Queens Gets Their Man: Queens Men’s Soccer Names Kasy Kiarash As The Next Head Coach
The following post is courtesy of Queens University Athletics https://gogaelsgo.com/news/2024/6/14/soccer-m-kasy-kiarash-named-head-coach-of-queens-mens-soccer.aspx and Ontario Tech Athletics https://goridgebacks.com/news/2024/6/14/mens-soccer-kiarash-joins-gaels-as-head-coach.aspx from June 14, 2024.
KINGSTON, Ont. Queen’s Athletics & Recreation announced today that Kasy Kiarash has been named Head Coach of the Queen’s Men’s Soccer program.
Kiarash will assume the role of head coach after serving as assistant coach with the Ontario Tech Ridgebacks for the past two seasons, helping Ontario Tech win the OUA East Division in 2022 with an 11-1-0 record, and finish second in the OUA East in 2023 with an 8-1-3 record. The Ridgebacks also advanced to the OUA semifinals last season.
“I am excited to welcome Kasy to Queen’s Athletics & Recreation as our new Men’s Soccer Head Coach,” said Linda Melnick, Executive Director, Queen’s Athletics & Recreation. “Kasy is an exceptional coach, accomplished at a number of levels in the sport, and values the importance of a strong culture for student-athletes to thrive. Kasy understands the pathways to sustainable success, both on and off the field, and I’m confident he will help the Queen’s Men’s Soccer team reach their highest potential. I’m thrilled to have Kasy aboard to help shape the next chapter of the program.”
Kiarash also served as assistant coach with the TMU Bold from 2014-21, and with Graceland University (NAIA) in the United States.
Kiarash joined the Ridgebacks in 2022, while at Ontario Tech, he helped oversee the most successful period in Ridgebacks men’s soccer history as they amassed a 19-2-3 record over the two seasons and reached the OUA semi-finals for the first time in program history.
“Over the past two seasons, Kasy has been an invaluable asset to our program, demonstrating exceptional dedication, commitment , and leadership,” said Ridgebacks head coach Ramin Mohammadi. “As he embarks on this new journey as a head coach, I have no doubt that Kasy will continue to grow and achieve great success. We wish him all the best in his next professional step.”
On the international stage, Kiarash was an assistant coach and performance analyst for Canada’s national U15 program, and performance analyst for the national U20 program. Kiarash was also assistant coach and performance analyst for Guyana’s Senior Women’s Team for the CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers in 2018 and 2020.
Kiarash also has professional coaching experience as well. Last year, he spent time with the HFX Wanderers from the Canadian Premier League as a guest coach, helping them refine a struggling attack, also in the past serving as a performance analyst with Orlando City S.C. in Major League Soccer (MLS) and with Toronto FC Academy.
From the Ontario Tech side, “We’re incredibly thankful for the expertise and professionalism that Kasy brought to the Ridgebacks,” said athletic director Scott Barker. “He has a natural ability in developing quality people and that was reflected in the athletes he worked with while on our bench. We’re ecstatic to see him get this chance with the Gaels and wish him the best in the future.”
“I am incredibly honoured and excited to take on the role of head coach for Queen’s University’s Men’s Soccer team,” Kiarash said. “This program has a rich history of excellence, and I am committed to building on that legacy. Our focus will be on developing not only skilled and competitive athletes but also well-rounded individuals who embody the values of teamwork, perseverance, and excellence on and off the field. I look forward to working with these talented players, staff, and the entire Queen’s community to achieve new heights and make our supporters proud.”
As a player, Kiarash spent time in the professional ranks, playing in Belgium with Woluve Zaventem in the Belgian third division, and with Kitsap Pumas (PDL Pro) in Kitsap Washington. Kiarash split his collegiate playing career between the York Lions and Graceland University.
Kiarash will begin his new position on July 15.
Sources: https://gogaelsgo.com/news/2024/6/14/soccer-m-kasy-kiarash-named-head-coach-of-queens-mens-soccer.aspx
https://goridgebacks.com/news/2024/6/14/mens-soccer-kiarash-joins-gaels-as-head-coach.aspx