Ken Hassler became the head men’s soccer coach at Catawba College prior to the 2013 season.  He came to Catawba from the University of Montevallo (Ala.), where his teams compiled a 43-12-8 record and two Peach Belt Conference championships.  The Falcons also earned three straight NCAA tournament bids, and were ranked No. 2 in the nation at one point.

In addition to winning games at Montevallo, Hassler’s 2011 and 2012 teams also earned NSCAA team academic awards. 

Prior to Montevallo, Hassler was head coach at Pfeiffer (2004-10) and turned that Falcons squad into yearly NCAA Division II contender.  Prior to Hassler’s  arrival , Pfeiffer had won just 11 games in the previous two seasons combined.  Under Hassler, Pfeiffer had top ten regional rankings in 2005-09.  The 2009 Pfeiffer team tied the school record for wins (13) and defeated then No. 1-ranked Lees-McRae.

Hassler began his career as head coach of New England College in New Hampshire, in 1987.  After stops as an assistant coach at Plattsburgh State (1989) and Ithaca (1990), Hassler took over as head coach at Alfred University (N.Y.) in 1991.  Hassler enjoyed a 12-year stay at Alfred, where his teams were consistently ranked in the region.

Hassler graduated cum laude from Plymouth State College (N.H.) in 1985, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education.  He earned his master’s degree in physical education (sport psychology concentration) at Ithaca College in 1991.

 Hassler and his wife, Luisa, reside in Salisbury. They have two children, Ken and Melanie.

Garrett Linquist joined the Catawba College women’s soccer coaching staff in January of 2017.  He will serve as an assistant coach for the varsity team and as head coach of the development team.  Linquist comes to Catawba after serving as the Director of Coaching - At Large with the Lake Norman Soccer Club. 

Prior to his position with LNSC, Linquist was an assistant coach with the women’s program at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.  Over his two years, he served as recruiting coordinator and coached the defense and goalkeepers.  He began his coaching career in 2012 as a defense and goalkeeper coach at the University of Alabama-Huntsville.

At UAB, Linquist helped keeper Angie Jimenez set a school record with 5.15 saves per match in 2015.  At UAH, the team matched the school record for shutouts in 2012 en route to its first-ever Gulf South Conference Tournament win.  His U-23 Iceland National Team goalkeeper, Iris Dunnarsdottier set a school mark for saves in a season.

Linquist is a 2012 graduate of Lenoir-Rhyne University with a degree in accounting.  He holds a USSF “D” License and NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeper Certificate.  The Hickory, N.C., native has worked with the Catawba Valley Youth Soccer Association and the Lincoln Futbol Club in Tennessee.