Alma Mater: Plymouth State '85
E-mail: khassler@catawba.edu
Office Phone: (704) 637-4348
Ken Hassler is set to start his 12th season as head coach of Catawba College men's soccer in the fall of 2024.
Entering the 2024 season, Hassler ranks fourth in program history with 70 career victories. Catawba has won 8+ matches in five seasons under Hassler, including 28 victories in the last three campaigns.
Under Hassler, Catawba has claimed five wins over Top 25 opponents including the program's only two wins over top-7 opponents, highlighted by a win over No. 4 Coker in October 2021. At Catawba, Hassler has coached three First Team All-Americans, five all-region selections, one SAC Freshman of the Year and 15 all-conference picks. The team made its first appearance in the national poll in 16 seasons in October 2022.
Hassler became the head men’s soccer coach at Catawba prior to the 2013 season. He came to Catawba from the University of Montevallo (Ala.), where his teams compiled a 43-12-8 record and two Peach Belt Conference championships. The Falcons also earned three straight NCAA tournament bids, and were ranked No. 2 in the nation at one point.
In addition to winning games at Montevallo, Hassler’s 2011 and 2012 teams also earned NSCAA team academic awards.
Prior to Montevallo, Hassler was head coach at Pfeiffer (2004-10) and turned that Falcons squad into yearly NCAA Division II contender. Prior to Hassler’s arrival , Pfeiffer had won just 11 games in the previous two seasons combined. Under Hassler, Pfeiffer had top ten regional rankings in 2005-09. The 2009 Pfeiffer team tied the school record for wins (13) and defeated then No. 1-ranked Lees-McRae.
Hassler began his career as head coach of New England College in New Hampshire, in 1987. After stops as an assistant coach at Plattsburgh State (1989) and Ithaca (1990), Hassler took over as head coach at Alfred University (N.Y.) in 1991. Hassler enjoyed a 12-year stay at Alfred, where his teams were consistently ranked in the region.
Hassler graduated cum laude from Plymouth State College (N.H.) in 1985, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education. He earned his master’s degree in physical education (sport psychology concentration) at Ithaca College in 1991.
Hassler and his wife, Luisa, reside in Salisbury. They have two children, Ken and Melanie.
