Heather Ruger took over as the Head Coach of the City College of New York women's soccer program in December 2014.
Ruger, a CCNY graduate from the Class of 2014, was a four-year starter and three-year team captain for CCNY during her playing days. Ruger earned CUNYAC All-Star honors three times, anchoring the defense and helping the Beavers to the conference championship in 2012. This past season, she became an assistant coach with the program, gaining invaluable experience as City reached the conference semifinals.
"Based on my past experience with [Ruger] as a student-athlete, and my recent experience with her as an assistant coach, I have the ultimate confidence our women's soccer program is now in the right hands." Director of Athletics Kevin Abdur-Rahman said in a statement.
Ruger takes over for coach Don Manfria, who is retiring after six seasons at the helm of the program. Manfria won two CUNYAC Championships in 2009 and 2012, and three of his players would be voted Conference Player of the Year. He departs as the Beavers' all-time winningest coach with 52 wins.
"I would like to thank Dr. Kevin Abdur-Rahman for giving me the opportunity to take charge of the program. I'm looking forward to continuing the legacy that Coach [Don] Manfria started."
Ruger will also continue to serve as the assistant business manager in the athletics department offices.
