Kline will remain associate director of athletics

Ken Kline, women's soccer coach

Ken Kline is stepping down from his position as head coach of the Connecticut College women’s soccer program after 21 years at the helm. He will remain in the Department of Physical Education and Athletics as an adjunct professor of Physical Education and Associate Director of Athletics.

“Ken Kline has brought distinction to the College and all of our athletic programs through his team’s standard of success,” said CC Director of Athletics Fran Shields, who has worked in the athletics department with Kline throughout his career. “His technical expertise in the sport is unmatched and his impact on the growth of the sport in southeastern Connecticut is undeniable. But what will be remembered most about Ken as a soccer coach will be his strong relationships with people in the sport and his mentorship and care for his student-athletes.

“We are excited that Ken will continue to make important contributions to our programs in a non-coaching role,” Shields said.

Kline has been coaching soccer for 39 years at the interscholastic and intercollegiate level and decided that it was time to “pass that important assignment on to another person. This will allow me to expand my role as the associate AD, increase my focus on my teaching assignments and continue as the coordinator of physical education,” he said.

Under Kline’s direction, the Camels attained regional and national prominence, compiling an impressive 170-125-1 record. In 1998, Kline led the Camel women’s soccer program to its pinnacle. The Camels won the Metro Regional Championship and advanced into the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Elite Eight. Connecticut College completed the season ranked #8 in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National poll, the highest finish in program history.

Kline has directed the Camels to 15 winning seasons and 13 post-season appearances and his team has enjoyed its share of success in recent history. In 2002, he guided the Camels to a 10-win season and an appearance in the New England Small College Athletic Conference (NESCAC) semifinals. At the conclusion of the season, he was honored as the NSCAA New England Coach of the Year.

In 2004, Kline and the Camels advanced to the NESCAC semifinals for the second time in three years. On the way to the semis, CC made history by becoming the first #7 seed to oust a #2 seed in a NESCAC women’s soccer championship.

Kline has coached seven NSCAA All-Americans and 25 NSCAA All-New England Selections. Five of Kline’s student athletes have been inducted into the Connecticut College Athletic Hall of Fame.

Caroline Davis ’99, a captain of the 1998 Elite Eight team and a producer with ESPN, was profoundly impacted by Kline’s leadership on and off the field.

“He taught us all how to have confidence while attaining our goals as well as staying positive while facing challenges,” she said. “Those lessons have stayed with me long after I finished my soccer career.”