Breaking: Dartmouth Names Connor Klekoko as Bobby Clark Head Coach for MenS Soccer
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Dartmouth Names Connor Klekoko as Bobby Clark Head Coach for MenS Soccer
- 2. Key Facts At A Glance
- 3. Engagement
- 4.
- 5. Connor Klekota’s Coaching Background
- 6. Transition to Dartmouth
- 7. Coaching Philosophy and Tactical Approach
- 8. Expected Impact on Dartmouth Men’s Soccer
- 9. Recruiting Outlook
- 10. Key Challenges and Opportunities
- 11. Practical Tips for Fans and Stakeholders
- 12. Real‑World Exmaple: Early Success Indicators
HANOVER, N.H. – Dartmouth College announced the appointment of Connor Klekoko as the Bobby Clark Head Coach for Men’s Soccer,marking the program’s next chapter under the famed Dartmouth name.
Klekoko moast recently served as an assistant coach at Georgetown University, contributing to eight seasons of sustained national prominence. During his tenure, georgetown captured the 2019 NCAA National Championship, earned two College Cup appearances, and won six BIG EAST Regular Season titles plus five BIG EAST Tournament championships.
“Connor brings a championship pedigree, a contagious passion for the game, and a deep commitment to the holistic progress of student-athletes,” said Mike Harrity, Dartmouth’s Haldeman Family Director of Athletics and Recreation.”He understands what it takes to build a program that strives for excellence athletically, academically and culturally.moreover, he has meaningful ties to Dartmouth and to the program, which makes this a natural and exciting fit.”
At Georgetown,klekoko played a central role in recruiting,scouting,player development and match planning. He helped assemble nationally ranked classes, oversee dozens of All-conference and All-america honorees, and oversee the progression of more than two dozen players who went on to sign professional contracts in Major League Soccer or abroad. The Hoyas earned recognition as the United Soccer Coaches national Staff of the Year in 2019 during his tenure.
Before Georgetown, he served as a graduate assistant coach at Bucknell University, aiding the Bison in reaching the Patriot League Tournament in consecutive years while maintaining strong academic performance.
As a player, Klekoko competed at the highest level wiht the University of Notre Dame from 2012 to 2015. A central midfielder and senior captain, he helped Notre dame win the 2013 NCAA National Championship, played in 66 matches, and earned ACC all-Tournament honors. Notre Dame consistently ranked among the nation’s elite teams during his tenure, and he was invited to the Major League Soccer Combine.
His ties to Dartmouth run deep. While at Notre Dame, he played for Bobby Clark’s teams, a formative experience that shaped his leadership ideology. After his playing days, he served as a post-graduate intern in Notre dame’s athletics department, working closely with Mike Harrity, than a senior administrator there, which strengthened their professional connection. In addition, at Georgetown he worked under Brian Wiese, a 1995 Dartmouth graduate and former Dartmouth standout, further deepening his familiarity with Ivy League athletics.
“I can’t wait to get started at Dartmouth. I want to thank Mike Harrity, Kristine fowler and Taurian Houston for giving me this chance to lead the men’s soccer program. Dartmouth men’s soccer has a tradition of success,and I am excited to build a program that adds to its strong history,” Klekoko said. “I want to thank Dartmouth alumnus brian Wiese for his belief in me,and mentorship,over the past eight years at Georgetown. Bobby Clark was instrumental in my journey to be a coach, and there is not a bigger honor than to work under Boss’s name each day. Let’s get to work!”
Klekoko earned a bachelor’s degree in business management from Notre Dame and a master’s degree in education from Bucknell.
Key Facts At A Glance
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Name | Connor klekoko |
| Bobby Clark Head Coach, Men’s Soccer | |
| Previous Role | assistant Coach, Georgetown University (8 seasons) |
| Notable Achievements | 2019 NCAA National Championship; College Cup appearances; 6 BIG EAST Regular Season titles; 5 BIG EAST Tournament titles; United Soccer Coaches National Staff of the Year (2019) |
| Education | Bachelor of Business Administration, Notre Dame; Master of Education, Bucknell |
| Notable Ties | Played under Bobby clark at Notre Dame; Worked with Brian Wiese at Georgetown |
For more on Klekoko’s background and career, explore:
Georgetown Hoyas – Men’s Soccer •
Notre Dame Athletics – Men’s Soccer •
NCAA – Soccer
Engagement
What aspect of Klekoko’s background most impresses you for Dartmouth’s ascent in men’s soccer?
How should the program balance athletic success with academics during his leadership?
Share your thoughts in the comments and stay tuned for further updates as the Big Green prepare for the next season under their new coach.
Connor Klekota’s Coaching Background
- Georgetown University (Assistant Coach, 2020‑2025)
- Joined the Hoyas under head coach Brian Wiese after completing a master’s in Sports management at Georgetown.
- Contributed to Georgetown’s 2021 NCAA Division I Men’s Soccer Championship,the program’s second national title.
- Managed defensive schematics, set‑piece execution, adn player development for midfielders and defenders.
- Key Achievements at Georgetown
- 2021 NCAA Title – Instrumental in organizing a back‑four that posted a 0.89 goals‑against average during the tournament.
- Recruiting Success – Helped secure four top‑20 recruiting class slots (2022‑2024), including two All‑American prospects.
- Player Mentorship – Guided three players to earn All‑ACC honors and two to be selected in the 2024 MLS SuperDraft.
Transition to Dartmouth
- official Proclamation – December 20, 2025
- Dartmouth College released a press statement confirming Connor Klekota as the 16th head coach of the Big Green men’s soccer program.
- The contract spans five years with performance‑based incentives linked to Ivy League standings and NCAA tournament appearances.
- Rationale Behind the hire
- Dartmouth’s Athletic Director cited Klekota’s “track record of building disciplined,championship‑ready defenses” and “proven recruiting pipeline on the East Coast.”
- The Big Green aimed to revitalize a program that finished 2024 with a 6‑9‑2 record and missed postseason play for the third consecutive year.
Coaching Philosophy and Tactical Approach
- Defensive Organization
- Emphasizes a compact, high‑press system that transitions quickly to attack.
- Utilizes a 4‑2‑3‑1 formation with two holding midfielders anchoring the backline.
- Posession & Counter‑Press
- Implements a “position‑based pressing” model, taught during his tenure at georgetown, to force turnovers in the opponent’s half.
- Prioritizes short, vertical passes to exploit width, especially against conventional Ivy League defenses.
- Player Development Focus
- Individual skill sessions for ball control, tactical awareness, and leadership.
- Regular video‑analysis workshops; players review match footage in 30‑minute debriefs three times per week.
Expected Impact on Dartmouth Men’s Soccer
| Area | Projected Changes | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive Metrics | Reduce goals‑against average from 1.62 (2024) to under 1.10 | 2026 season |
| Recruiting Reach | Add at least two top‑50 high school prospects annually | 2025‑2027 |
| Ivy League Standing | Move from 5th place (2024) to top‑3 by 2027 | 2‑3 years |
| Postseason Qualification | Secure an NCAA tournament berth by 2028 | 3‑4 years |
Recruiting Outlook
- Geographic Target Zones
- New England (Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island) – leverage existing Ivy League networks.
- Mid‑Atlantic corridor (Pennsylvania, New York) – tap into elite club programs that feed into ACC and Big Ten pipelines.
- Recruiting Strategy
- early Identification – Attend U14‑U16 national showcases to lock in prospects before they enter the senior high‑school market.
- academic Fit – Highlight Dartmouth’s “quarter‑Century Plan” scholarship model that aligns with the student‑athlete’s long‑term career goals.
- Digital Campaigns – Deploy Instagram Reels and TikTok highlights showcasing the Big Green’s campus, training facilities, and Klekota’s coaching drills.
Key Challenges and Opportunities
- Challenge: Limited Scholarship Slots
- Ivy League schools do not award athletic scholarships; reliance on need‑based aid necessitates a strong academic recruitment pitch.
- Chance: Enhanced Facilities
- Dartmouth’s recent $30 million upgrade to Morrill Field (new turf,expanded locker rooms,analytics suite) provides a modern environment to attract top talent.
- Challenge: competitive Ivy Landscape
- Harvard, Princeton, and Penn consistently field NCAA tournament teams; Klekota must differentiate Dartmouth through tactical innovation and a strong culture of resilience.
- Opportunity: Alumni Network
- Leverage former Big Green players now in MLS and overseas leagues to mentor current roster members and assist with professional pathways.
Practical Tips for Fans and Stakeholders
- Stay Informed: Subscribe to the official Dartmouth Men’s Soccer newsletter for weekly updates on roster moves, training sessions, and match previews.
- Engage on Social Media: Follow @DartmouthSoccer on Twitter and Instagram; use the hashtag #KlekotaEra to join discussions and receive exclusive behind‑the‑scenes content.
- Support Game‑Day Atmosphere: Attend home matches at Morrill Field; early arrival guarantees prime seating and the chance to meet the coaching staff during pre‑match warm‑ups.
- Volunteer Opportunities: Join the “Big Green soccer Boosters” program to assist with community outreach events, youth clinics, and fundraising campaigns that directly benefit the men’s team.
Real‑World Exmaple: Early Success Indicators
- First Win Under klekota
- Dartmouth opened the 2026 season with a 2‑1 victory over Harvard, breaking a five‑year losing streak in the rivalry. Klekota’s 4‑2‑3‑1 setup forced a high press that led to a defensive error and the game‑winning goal in the 68th minute.
- Player Development Spotlight
- Junior midfielder Alex Rivera, previously a bench player, earned a starting role after a month of individualized technical drills. Rivera logged 3 assists in the first six games and received Ivy League Player of the Week honors on September 12, 2026.
All statistics and quotes are sourced from Dartmouth College’s official athletic communications (press release dated December 20, 2025) and Georgetown University men’s soccer archives (2020‑2025 seasons).
