Coach Hatleli joins Monmouth College

The Monmouth College community welcomes Men’s Soccer Coach, Ian Hatleli, who was appointed as the 13th head coach in the program’s history over this summer. Coach Hatleli joins us from Wabash College, Indiana, where he spent the five previous years as assistant coach. He also directed recruiting efforts in the Hoosier State.

Coach Hatleli chose Monmouth for a variety of reasons, primarily, the move allowed him to stay in the Midwest, an area in which he grew up. A graduate of Millikin University, Hatleli is familiar with the Division III culture in the Midwest, and thought Monmouth “felt like the right spot”. Another attraction were the facilities at Monmouth, notably the soccer fields which Hatleli describes as “impeccable”. Athletic Director, Roger Haynes showed great support making the decision to apply an easy one for Coach Hatleli.

Through his experience during this strange semester, Coach has appreciated the Monmouth atmosphere which he notes as being comparable to Millikin University. Monmouth is “comparable to where I went, convenient to walk around and get to places, the people are laid back” and have been particularly helpful in assisting him with his own transition.

Coach Hatleli is tasked with a difficult job. He not only has to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic in his first season but will also be rebuilding a squad that graduated 10 seniors. With regards to the COVID pandemic, Hatleli noted that it is a “terrible” situation but not worth fighting. Furthermore, he implores everyone “to do the right thing day in and day out” to protect the campus community. In addition, he has to contend with a 4-month-old at home, so life has been very challenging and busy for the new Monmouth addition.

Players concerned about the level of practice and intensity they might experience at training could have their fears alleviated by Coach’s tenacious attitude to continue the success the team earned last year. With the COVID-19 restrictions, practice will be conducted differently than normal but Coach is hoping to provide instruction on technique and tactics as well as keeping practice competitive so that his players do not lose their “edge”.

Hatleli is looking forward to the challenge and is complimentary of the current squad at his disposal, applauding their academic standing and preparedness for life after college.

We wish Coach Hatleli all the best as he begins his Monmouth career!

Kieren Marshall - Staff Writer