BUZZARDS BAY, Mass. – Massachusetts Maritime Academy Director of Athletics announced the hiring of Mike McKenna as the next Head Women's Soccer Coach.

McKenna brings more than 15 years of coaching experience at the youth, high school, and NCAA Division III levels, along with more than two decades of organizational leadership and community engagement. He most recently served as an assistant coach at Vermont State University–Castleton, where he played a key role in recruiting, scouting, tactical planning, video analysis, and match preparation while helping guide the Spartans to two Little East Conference Tournament appearances, including a semifinal appearance.

"We are excited to welcome Mike McKenna to the Buccaneer family," said Director of Athletics Mike Kelley. "Throughout the search process, Mike distinguished himself as a relationship-driven leader with a clear vision for building a competitive program centered on the holistic development of student-athletes. His coaching experience, leadership background, and commitment to creating a positive team culture make him an outstanding fit for Massachusetts Maritime Academy."

At Castleton, McKenna was responsible for opponent scouting, tactical game planning, player video review, recruiting throughout Southern New England, and on-field instruction. Before his collegiate coaching experience, he built an impressive resume in Massachusetts youth and high school soccer, leading Middleboro Youth Soccer teams to two Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association State Final Four appearances while helping numerous student-athletes continue their playing careers at the collegiate level.

McKenna also served as President of Middleboro Youth Soccer from 2015 to 2024, overseeing all league operations and guiding the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic. During his tenure, he launched the Middleboro Youth Soccer Summer Camp, which continues to serve more than 100 players each summer while emphasizing technical development, fitness, and a lifelong passion for the game.

In addition to his coaching accomplishments, McKenna is the founder and president of Propagate, a successful Plymouth-based digital agency he has led for more than 20 years.

A proud Massachusetts native and resident of Middleboro, McKenna is deeply connected to the region and understands the unique opportunity Massachusetts Maritime Academy provides student-athletes.

"I'm honored and excited to be named the next head coach of the women's soccer team at Massachusetts Maritime Academy," said Coach McKenna. I believe I am a great fit for this program and the community, and I am ready to get to work. I'm looking forward to helping to foster a culture of competitiveness, hard work, and unity within the program."

McKenna will begin his duties immediately and will lead the Buccaneers into the upcoming 2026 season. He will begin connecting with returning student-athletes, recruiting future Buccaneers, and preparing the program for preseason training in August as Massachusetts Maritime looks forward to an exciting new chapter under his leadership. 

The Buccaneers women's soccer team will play a 17-game schedule in the upcoming 2026 season, beginning with a matchup against Curry College on September 1st.