Stony Brook, N.Y. - Stony Brook Director of Athletics Shawn Heilbron has named former Washington Huskies assistant coach Brendan Faherty the new head women’s soccer coach, the athletic department announced Wednesday.

“We believe that we have hit a home run with the hire of Brendan Faherty as our new head women's soccer coach at Stony Brook,” said Heilbron. “Brendan has experienced tremendous success throughout his career and is the right leader to propel our women's soccer program to where we expect it to be each year - competing for America East championships and NCAA appearances. I expect that Brendan will come in and instill a culture of success at Stony Brook, while embracing our departmental vision to positively transform the life of each student-athlete.”

Faherty spent three seasons at the University of Washington, guiding the Huskies to NCAA Tournament appearances in his last two, including a trip to the NCAA Third Round in 2014. While at Washington, Faherty helped mold five NSCAA All-Pacific Region players, three Capital One Academic All-Americans and four NSCAA Scholar All-Americans. The Huskies recorded a 37-24-6 record (.597) during his tenure.

“I am grateful to Shawn Heilbron, Patrick Muffley, and the entire search committee for giving me this great opportunity to lead the women’s soccer program at Stony Brook University,” said Faherty. “From my very first conversation with Shawn, I realized how his vision for Stony Brook Athletics aligns with the values I also believe are important for growth and success.”

 “I’d like to thank Shondell Reed (UW Associate AD), Lesle Gallimore (UW Head Coach) and Amy Griffin (UW Associate Head Coach) for their support and guidance over the past three years. During my time with the Huskies, I learned a lot as a person and coach. The student-athletes are successful not only because they are talented, but because they care about fostering meaningful relationships with teammates and staff. I hope to carry this philosophy onto Stony Brook where I look forward to building upon a program who has had success in the past, but can do even greater things in the future.”

Prior to his time at Washington, Faherty spent three seasons at the University of Massachusetts, where he was promoted to Associate Head Coach in September of 2012. The Minutewomen made the Atlantic-10 Tournament in all three of Faherty’s seasons, advancing to the conference championship in 2011.

Faherty’s coaching career began at the University of New Haven, where he served as the head women’s soccer coach for eight seasons, leading the Chargers to two Division II NCAA Tournament Appearances. He was named the NYCAC Coach of the Year in 2005.

Faherty, who played at Northeastern University from 1996-99 and a season professionally with the Cape Cod Crusaders in the USL, holds a United States Soccer Federation “A” License and an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

What they are saying about Brendan Faherty...

"We are obviously sad to be losing a quality coach and person like Brendan Faherty, but are clearly thrilled for him to have earned this opportunity to be a Division I head women's soccer coach. In his time at Washington, Brendan has been an exemplary recruiter, a great coach, and a person whose integrity makes him an outstanding role model for our student-athletes.  When I hire for this position, it is typically with the intent of supporting that coach’s desire to become a head coach, and I'm pleased that Brendan was able to use his time at UW to learn and grow to help him reach that goal. I have no doubts that he'll bring great success to the program at Stony Brook and afford his student-athletes a great intercollegiate experience "

Lesle Gallimore - University of Washington Head Women’s Soccer Coach

“Stony Brook University has made an excellent choice in selecting Brendan Faherty as their new head women’s soccer coach.  Brendan is a well-rounded coach who will bring on-field success, academic achievement and a commitment to provide a positive student-athlete experience.”

Ed Matz - UMass Head Women’s Soccer Coach

“Brendan played an important role in the growth and success of women’s soccer while he was at UMass. I truly believe Stony Brook has hired a passionate, energetic and dynamic coach who will lead the women’s soccer program back to greatness. I wish him the very best at Stony Brook.”

Jaime Seguin - Deputy AD at Boston College and former Deputy AD at University of Massachusettes.

“Brendan is a passionate and creative coach. His competitiveness and extensive knowledge of the game make him a fantastic appointment for Stony Brook University. Brendan has a vision for recruiting the right type of student-athlete, along with a knack for mentoring players to be successful both on and off the field. I believe the future of Stony Brook women’s soccer is in good hands and I look forward to following the Seawolves’ progress in the years to come.”

Meabh De Burca - Former player under Faherty at the University of New Haven and current member of the Republic of Ireland National Team