Hokie ClubBLACKSBURG – After spending two seasons with the Virginia Tech program, goalkeeper coach Ryan Hulings, has accepted a position as an assistant coach with the University of Massachusetts Minutemen. In his two seasons working with the goalkeeping corps of the Hokies, Tech posted 15 shutouts and made consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.
"I am very grateful for everything that Ryan has done for our program," Tech head coach Mike Brizendine said. "He blended in well with the chemistry of our staff. He is also one of the best goalkeeper coaches that I have ever had the pleasure of working with."
Hulings was instrumental in the development of 2018 First Round MLS Draft pick Ben Lundgaard who started every game of his tenure. Lundgaard, a First Team All-ACC performer, ended his collegiate career with 33 wins and 21 shutouts, the second most in school history.
"I wish Ryan all of the success in the world, and I know he will do great things at UMass and beyond," Brizendine said.
Virginia Tech has a strong history of quality play between the posts, thanks in part to the coaches on the training ground who have helped the young men develop. "Since I have been here, I've been blessed to work with some great coaches who have brought experience, knowledge, and a winning mentality to Blacksburg," Brizendine said.
Former goalkeeper coaches under Brizendine and their current positions
Cory Speed - Speed, who was with the Hokies for the 2015 season, has assumed head coaching duties at Guilford College.
Matt Gow - After working with the Hokies during the 2014 season, Gow moved to Pacific University as an assistant for two seasons. in 2017 Gow was named the head coach at Ottawa University Arizona where he led the Spirit to an 8-9 record in his first campaign.
Chris Rich - On the staff for the 2012 and 2013 seasons, Rich worked with former Hokie great Kyle Renfro. Renfro, a First Team All-ACC player, led the league in saves for two consecutive seasons.
Since his time with the Hokies, Rich has gone on to serve as an assistant coach at North Carolina and joined the Duke Blue Devils' staff in 2015, serving as the recruiting coordinator while training the goalkeepers.
Jesse Miech - Miech joined the Hokies in the spring of 2010 where he assisted the program in their off season workouts and training. He left Blacksburg for University of Illinois Springfield where he was the head coach of the Prairie Stars for five seasons. Miech was an assistant at Northern Illinois University for two seasons.
Since 2016 Miech has worked for the NIU athletics marketing and promotions staff as well as the Huskies athletic fund.
Chase Harrison - A former standout in goal, Harrison hold the Virginia Tech record for shutouts (23). He was drafted in the third round of the 2006 MLS Supplemental Draft and played professionally for clubs like several clubs in North America including DC United, and the Philadelphia Union of MLS.
The Hokies will begin a national search for a goalkeeper coach immediately.