Manhattan College named longtime New Jersey club coach Ashley Hammond head men’s soccer coach today.

“I am very excited with this terrific opportunity at Manhattan College. And am very impressed with the pedigree of the current roster of Manhattan players and their unbridled enthusiasm to improve,” said Hammond. “I passionately believe that the players with the best touch of the ball will always win in soccer. And moving forward, the Jaspers will play a pure — and winning — brand of soccer.”

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Hammond brings two decades of experience to the Jaspers. He has worked with the Montclair (NJ) United Soccer Club since 1987, and is in his 19th year as the Director of Coaching, helping bring them to state and national prominence.

“We are excited to bring Ashley on board,” said Jasper athletic director Rob Byrnes. “His vast coaching experience, passion to succeed and extensive track record of success will propel our program in the right direction. Ashley is a great addition to the Manhattan College community.”

Hammond coaches the U-18 girls Montclair Aristocats and U-16 girls Montclair Thunderbolts, with the former advanced to the State Cup Finals seven of the last eight years with state titles in 2002, 2005, 2007 and 2009. He led the Aristocats to the National Y League championship in 2005, and has them ranked fifth in the country presently, No. 1 in the state. Since taking over the Thunderbolts in 2004, he won the State Cup championship in 2009 and has them ranked No. 14 in the U.S. and No. 1 in the state.

Hammond is the co-owner and director of Sports Domain Academy which trains boys and girls, men and women under 18 in Montclair. He has training experience and has conducted clinics on the international level with clubs such as with Norwich City FC (England), Colchester United FC (England), Queensland State Team (Australia), Olympiakos FC (Greece), Shorobe FC (Africa) and Sagamihara School (Japan).