Minneapolis United (MU) is very excited to announce the appointment of Kelsey Hans to the position of Director of Coaching for MU’s Girls Program.

Kelsey comes to the club from The Blake School, where she spent the last two years as the Head Varsity Coach of their Girls soccer program. Prior to that, Kelsey worked in the Athletic Office at Edina High School where she helped manage their athletics, activities, and fine arts programs. Kelsey commands over a decade of soccer leadership experience in roles ranging from assistant coach to program director. She brings a wealth of soccer knowledge to MU, along with an intense passion for female athletics and the holistic approach to educating girls.

“Kelsey immediately rose to the top as the leading candidate to lead our Girls program into the future. She has great enthusiasm and knowledge of using soccer as means of teaching life lessons to girls. We are all thrilled to have her on our team!”  - Gregg Olson, Exec. Dir., MU

Kesley will hit the ground running during Winter Training, where many MU players and family members will have the chance to meet and get to know her. Check out the Q/A below for a sneak peek into the life of MU’s newest DOC.

Q&A With Kelsey

Tell us about your soccer background - where have you coached and played?

I grew up in Lakeville and played club soccer at Bangu (now MTA). After high school, I played at Northwestern University and continued to play for the Minnesota Lightning after I graduated. I have coached for over 10 years in Minnesota, Illinois, South Africa and California. I was the assistant varsity coach at Edina for 5 years before taking the head coach position at Blake where I just finished my 2nd season.

How did you find out about MU and our need for a new DOC?

I grew up playing soccer in Minnesota, and Minneapolis United always had a strong reputation for quality soccer and strong sense of community. I’ve worked with Tamba Johnson many times during my years at Blake, and he made me aware of the opportunity. 

What are you most excited to get started with for MU?

I’m really looking forward to getting to know the coaches, players, and families that make up the MU community. I am excited for the opportunity to create a unique identity for the girls program at MU by continuing to build on the strong soccer history while adding in wellness and physical (agility/strength) programs to develop well rounded players in addition to supporting the growth of our coaches.

Do you follow or support any teams in soccer or any other sports?

Macalester Mens’ Soccer and AFC Richmond.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

I lived in South Africa and worked for a nonprofit that provides athletic opportunities for young women in low-income areas. I have an M.S. in Conservation Biology from the University of Michigan. I have 2 daughters, Sydney (5 years) and Emerson (2 years). When I’m not coaching or chasing around my kids I like to read, obsessively landscape my yard, cook, and go to Lifetime.