Hempstead, NY - Hofstra University Head Men's Soccer Coach Richard Nuttall announced today that Assistant Coach Stephen Roche has been promoted to the position of associate head coach.
 
"This is a well-deserved promotion for Stephen," said Nuttall. "He has a great mind for the game and is an excellent tactical coach and recruiter. Stephen has played a huge role in our success and I am thrilled to have him on our staff."
 
Roche, who came to Hofstra in June 2016, recently completed his fifth season as an assistant coach on the men's soccer staff. In his five seasons, Roche has helped the Pride to Colonial Athletic Association Championship appearances each year, with Hofstra advancing to the finals in 2018 and 2020-21, and the semifinals in 2016 and 2019. The Pride claimed the CAA regular season title in Roche's first season (2016), posting a 7-1 conference record, its best CAA winning percentage since joining the league.
 
During his tenure with the Pride, Roche has been responsible for tactical approach and implementation, recruiting, scheduling and scouting. The team has posted a 40-28-18 record over the last five seasons, including a pair of 10-win campaigns in 2018 and 2019. The Pride has a 22-6-8 mark in league play during that time as well. He has assisted in the development of some of the top players in program history with Joseph Holland, Sean Nealis, and Matthew Vowinkel each drafted by Major League Soccer teams.

A native of Dublin, Ireland, Roche has also served as head coach of the Long Island Rough Riders in USL2 and is now the sporting director for the Rough Riders.

As a player, Roche played professionally with the University College Dublin Football Club in the League of Ireland Premier division from January 2009 through November 2010. He joined FC New York of the United Soccer League in 2011. 

Roche holds a bachelor's degree in retail and services management from Dublin Institute of Technology. He also owns a National Diploma and an Advanced National Diploma from the United Soccer Coaches and a USSF 'D' license.