June 17, 2010

COLLEGE PARK, MD. - Kristen Weiss has been named the University of Maryland women's soccer program's new volunteer assistant coach, head coach Brian Pensky announced today. Weiss comes to College Park after spending the last two seasons as an assistant coach at Clemson.

"Kristen's playing career speaks for itself - both at Virginia and at the national team level," said Pensky. "We are excited to have Kristen work with our attacking players. She's going to be a real asset to our student-athletes as they continue to grow and develop. And Kristen's experience coaching in our league has her even better prepared to make an immediate impact here."

During her two seasons at Clemson, Weiss assisted in all areas of on-field coaching with a primary focus on forwards and the team's attack. She also had various responsibilities within the administration of the program, including recruiting and the coordination of campus visits.

Prior to that Weiss spent the 2007 season working at her alma mater as an administrative assistant with the Virginia women's soccer program. During this time, Weiss assisted in on-campus visits with prospective student-athletes and their families. She also maintained the program's compliance reports in accordance with NCAA rules and regulations.

Weiss played for Virginia from 2002-06, scoring 10 goals and adding 11 assists for her career. She was named to the ACC All-Tournament team in 2004 when the Cavaliers won their first conference title. Weiss competed for the full U.S. National Team in 2001 and was also a member of the U-16, U-17 and U-19 Women's National Teams. She has four caps with the full National Team.

Weiss replaces Laura Jackson on the Terrapin staff. Jackson, who spent the previous two seasons as the Maryland volunteer assistant, left to take a full-time assistant coaching position at the College of Charleston.

'LJ is going to be sorely missed by everyone within our program," said Pensky. "In two short years she left her mark on this team. LJ is a special person, and has a very bright future ahead of her in this game. We look forward to watching her career grow at The College of Charleston. Kevin Dempsey has made an outstanding hire."