Coaches

Andy Biggs

Head coach Andy Biggs joined Bryant in January of 2015 and will begin his ninth season at the helm of the women's soccer program in the fall of 2023. Biggs has posted a 55-61-15 overall record entering the 2023 season.


2022 was Bryant's first season in the American East Conference. Biggs' squad was able to put up their first points in the new conference with a 1-1 draw at home against Vermont. Madison Luke was named to the AE All-Rookie Team, making her the firs tplayer in program history to recieve an end-of-year award as part of the American East.


Biggs led the Bulldogs to an 8-10 record during the 2021 season. For the first time in program history, the Bulldogs had three players finish the season with 10+ points, Catherine Bean (20), Katie Cronin (15), and Emma Pedolzky with 13. The Black and Gold also had five players make the All-NEC team for the third consecutive season under Biggs.


During the 2020 season, Bryant record a 3-5 record in the spring. Jamie Irwin was named to the All-NEC Frist-Team for the fourth time in a row. Irwin is the first Bryant Athlete ever to accomplish that feat. Kellie Errasti, Arin Smalls, and Amanda Spitaleri earned second-team honors. Makayla Griffin received the honor of the All-Rookie team.


In 2019, Biggs led the Black and Gold to a 9-4-4 record, including a consecutive points streak in NEC play where the Bulldogs didn't suffer a loss. Six players earned All-NEC honors, which is the most in program history. Meghan Dalton was named Co-NEC Goalkeeper of the Year, after posting a .71 goals-against average, which is the best in DI program history. Allison Guilmette and Jamie Irwin earned first-team honors, Remi Manna and Marissa Grasso were selected to the second-team, and Katrina Stabgl earned All-Rookie honors. The Black and Gold fell to Fairleigh Dickinson in the semi-finals.


Biggs led the Bulldogs to a winning season in 2018, with five of the team's eight wins coming from shutouts. The team finished with an overall record of 8-7-1, giving them the second best winning percentage in the Northeast Conference.


Previously, Biggs and the Bulldogs had a record-setting year in 2017, tying the Division I program record with 11 wins in 18 games, including their first ever win at Rhode Island on opening night, 3-0. Bryant allowed a 0.80 goals-against average, which set a new program record. The offense also recorded Division I program records in points per game, goals per game and assists per game, as well as five other statistical categories en route to their second playoff appearance in the previous three seasons.


Biggs has quickly turned the program around in just two short years, posting a 21-27-5 overall record and an 12-8-4 mark in Northeast Conference play. He guided the Black and Gold to their first-ever NEC Tournament appearance in 2015 and has led the Bulldogs to four consecutive winning seasons in league play for the first time in DI program history.


Biggs followed up his debut season with another strong year in 2016, posting an 8-9-1 overall mark and a 4-3-1 record in league play, just missing the playoffs. His team thrived defensively, posting seven clean sheets. A DI program-record five Bulldogs were selected All-NEC at the conclusion of the season.


In 2015, Biggs guided the Bulldogs to their first-ever NEC Tournament appearance after posting the program's second winning conference record, going 4-2-2 in league play. The No. 3 Bulldogs took on No. 2 Robert Morris in the NEC semifinals, falling, 2-1, in their postseason debut.


Biggs comes to Smithfield after spending five seasons on the bench of the Brown University men’s soccer team, serving the last two as Associate Head Coach where he helped lead the Bears to three-straight NCAA tournament appearances and one Ivy League Championship.


Biggs was instrumental in Brown’s three-year run in which the Bears put together a trio of 12+ win seasons from 2010-12, including back-to-back NCAA Sweet 16 runs in 2010-11 and a NCAA Second Round appearance in 2012. Working closely with the defensive unit, Biggs helped the Bears post 11 shutouts in three-consecutive seasons from 2010-12 and helped Brown become one of just nine Division I programs ranked in the final Top-20 poll for three-straight seasons (2010-12).


During his tenure at Brown, Biggs played a part in the development of 29 All-Ivy League selections, three Major League Soccer SuperDraft picks, four professional players, two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans, one NSCAA All-American, and the first Senior Class Award winner in school history (2012).


In addition to his coaching responsibilities with the Bears, Biggs was responsible for scouting, served as the program’s recruiting coordinator and assisted with team compliance, community service and alumni relations.


“I’m honored to be the Bryant women’s soccer coach, and I would like to thank the entire search committee for the opportunity to lead the program into the future,” said Biggs. “I am extremely excited to meet the players and begin working with them as we get set for the 2015 season.”


Prior to his time at Brown, Biggs spent four seasons as the head coach of the University of New England men’s soccer program (2006-10), leading the Nor’Easters to their first 10-win season in 11 years in 2009.


Additionally, Biggs served as a Senior Staff Coach for the East Region (Region 1) of the Girls’ Olympic Development Program (ODP) from 2000-06, where he coached dozens of players who went on to represent the United States on National Teams at various levels, including current US Senior National Team members Tobin Heath, Meghan Klingenberg, Allie Long, Alyssa Naeher and Heather O’Reilly.


Biggs has also served as the Director of Coaching and Player Development for the Maine Youth Soccer Association (1998-2009) and the Technical Director for Odyssey Sport Premier Soccer Club (1997-2010). A US Soccer ‘A’ Licensed coach, Biggs has also served as a US Soccer National Staff Instructor, instructing and evaluating candidates as part of the A, B and C national level coaching program.


“We are excited to welcome Andy into the Bulldog family,” said Smith. “His vast array of experience on both the men’s and women’s side of the game will benefit our program tremendously. His background as both a player and coach aligns well with our goals of developing true student-athletes who compete just as successfully in the classroom as they do on the field. We are eager to see Coach Biggs lead our women’s soccer program next fall and into the future.”


After beginning his collegiate playing career at the University of Pennsylvania, Biggs went on to become a New England Intercollegiate Soccer League All-Star at Middlebury College, where he earned his degree in history. Biggs went on to play professionally for Western Suburbs AFC of the CPL in Wellington, New Zealand and for the Arizona Cotton of the USISL in Phoenix.


Biggs currently resides in Seekonk, Mass., with his wife, Becky, and three children, Lucy, Owen and Chloe.

Lauren Lukis

Lauren Lukis begins her first season as an assistant coach with Bryant Women's Soccer in 2023.


Lukis arrives in Smithfield after spending the last twenty years in Division II as the head coach at Bentley University. While at Bentley, she led the Falcons to four Northeast 10 conference playoffs over her last six seasons as well as the program's first NCAA tournament appearance in 2019. From 2016-2022, Lukis' squads won at least seven games each season and reached double digits in 2019, in which they won ten games.


"I'm very pleased to welcome Lauren to Bryant and our program," Biggs said. "She stood out from the start of the interview process, and I feel very fortunate that she has joined our staff. Lauren brings great experience as both a player and coach, and I believe her talents and approach will be a great asset to the development of both individual players and the team."


Before becoming the head coach at Bentley, Lukis was an assistant coach at Brandeis University for two seasons (2001-2002) and for one season before that at UMass-Lowell (2000).


During her playing career, Lukis was a starting midfielder at Bentley for her first two collegiate seasons. She then finished out her college career at Clark University, helping them to become the number three ranked team in Division III and a league championship in 1998.


After college, Lukis went on to play in the Eastern Massachusetts Division I Women's Soccer League and joined the Rhode Island Rays of the W-League for six seasons. She was also captain of the Massachusetts Regional Select Team, where she helped the team win four regional championships.


Lukis earned a degree in psychology from Clark University, graduating in 1999. She also holds a national coaching diploma from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

Brian Linnehan

Brian Linnehan was hired in February of 2023. The 2023 fall season marks Coach Linnehan’s first full season with the Bryant women’s soccer team.


Prior to Bryant, Linnehan was the first assistant coach for the women’s soccer team at Framingham State University in Framingham, Massachusetts. He held that position for two years and during his time the team finished fourth and fifth respectively in their division. During his time, Linnehan coached a first-team all-conference player and two, second-team all-conference players.


Before coaching at Framingham State University, Linnehan spent the previous four years as the girl’s varsity soccer coach at Uxbridge High School in Uxbridge, MA. He accumulated a four year record of 36-19-9. During his time at Uxbridge, Linnehan’s 2018 Spartans were conference champions and won the Central MA District 4 Championship. In his four years, Linnehan coached seven conference all-stars, five Central MA All Stars, three All-State Players and one All-New England Player.


Linnehan was also an assistant coach with the New England Mutiny, a semiprofessional team who play in the United Women’s Soccer League which is the second division pro-am league in the United States. He started in March of 2020 and in the spring of 2022, Linnehan was named head coach of the Mutiny. During that season, the Mutiny finished first in the New England region with a record of 9-1 and were ranked #6 in the country out of 49 teams.


Linnehan has been a premiere club soccer coach for the past 10 years. He’s coached with the Scorpions Soccer Club and Juventus Academy Boston. Linnehan is a MIAA/MSAA Certified Coach and holds several USC (United Soccer Coaches) diplomas. He also holds a National ‘D’ License from the United States Soccer Federation (USSF) and is pursuing his National ‘C’ License.


Coach Linnehan is a 1994 Framingham State University graduate and was a member of the men’s soccer team during his four years there. He was elected captain of the team for his sophomore, junior and senior seasons. He also won the team’s Most Valuable Player Award during his senior season.


Linnehan currently lives in Uxbridge, MA with his wife Shannon. They have a daughter, Eilish, who is currently a junior at the University of New Haven (CT).

Ruben Resendes

NCAA NATIONAL CHAMPION COACH RUBEN RESENDES NAMED HEAD COACH AT BRYANT UNIVERSITY


Led Franklin Pierce to the 2022 NCAA Division II Title


SMITHFIELD, RI – Bryant University is thrilled to announce 2022 NCAA Championship soccer coach Ruben Resendes is the next head coach of Bryant University's men's soccer program. Bill Smith, Bryant's Director of Athletics, made the announcement.


"I am incredibly excited to welcome coach Resendes and his wife Kate and daughters Ainsley and Gabriella into our Bulldog family," said Smith. "The interest in the head coach position at Bryant University was incredible, a tribute to the hard work of the coaches, staff, and the members of our men's soccer program. The coaching accolades, recruiting network and proven track record of success that Coach Resendes brings to Bryant made him the perfect fit to lead our program into the future. I would like to personally thank Nate Kronewetter for serving as the interim coach of our men's soccer team this past season and for all of his contributions to the program."


"Our Bulldog Athletic program keeps growing stronger. As a former pro player and exemplary coach, Coach Resendes brings a wealth of knowledge and talent to our men's soccer team," said Bryant University President Ross Gittell, Ph.D. "We're excited to see where he takes our student-athletes."


This past season, Resendes ushered Franklin Pierce's men's soccer team to the NCAA Division II Championship. Under his guidance for four seasons, the team consistently ranked in the top 10, including a No. 1 ranking this season, before claiming the national title. The Ravens finished 25-0-1 overall, tying the record for highest winningest percentage for a school to claim a national title in NCAA history.


"I would like to thank President Gittell, Director of Athletics Bill Smith and Deputy Athletic Director John Ruppert for giving me the opportunity to lead Bryant University men's soccer at a crucial time as the program continues to transition into one of the most competitive soccer conferences in the country," said Resendes. "It was very clear from the moment I stepped on campus that the vision and ambition they have for Bryant Athletics and the men's soccer program matched my motivation and drive for success. I look forward to creating a championship culture and a tradition of excellence both on and off the field here at Bryant. One that alumni, family & friends of the program, and the local soccer community will be proud to support. My wife (Kate), daughters (Ainsley & Gabriella), and I could not be more excited to join the Bulldog family!"


"I would like to thank President Mooney, Athletic Director Rachel Burelson, Associate Athletic Director Jen McKilop, and Assistant Athletic Director Zach Emerson for the opportunity to lead the men's soccer program at Franklin Pierce over the last four years," added Resendes. "I would also like to thank all of the players, staff, local community, and alumni for making my time at FPU so special. I wish the program nothing but success moving forward."


Champions of the Northeast-10 Conference for the second year in a row, Resendes and the Franklin Pierce coaching staff were recognized as the United States Soccer Coaches as the East Region Coaching Staff of the Year for both years. Prior to arriving at Franklin Pierce, Resendes was the top assistant coach at the University of Vermont, helping guide the Catamounts to an America East Conference Championship in 2017. He also served as the head coach at Dean College, where he helped transition the program to the NCAA level. During his time at Dean, Resendes posted a 33-3 record, winning the regular season championship with a 16-1 record and earning East Region Coach of the Year honors. He also worked with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer as scout for the First Team and Academy and coached the U23 and Academy teams.


The Fall River native played two seasons at the New England Revolution Academy before enjoying a successful career at Southern New Hampshire University where he earned All-America honors and three All-Region selections.


Bryant University is a Division I member of the America East Conference. The men's soccer playing institutions include University at Albany, Binghamton University, University of New Hampshire, NJIT, University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC), University of Massachusetts Lowell, and the University of Vermont.


What They're Saying about Coach Resendes


Marc Hubbard – University of New Hampshire Head Coach


"Ruben has been built for this since I recruited him in high school. He has great energy, works very hard and has a high soccer IQ. It has been a pleasure to watch him grow as a player and coach and he has made an immediate impact in every program he has touched. The America East and Bryant is much stronger today and I couldn't be happier for his entire family."


Jim DeRose – Bradley University Head Coach


"Ruben is truly one of the elite young coaches in the country as is evident by his record of success in all of his previous positions. He is a dynamic leader, with an infectious personality and is incredibly passionate in his pursuit of excellence. Ruben's work ethic, tactical acumen, on-field coaching, preparation, and attention to detail are second to none. Those traits, coupled with his ability to recruit and mentor talented student-athletes domestically and internationally, in my opinion, will lead Bryant University to regional and national success in the very near future."


Richie Weinrebe – Northeastern University Head Coach


"Exciting Time ahead for Bryant University soccer! With Ruben, you get a fantastic coach and person who understands what it takes to win in the America East and on the national stage. He is a tremendous recruiter and has the ability to connect and develop young men, not only as great soccer players, but as great people. Bryant Soccer couldn't be in better hands and I look forward to watching the group compete for championships and thrive under his guidance."


Rob Dow – University of Vermont Head Coach


"Coach Resendes is an exciting hire for Bryant University and for the America East Conference. Ruben's success at all levels speaks for itself. What stands out about Ruben is his tremendous work ethic and passion for developing student-athletes. The Bryant University community will be a great home for Ruben and his family. Welcome back to the America East Conference, coach Resendes!"


Josh Taylor – Southern New Hampshire University Head Coach


"I have known Ruben for a very long time, and he has one of the brightest soccer minds around. Ruben cares deeply for his players and will set up a competitive environment for his players to really develop. Bryant University is getting a confident, passionate, and extremely hard-working coach. Ruben has been successful everywhere he has been, and I have no doubt he will continue the trend at Bryant."


Pat Ouckama – DC United, Major League Soccer Head of Youth Development, Academy Director


"Ruben's record speaks for itself; the wins/losses, the recruits he is able to attract and the development of programs that are consistently competing for championships. What sets him apart, however, is that few coaches combine that relentless will to win with a genuine care for each individual player. I know first-hand that Ruben is one of them. This is a home run for Bryant. With him at the helm, success, in every sense of the word, is on its way."

Brendan Pacheco

Andre Martins