Kentucky men’s soccer has announced the hire of Jan Hoffelner, an alumni of the soccer program, as an assistant coach.
The announcement comes Friday afternoon per head coach Johan Cedergren.
Hoffelner played under Cedergren in 2021 after transferring from St. John’s. During his career at Kentucky, he garnered many accolades including being a MAC Hermann Trophy semifinalist, a United Soccer Coaches Association First Team All-American and Conference-USA Goalkeeper of the Year.
His season at Kentucky ended with him being ranked fifth in NCAA Division-I in save percentage (.810) after logging a program-record 12 shutouts, only allowing eight goals and making 34 saves on the year.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Jan Hoffelner back to Kentucky,” Cedergren said through UK Athletics’ press release. “[…] to be able to add someone of Jan’s caliber both tactically in meeting rooms, as well as instruction on the pitch, it elevates our staff to an elite level of coaching.”
Hoffelner joins the Wildcats with some coaching experience under his belt, as he most recently worked as a goalkeeper coach with East Atlanta FC. He also worked with Gwinnett Soccer Academy coaching fundamentals in foot skills, agility and goalkeeping.
The former goalkeeper also founded the Duluth FC Goalkeeper Camp in 2018.
“I am confident that under [the University of Kentucky’s] guidance, I will be able to refine my skills, grow as a coach and achieve both my professional and personal goals,” Hoffelner said per UK’s statement.
Hoffelner is the first assistant coach with a special emphasis on the defensive unit — and more specifically the goalkeeping unit — since the departure of Josh Oldroyd in 2023, with associate coach Ryan Zinkhan having a broader approach to the team with his collegiate and coaching experiences extending throughout the field to offense.