From University of Rochester Athletics
Gabe Kleinert, who has served the past two years as an assistant coach, has been appointed as the interim head women's soccer coach at the University of Rochester. His appointment runs through the end of the 2021 calendar year.
Sike Dardaganis will retire as the head coach of Rochester's women's team on June 30, 2021. He has been involved with the University's soccer programs for more than 25 years, beginning with his time as a player during his undergraduate years.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity," Kleinert said, "and I am excited to lead the program moving forward."
Kleinert arrived at the River Campus before the 2019 season with coaching experience over the previous eight years, ranging from the intercollegiate to ODP and club levels.
"We are excited to have Coach Kleinert stepping into this important leadership role for the 2021 season," said George VanderZwaag, Executive Director of Athletics. "Given the quality of our team, we benefit from the continuity he provides. Given his demonstrated strengths as a coach, our team will be well supported."
Before his arrival at Rochester, Kleinert served as an assistant coach at Westminster College of Pennsylvania for the last six seasons (President's Athletic Conference). He helped coach 19 All-PAC players during his time with the Titans, including two All-Region selections and one CoSIDA Academic All-American.
During his six seasons with Westminster, the Titans posted a winning record each year, and qualified for postseason play in five of those years. He has also assisted with the Westminster Men's program who won conference titles in 2015 and 2019.
Additionally, Kleinert coached in the Olympic Development Program as a Region 1 Staff Coach and PA West Girls Assistant and Head Coach. His club coaching experience includes stints with Northern Steel Soccer Club and PA Crew Soccer Academy. Currently, he coaches club soccer with Empire United GA.
He holds a USSF National B License, Grassroots and D Instructor License, along with a Coerver Youth Diploma and NSCAA National Diploma.
As a player, Kleinert was a four-year starter at Geneva College, where the Golden Tornadoes recorded the third-most wins in school history (53). He graduated from Geneva in 2011 with degrees in business and sports management. He also obtained a Masters of Education from Westminster College in 2015.
In Kleinert's first season as an assistant coach at Rochester, the Yellowjackets posted a win over top-ranked William Smith College, tied #11 University of Chicago, and #22 RIT. UR finished with a record of 9-6-2. The 2020 season was cancelled due to the pandemic.
Rochester is scheduled to open the 2021 season on September 1 at home against SUNY Geneseo.