki Sterner who announced her retirement in November after 24 years at the helm of the program.

Wakeman will be just the second head coach in the history of the Spartan program.

Wakeman comes to York with an extensive record of success and 12 years of collegiate head coaching experience. She most recently was the head coach at Muhlenberg College where the Mules went 16-15-4 during her tenure.

Wakeman inherits a team that advanced to the Capital Athletic Conference championship game as York went 9-13. The Spartans had eight one-goal losses during the campaign. Wakeman will welcome back eight starters including both goalkeepers and All-CAC defender Moriah Morton.

"From the moment I was introduced to the athletics community at York College, I was impressed with their work ethic, values, friendliness, and competitive nature," said Wakeman. "I am excited to be part of a strong athletic department as we enter an exciting transition into the MAC Commonwealth and look to build on past successes."

Wakeman began her head coaching career at Montgomery College. In her first year, she took a team that had won one game in the previous season to a mark of 7-10. The Raptors then won 14 matches in back-to-back years. The program won a regional championship in 2008 and were national finalists in 2009. After a 17-win season and a regional championship in 2010, Wakeman led Montgomery to a national championship in 2011.

Wakeman then was hired at Ursinus College where she posted 38 wins in five years including a pair of Centennial Conference semifinal appearances in 2014 and 2015. Wakeman then headed to Widener for one year where the Pride went 12-7 and advanced to the ECAC Tournament in 2017.

Wakeman knows what she is going to want out of her Spartan squads.

"We want to develop a team culture that is relentless in its pursuit of excellence both on the field and in the classroom," says Wakeman. "Tough, competitive, caring student-athletes that want to maximize their potential, celebrate achievements, and be a part of a positive, focused environment are the type of athletes we want on the women's soccer team at York."

Wakeman will lead the Spartans into the MAC as York begins their membership in the league on July 1, 2020.

"I am looking forward to meeting the team, coaching and athletics staff, and the York College community and setting in motion a plan for the women's soccer program to prepare for our fall season in the MAC Commonwealth," says Wakeman. "The women's soccer team has a strong group of returning players and we will look to add new talent and fashion a style of play that compliments our strengths. I know the women on the team are ready to put in the hard work that it will take to compete with a very rigorous schedule. I am ready to lead by example and get to work!"