Eckhardt spent the last two years as a graduate assistant in Rindge working with both teams                                      

RINDGE, N.H. (July 8, 2010) – Alex Eckhardt has been named the head coach of the women’s tennis program and assistant coach of the women’s soccer program at Franklin Pierce University. The announcement was made on Thursday by University Vice President/Director of Athletics Bruce Kirsh. Eckhardt is no stranger to either program at Franklin Pierce as she served as a graduate assistant coach for both programs during the past two years.

“I am very pleased to announce the hiring of Alex Eckhardt,” Kirsh said. “Over the past two years, she has been a tireless worker in helping to better both the tennis and soccer programs as a graduate assistant coach. I am confident that in her increased responsibilities, she will continue her outstanding commitment to helping student-athletes achieve great things both academically and athletically here at Franklin Pierce.”

Over the past two seasons, Eckhardt assisted head coach Jeff Bailey as the women’s soccer program continued its long line of success, including competing in the Northeast-10 Tournament Championship game and advancing to the NCAA Tournament in back-to-back years. She handled several responsibilities with the program, including working with the goalkeepers.

Eckhardt also volunteered as an assistant coach for both the men’s and women’s tennis programs while at Franklin Pierce, including serving as interim head coach of both teams during the conclusion of the 2009 spring season.

She holds coaching licenses in the following areas, including: NSCAA Goalkeeping Diploma, Level 1; and NCAA Coach Exam Certification. Eckhardt also has worked as an instructor at various soccer camps and clinics around New England.

"I am thrilled to continue working with women's soccer and women's tennis at Franklin Pierce University,” Eckhardt said. “I've been working with these student-athletes for the past two seasons and I look forward to welcoming in our new class of recruits to further build each program. I want to thank Bruce Kirsh for allowing me the chance to stay a part of Franklin Pierce Athletics."

Eckhardt played soccer at Stonehill College from 2004-08 and was a two-time captain as the goalkeeper. She earned her bachelor’s degree in communications with a minor in environmental studies. Eckhardt earned her master’s degree in sports facilities management from Franklin Pierce this past May.

For more information on Franklin Pierce Athletics, please visit the department’s website at athletics.franklinpierce.edu(.)