WILKES-BARRE, PA (May 16, 2024) -- On Thursday morning, the King's College Athletic Department announced its most recent transition as Head Men's Soccer Coach Connor Keenan is stepping down from his stint with the Monarchs to take on his next role as the Head Men's Soccer Coach at Catholic University of America.

"It's very bittersweet to announce my departure from King's and the men's soccer program," said Keenan. "While I'm excited to begin this next chapter, I'm forever grateful for the opportunity to work with such amazing student-athletes and will miss everyone within the King's College community. This truly is a special place, and I cannot thank Cheryl Ish and President Fr. Looney enough for entrusting me as the Head Men's Soccer Coach this last year."

Keenan had a strong season in 2023 with the Monarchs, posting a 5-8-3 overall record anda 1-3-3 mark in their Middle Atlantic Conference Freedom (MAC Freedom) contests, narrowly missing the playoffs. A Lycoming College graduate, Keenan coached four All-MAC Freedom honorees, including Second Team recipients Nate Horn, Shane Serio, and Liam Yair and Honorable Mention recipient Philip Permyashkin, as well as six College Sports Communicators (CSC) Academic All District® student-athletes and 19 MAC Academic Honor Roll honorees.

Off the pitch, Keenan was very involved in the athletic department at King's, serving on various committees and working tirelessly to help improve facilities and grow the men's soccer program.

He is no stranger to the Washington, D.C. area as Keenan served as the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the men's soccer team at Catholic from 2016 to 2020. In that stint, Keenan helped the Cardinals grow their program from just one conference win in 2016 to a post-season appearance in 2017 and an overall record of 42-27-8 in four seasons. Their hard work paid off with a Landmark Conference Champion crown and a Landmark Conference Coaching Staff of the Year recognition in 2019.

"I wish Connor the best of luck in his new role at Catholic University," stated Associate Vice President and Executive Director of Intercollegiate Athletics and Recreation Cheryl Ish. "I know it was a tough decision for him to leave the team before he could realize the benefit of his hard work this past year. I appreciate that at times life presents you with opportunities that you need to seize. I know he has a very bright future in front of him."

Keenan will begin his duties at Catholic on June 3. King's will begin their search to appoint the next Head Men's Soccer Coach ahead of their 2024 campaign this upcoming fall.