Former St. John's University standout Jen Leaverton has been named an assistant coach with the New York University women's soccer program. In addition to coaching, her main responsibilities will be in the area of recruiting.
 
“I am very excited about Jen joining the program,” said Violet head coach Michele Canning. “She has an outstanding soccer background and will bring her knowledge and experience to coaching and recruiting at NYU. I believe she is a fantastic role model for the players. She is an accomplished student-athlete whose passion for the game and drive to achieve in all areas of her life motivate everyone around her.”
 
Leaverton arrives at NYU after a stellar four-year career at St. John's, where the forward left her mark on the school's record books. She played in 77 games for the Red Storm, 67 of which were starts, and finished her career tied for second in school history in games played. Leaverton tallied 17 career goals and 39 career points, ending her career ninth in school history in goals. As a senior, she netted 10 goals, tied for fifth in a single season all-time at St. John's, and recorded 22 points, tied for sixth in school history.
 
Leaverton racked up numerous accolades in her time at St. John's. As a senior, she was named Second Team All-Big East, Capital One First Team Academic All-District 1 and National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Third Team Scholar All-East Region. She was also named NSCAA Second Team Scholar All-East Region as a junior.
 
Leaverton also spent two years on the St. John's Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) and one on the Big East SAAC.
 
Leaverton played under Canning, who was an assistant coach at St. John's prior to being named the Violets' head coach, as a freshman, sophomore and junior. The two also partnered to create the Score for a Cure campaign, a breast cancer awareness fundraiser that has raised more than $7,000 to date.
 
“I'm very excited about joining the NYU women's soccer staff and getting the chance to work with such a talented team,” commented Leaverton. “Michele is someone who I greatly respect, and I am honored to have the opportunity to work with her after having her as my coach. I am looking forward to helping the players have a positive experience during their time at NYU on and off the field.”
 
Coaching is nothing new for Leaverton, who has worked with the First Kicks soccer clinic and the Wheaton College (MA) Soccer's Future Academy.
 
A 2012 graduate of St. John's with a Bachelor of Science degree in sport management, Leaverton was a member of the school's prestigious President's Society as an undergraduate.
 
A native of Mansfield, MA, Leaverton resides in Fresh Meadows, NY.