Eastern Washington University and head women’s soccer coach Missy Strasburg announced on June 2 the promotion of Hayden Hollinger to associate head coach ahead of the 2026 season.
Hollinger is entering his third year with the Eagles, having previously served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator. Since joining Eastern Washington, he has contributed to both on-field and off-field program growth.
“I am incredibly grateful for Hayden’s contributions to our program and am excited to demonstrate that gratitude with this title change,” said Strasburg. “From day one he came in with an exceptional work ethic and top-level attention to detail. He has not only supported my foundational vision and direction for this program regarding style of play and development of our student-athletes, he has provided several new initiatives and impactful solutions as our program has progressed. I significantly value his commitment to Eastern soccer and our student-athletes, and look forward to the future as we build towards even more success, on and off the pitch.”
Hollinger’s responsibilities include recruiting, player development, match preparation, scouting, video analysis, tactical planning, coordinating academic support, running camps, working closely with the defensive unit, and individual player development. During his tenure at Eastern Washington University, he assisted in returning the team to back-to-back conference tournament appearances for the first time since 2018-19, along with consecutive winning seasons last achieved in 2016-17. The team also produced 12 All-Big Sky honorees over two seasons—including back-to-back Big Sky Offensive MVPs Chloe Pattison and Lani Walker—contributing toward a total of 22 All-Big Sky honorees under Strasburg’s five-year leadership.
“I’m really excited about where this program is headed, and I love being a part of it,” said Hollinger. “Getting to work with the players day to day and see them grow and develop, not just on the field but as people, is the best part about this job. I’m really looking forward to what’s to come for this group and for EWU soccer.”
Before joining Eastern Washington University’s staff in Cheney, Hollinger held coaching roles at Oklahoma State University, Kentucky University, The Citadel; played collegiate soccer at St. Mary’s Rattlers men’s soccer team as well as Hartwick Hawks men’s soccer; earned an MBA from The Citadel; and holds a U.S. Soccer Federation “B” Coaching License.
