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University of Massachusetts/Lowell

Lowell, MA 01854
Massachusetts Northeast
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Mira Novak

Mira Novak enters his fifth season as Head Coach in the fall of 2023 after joining the River Hawks in the summer of 2017 as an Assistant Coach and serving as Interim Head Coach in 2018.


A UEFA A license holder, Novak has coached at the university level in the USA, Canada, and United Kingdom. Novak oversaw a major turnaround in the program's history, including the first America East playoff appearance, Regular Season Championship, and making it to the America East Championship game. As of 2022, he coached eight All-Region honorees, nine America East Conference major award winners, nineteen All-Conference players, nine All-Rookie selections, one America East Fall Sports Scholar Athletes of the Year, two Academic All-Americans, and eight student-athletes claimed America East All-Academic honors under his watch.


In 2022, the River Hawks reached a fifth consecutive appearance in the America East Tournament, earning the #4 seed. The team finished with a 7-7-4 overall record and conference mark of 4-2-2. Six players earned America East All-Conference honors, with three on the All-Conference First Team (Dunja Mostarac, Emily Nelson and Ioanna Papatheodorou), two on the Second Team (Calliste Brookshire and Lily Fabian) and one on the All-Rookie Team (Nadja Andersen). Mostarac and Nelson also earned America East All-Academic honors. In addition, Papatheodorou was named to the United Soccer Coaches All-Region team after scoring a team-high 10 goals and tallying a team-high 24 points. Mostarac, Nelson and Papatheodorou were also named to the NEWISA All-New England team, with Nelson and Papatheodorou making the second team and Mostarac being named to the third team.


During the fall season of 2021, the program reached a second consecutive playoff bye after finishing second in the regular season.

UMass Lowell finished the season 8-6-3 with a conference record of 5-3-1, which marked the highest number of wins in the program's Division 1 history. The team finished the season with the highest RPI national ranking since joining Division I, and collected three major awards for winning Defender of the Year (Dunja Mostarac) and Rookie and Striker of the Year (Ioanna Papatheodorou). Additionally, Mostarac earned All-Region First Team honors as the only non-ACC team player on the list, along with Academic All-American and America East Fall Sports Scholar of the Year. Papatheodorou claimed the second team All-Region honors after leading the conference in goals.


The 2020 season (postponed to Spring 2021) saw the River Hawks break several program records under Coach Novak. UMass Lowell finished the regular season 5-2-1 with an undefeated conference record of 4-0-0. Their success earned the team their first America East regular season championship, along with the first No. 1 seed in the conference tournament since joining Division I. The team received multiple postseason accolades, including Coaching Staff of the Year, awarded to Coach Novak and his assistants. Other honors included Rookie & Goalkeeper of the Year earned by Taylor Burgess (11th in the country for save percentage and second for shoutouts), Defender of the Year earned by Dunja Mostarac, and Midfielder of the Year earned by Kristina Bartsch. Additionally, three players (Kritsitna Bartsch, Dunja Mostarac, and Abby Drezek) earned the Player of Distinction Award by the United Soccer Coaches. The program's defense was nationally ranked fifth for save percentage and fourteenth for goals against average.


In 2019, the River Hawks earned their first-ever bid to the America East tournament and a trip to the conference championship game after going 6-8-4 in the regular season (4-3-1 in America East). That season also marked the highest RPI ranking by the program to date. The team also posted a 3.36 GPA under Novak's guidance in the 2018 fall semester, while Maggie Davenport claimed the America East Elite 18 Award.


Since taking over as the head coach of the program, Novak has delivered four consecutive America East playoff appearances as the only team to have done so. The team has also qualified for the United Soccer Coaches Academic Award in every year of Novak's tenure at Umass Lowell. Novak has proven himself as a successful recruiter introducing the most impactful freshmen class (2018) in program history as they combined for 9,235 minutes and 17 goals surpassing the total amount of goals scored in the previous season by all players. Over the last four years, Novak has recruited players with high international pedigree - they collectively hold 111 youth national team caps for their respective national teams.


Prior to his hiring, Novak served one season as an assistant coach at Merrimack College, where he helped the Warriors to a second-round NCAA Tournament appearance after a second-place, regular-season finish in the Northeast-10. Novak assisted with leading the squad to a 13-4 record. Additionally, he also worked as the men's soccer team's head of match analysis at Boston University.

He also served as the associate head coach for the men's and women's soccer programs at St. Francis Xavier University. He established himself as a credible performance coach after helping to turn around the women's program and leading the men's team into the conference playoffs. Novak also received the Nova Scotia Coach of the Year award after leading the XFC senior club team to its first-ever playoff appearance at the Tier 1 level.


After moving to Scotland, Novak worked for the Scottish Football Association in elite talent programs and, as the head coach of the regional performance program, coached a number of youth national team players. He also worked as a coach educator, running coaching courses, and helped establish an innovative coach mentoring program. Novak also led the men's soccer team at the University of Stirling to a second-place finish in the highest division of university sports in Scotland.


In his playing career, Novak played at a semi-professional level in the Czech Republic, as well as successfully competing as a student-athlete at St. Francis Xavier University in Canada. While at St. Francis Xavier University, he led the X-Men as a co-captain to their first-ever No. 1 national ranking and earned All-Canadian and Conference Rookie of the Year honors.


Novak earned degrees in Kinesiology and Coaching Soccer from St. Francis Xavier University (Canada) and Charles University (Czech Republic), respectively. Additionally, he holds a Master's degree from the University of British Columbia in High Performance Coaching and Technical Leadership and also possesses the Chartered Professional Coach designation.


Novak currently lives in Reading, Massachusetts, with his wife Tory.

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Andrea Morrow

Andrea (Dray) Morrow joined the River Hawks coaching staff in the summer of 2018.


Currently working towards her USSF licensing, Morrow has coached at the youth and collegiate levels during her career. Currently she works with local club team, FC Stars of Massachusetts, working within their ECNL program.


Throughout the 2019 season, Morrow worked with goalkeepers and defenders and under her tutelage Dunja Mostarac was awarded America East All-First Team, Championship All-Star Team and All-Academic Team, leading the team in minutes played (1,519).


During her inaugural season, Morrow worked directly with the goalkeepers and under tutelage Senior Julia Schneider was awarded America East Championship All-Star Team and set the program records at the Division I level for career saves (354) and shut outs (18). Morrow also contributed to guiding the team to their first America East Tournament appearance, culminating in their first Conference Championship Game in program history.


Prior to her coaching role, Morrow was a stalwart defender for the River Hawks totaling 61 appearances and 37 starts. She sits 10th on the Division I Career Scoring Leaders list, highlighting her significant contributions to the program at both ends of the field.


The West Boylston, Mass. native earned her bachelor’s degree in Science in Public Health from UMass Lowell in 2018.

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James Thorpe

James Thorpe enters his second season as assistant coach for the UMass Lowell women's soccer program.


Thorpe served as the associate head coach for the Rhode Island women's soccer program for two seasons and brings a deep knowledge of recruiting as well as player development to the UMass Lowell coaching staff.


Serving as the associate head coach for the Rhode Island women's soccer program for two seasons, Thorpe comes to the River Hawks with a deep knowledge of recruiting as well as player development.


Prior to joining the Rams, Thorpe spent three years at Boston College as an assistant coach for the women's soccer team. With the Eagles, Thorpe was responsible for monitoring the academic progress of the student-athletes while also providing one-on-one instruction with the team. He also assisted in domestic and international recruiting and scouting opponents and the development and implementation of tactical and technical training sessions for the goalkeepers and field players.


In Thorpe's first stint at URI, he spent two seasons working with the Rams' men's soccer program, helping to develop their goalkeepers. During his tenure, Thorpe worked with three-time All-America Nils Leifhelm during his freshman campaign.


The 2007 NCAA Division II National Player of the Year, Thorpe had an outstanding career at Franklin Pierce, where he helped lead the Ravens to a national title his senior year. In addition to being a national champion, he was a three-time All-American, a four-time Northeast-10 Goalkeeper of the Year and a four-time All-New England First Team honoree.


Thorpe also set the NCAA record - for all divisions - for minutes played, logging 8,391:11 over 93 career matches. He left Franklin Pierce as both the program's and conference's record-holder for career shutouts (49), career goals against average (0.66) and consecutive shutout minutes (578:52).


Thorpe went on to a professional career which included stints in both the MLS (D.C. United, 2008) and USL (Western Mass Pioneers, 2009). He then spent the 2010 and 2011 seasons as a graduate assistant coach at Evansville before joining the Holy Cross staff for the 2012 season.


A native of East Longmeadow, Mass., Thorpe earned his undergraduate degree from Franklin Pierce in 2008 and his graduate degree from Evansville in 2011.

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Kyle Zenoni

Kyle Zenoni enters his second year as the head coach of the UMass Lowell men's soccer program, coming off a 2-9-5 record in his first season as a River Hawk in 2022. Zenoni was named head coach of the UMass Lowell men’s soccer program in February 2022.


Zenoni, who becomes the 10th head coach of the River Hawk program, has a résumé that includes a professional playing career and 12 years of collegiate coaching experience. Most recently, Zenoni spent the last seven seasons as associate head coach at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.


Zenoni was a member of the coaching staff at his alma mater, Milwaukee, for over a decade. As associate head coach, his duties included scouting, day-to-day training and serving as the director of recruitment. He also assisted with budgeting, scheduling and fundraising. During his tenure, the Panthers won two conference titles and made NCAA Tournament appearances in 2013 and 2021. The program ranked fourth in its region in 2021 and boasted an MLS draft pick the same year.


Prior to his most recent stint on staff at Milwaukee, Zenoni spent one season as the first assistant at the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay in 2011-12 where he helped lead the team to the best record and highest RPI in the Horizon League.


Zenoni began his coaching career at Milwaukee, spending time as both the second assistant and interim head coach.


In addition, Zenoni has been the director of the Bavarians Academy program since 2014, which has over 190 players and oversees more than 20 coaches. His coaching career has also included time as director of player development for Whitefish Bay Soccer Club, coach for the Olympic Development Program, and volunteer with the Special Olympics, as well as Operation Dream.


As a player, Zenoni was a four-year letterwinner (2002-05) for the Panthers. He led his team to four consecutive conference tournament championships and appearances in the second round of the NCAA Division I Tournament. A four-year starter and senior captain, his 83 career games played ranked tied for seventh in program history. In 2017, he was inducted into the University Wisconsin-Milwaukee Bud K. Haidet Athletics Hall of Fame.


Following his collegiate career, Zenoni played professionally both in the United States and abroad. After being selected by the Chicago Storm in the MISL Draft, he traveled overseas to spend time with Dundee FC in the Scottish Premier League, Falu FK in the Swedish 1st Division and La Paz FC of the South American Premiership. He also competed with the Minnesota Thunder of the USL back home in the States.


A Milwaukee, Wisconsin native, Zenoni received his bachelor’s of letters and science from Milwaukee. He earned his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) Class-A Senior License in September 2019.


WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KYLE ZENONI

“Kyle has been my right-hand man for the past eleven years. I knew the day we started working together, a head coaching opportunity for him was inevitable. He’s not only a great coach and leader, but more importantly a classy individual. I am delighted for him and his family for this great opportunity, something I know he’s worked very hard for. He has all the attributes necessary to be a success - integrity, outstanding knowledge of the game and a great work ethic. He is ready for this. The young men at UMass Lowell will all benefit from his devotion to their success as players and students, and their growth as individuals. I look forward to watching his success.” – Kris Kelderman, Head Coach, Milwaukee


"Kyle and I have known each other for over 25 years. I can honestly say he's one of the hardest workers I've come across. He also cares deeply about the players he coaches and wants to see them fulfill their greatest potential. I can't think of a better coach to lead this program." – Steve Bode, Head Coach, Loyola University Chicago


“I am extremely happy for Kyle. I have had the pleasure of knowing him as a professional player and college coach. He has worked very hard since his playing days and has a track record for winning everywhere he has been. Kyle will do a great job on and off the field, while stressing academic success and personal development of students. It’s a great day for UMass Lowell Athletics and the soccer program.” – Marcelo Santos, Assistant Coach, New England Revolution II


“Knowing Kyle since he was 17 years old, from the time I started working with him as a player at UW-Milwaukee, then competing against each other as coaches at Marquette, he has always shown an appetite to chase excellence, quality and best performances.

He always displays determination and an exceptional work ethic, and looks to lead by example and from the front. His dedication to the game, his team, his program and his own personal standards are things to admire. I believe Kyle will be giving all of himself to UMass Lowell - 100% of his skill-set knowledge, experience, dedication and total commitment, which is a great match.” – Louis Bennett, Head Coach, Marquette


“I have known Kyle for many years. He is a hard worker and UMass Lowell made a great hire. He will build relationships, teach the game and do things the right way. He’s a young, up-and-coming coach, and I can’t wait to see the success he brings to UMass Lowell.” - Freddy Juarez, Assistant Coach, Seattle Sounders

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Jason Stanton

Jason Stanton joined UMass Lowell ahead of the 2022 season, and currently serves as an assistant coach and goalkeeper coach.


Prior to joining the River Hawks, Stanton served as the goalkeeping coach for the men's soccer program at Boston College, from July 2021 to June 2022.


Alongside coaching at the collegiate level, Stanton was employed part-time as the MLS Next goalkeeper coach for Intercontinental Football Academy (IFA) of New England until April 2023 and had been with the organization since February 2021.


Prior to his transition into a part time role at IFA, Stanton served as the clubs North Region Goalkeeping Director and the Greater Boston Boys Regional Director from February 2021 until May 2022. He also worked for Global Premier Soccer (GPS) MA as the Metro Boston Regional Director from March 2019 to June 2020.


Stanton holds two degrees from the University of Pretoria that he obtained from 2012-15; BA Human Movement Sciences & BA (Hons) in Sport and Recreation Management. During his time at Pretoria, he was also a part of the men's soccer team that won several titles during his four years at the school.


Stanton currently holds several coaching qualifications from the USSF (C- License), the Scottish FA (GK Coaching Award 1.3 & Youth/Adult Coaching Certificate 1.2) and the Goalkeeping Level 1 Diploma from United Soccer Coaches.


Born and raised in Pretoria, South Africa, Stanton now resides in Charlestown with his wife Jessica and their dog Margo.

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