CHESTER, Pa. – Widener University Director of Athletics Jack Shafer announced the hiring of Melissa Koster as the new head coach of the women's soccer program. 
 
"We are very excited to welcome Melissa to Widener as our newest women's soccer coach", said Shafer. "She brings experience coaching one of the top programs in the country over the past several years and I know she is ready and excited to get to work with our team. Coach Koster inherits a competitive group of players that are looking forward to making an impact in the conference for seasons to come." 
 
Before arriving in Chester, Koster spent the past three years as an assistant women's soccer coach at Stevens Institute of Technology where she was primarily responsible for recruiting, scouting, and managing the daily operations of the program. Under her tenure, the Ducks compiled a 33-7-1 record through two seasons, capturing a pair of conference titles and advancing in the NCAA Tournament during both years. 
 
Koster's ability to recruit and develop players has been a hallmark of her career so far. While at Stevens, she helped coach 12 All-Conference players and was a part of two conference coaching staffs of the year. She has also previously worked as a coach and trainer for players ranging in age from 5-17 through a number of clinics, club teams, and camps. 
 
Prior to joining Stevens, Koster was an assistant at Moravian University where she was heavily involved in recruiting and technical skill development and served as a member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee. While there, she helped the Greyhounds to a 19-13-2 mark and an appearance in the 2016 Landmark Conference Championship. 
 
Koster opened her collegiate coaching career in 2015 at her alma mater Montclair State University and guided the Red Hawks to their fourth straight NCAA Tournament appearance. 
 
As a player at Montclair State, Koster was named Second Team All-American, NJAC Midfielder of the Year, and a two-time First Team All-Conference honoree. She led her teams to an impressive 68-8-8 record and three consecutive NCAA Tournament berths. 
 
The Hamilton, N.J. native earned her B.S. in Physical Education and Health from Montclair State in 2016 and her Master of Education from Moravian in 2018.
 
What They're Saying About Coach Koster:
"I don't think it's possible to be able to put into words in attempting to sum up what Melissa Koster has meant to our program. So happy for her to be able to earn this opportunity as the women's soccer coach at Widener University. We are all fortunate to say that we were able to share our time with her here at Stevens. We are glad that she will continue her growth at a fellow MAC institution and we look forward to seeing her continue to make positive differences in the lives of student athletes. Widener is gaining a quality educator, an intense competitor, someone with a relentless work ethic, a trusted friend, and one of my favorite people."
Jeff Parker, Head Women's Soccer Coach - Stevens Institute of Technology
 
"I'm very excited for Melissa and she has all the qualities you look for in a head coach. I look forward to following her and the program and wish her the best of luck moving forward."
Jeff Ykoruk, Head Women's Soccer Coach - Moravian University