University of New Hampshire Athletics
Barnard Elevated to Associate Head Coach
2/7/2025 10:33:00 AM | Women's Soccer
DURHAM, N.H. - The University of New Hampshire women's soccer program announced the promotion of Grace Barnard to associate head coach.
Barnard joined UNH as an assistant coach and recently completed her second season, helping the Wildcats to a 12-5-1 record and a runner-up finish in both the regular season and America East Championship. The 12 wins match the program record set in 1988.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of associate head coach for the University of New Hampshire women's soccer team," Barnard said. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Head Coach Steve Welham for his belief in my abilities and for the opportunity to continue contributing to this amazing program. I look forward to helping the Wildcats achieve even greater success and can't wait to build on the strong foundation we've created together. Go Wildcats!"
During her tenure at UNH, Barnard has helped guide the Wildcats to an 18-10-6 overall record, including 9-2-4 in America East play. A former Division I goalkeeper, she played a key role in mentoring Sally Rainey (West Lebanon, N.H.) to consecutive America East Goalkeeper of the Year honors. UNH's defense has also been among the best in program history, allowing just 14 goals in 2024, to rank second behind the record of 13 set the year before.
"We are very excited to announce that Grace Barnard will be promoted to associate head coach," Welham said. "In her short time here in Wildcat Country, Grace has established herself as an important and highly valued member of our staff. She has positively impacted the lives of many of our student athletes and we are looking forward to her continued growth as a student and teacher of the game. Grace has a very bright future, and we are looking forward to her continued contributions on and off the field that will only help to elevate the standing and trajectory of our program"
Welham praised his coaching staff. "Along with Grace, Stu Horne and Josh Needle bring a wealth of knowledge, support, and loyalty to our program that does not go unnoticed," he said. "We have an outstanding coaching staff, and I could not be more pleased with the quality and integrity of our group. With that being said, I am proud to announce that Grace becomes only the second associate head coach in recent history here at UNH women's soccer."
Barnard, who played at William & Mary from 2007-10, coached at Le Moyne, Dartmouth, and Assumption, before returning to her alma mater and then joining the Wildcats in April of 2023.
Barnard joined UNH as an assistant coach and recently completed her second season, helping the Wildcats to a 12-5-1 record and a runner-up finish in both the regular season and America East Championship. The 12 wins match the program record set in 1988.
"I am incredibly excited and honored to step into the role of associate head coach for the University of New Hampshire women's soccer team," Barnard said. "I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Head Coach Steve Welham for his belief in my abilities and for the opportunity to continue contributing to this amazing program. I look forward to helping the Wildcats achieve even greater success and can't wait to build on the strong foundation we've created together. Go Wildcats!"
During her tenure at UNH, Barnard has helped guide the Wildcats to an 18-10-6 overall record, including 9-2-4 in America East play. A former Division I goalkeeper, she played a key role in mentoring Sally Rainey (West Lebanon, N.H.) to consecutive America East Goalkeeper of the Year honors. UNH's defense has also been among the best in program history, allowing just 14 goals in 2024, to rank second behind the record of 13 set the year before.
"We are very excited to announce that Grace Barnard will be promoted to associate head coach," Welham said. "In her short time here in Wildcat Country, Grace has established herself as an important and highly valued member of our staff. She has positively impacted the lives of many of our student athletes and we are looking forward to her continued growth as a student and teacher of the game. Grace has a very bright future, and we are looking forward to her continued contributions on and off the field that will only help to elevate the standing and trajectory of our program"
Welham praised his coaching staff. "Along with Grace, Stu Horne and Josh Needle bring a wealth of knowledge, support, and loyalty to our program that does not go unnoticed," he said. "We have an outstanding coaching staff, and I could not be more pleased with the quality and integrity of our group. With that being said, I am proud to announce that Grace becomes only the second associate head coach in recent history here at UNH women's soccer."
Barnard, who played at William & Mary from 2007-10, coached at Le Moyne, Dartmouth, and Assumption, before returning to her alma mater and then joining the Wildcats in April of 2023.
Players Mentioned
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