Connections Magazine

David Hesch

David Hesch has been appointed interim part-time head coach of both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at SUNY Niagara for the 2018 season.

Hesch, who spent last season as an assistant with the Niagara University men’s soccer program, brings nearly 20 years of coaching experience to SUNY Niagara. Prior to NU, Hesch served 12 years on the coaching staff at the University at Buffalo. Hesch was an assistant, associate and head coach at UB, helping the program to more than 100 wins during his tenure. He served as the program’s recruiting coordinator, while also overseeing areas such as: scouting of opponents, training sessions and video analysis.

Hesch helped the Bulls qualify for the Mid-American Conference Tournament in 10 of his 12 seasons on staff. He helped recruit 31 All-MAC players, 11 NSCAA All-Region players and 19 MAC All-Academic honorees. Hesch also assisted in the development of 18 professional players at Buffalo, including goalkeeper Bobby Shuttleworth, a Nichols School graduate and an eight-year veteran of Major League Soccer (MLS) currently with Minnesota United FC. Prior to UB, Hesch made coaching stops at Lake Erie College, Cazenovia College and with the Syracuse Blitz.

Since moving to Western New York, Hesch has served the community in a variety of roles including: Director of Coaching for Black Watch New York West, founder and manager of Raise Your Level LLC and gold-medal winning Empire State Games Western Region coach.

As a player, Hesch was the first-overall selection in the 1997 National Professional Soccer League (NPSL) draft after attending St. Bonaventure and Rowan Universities. In 1998, he was a member of the Delaware Wizards when they won the United States Indoor Soccer League (USISL) Metro Division Championship.

Hesch, who holds a USSF “A” Coaching License, is a Liverpool native. He currently lives in Grand Island with his wife, Kate, and daughters, Natalie and Addison.