NORMAL, Ill. – The Illinois State soccer program announced the addition of Ali Hanif, an experienced goalkeepers coach, as Assistant Coach on Monday.
"I am thrilled to announce the addition of Ali to our women's soccer staff. Ali brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep passion for the game into our program," fifth-year head coach Brad Silvey said. "With his charismatic personality and his extensive and diverse soccer background, Ali will be an immediate asset to our student-athletes. I am excited to welcome him and his wife Jamie into our Redbird family."
Ali Hanif (Ah-lee Hun-neef), who will primarily work with our goalkeepers and take the lead within film analysis and set plays, comes to Normal after spending the last two years at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Kansas. Additionally, he has served as the director of goalkeeping at Kansas City Athletics (ECNL) since 2018 & staff goalkeeper coach with Kansas ODP. Ali also served as KC Athletics WPSL assistant coach, for the 2017 & 2018 seasons. Ali has been on staff with Challenger Sports from 2012- 2021 working within their soccer camp & goalkeeping divisions.
"I'm extremely excited to be joining the fantastic staff at Illinois State! Since my first conversation with Coach Silvey, he's shown me all the great work the Redbirds are doing to bring continued success to the program and all of their student athletes!" Hanif said. "It's a great opportunity to be a part of the program and bring my experience and passion for the game to Normal! I'm very excited to get started!"
Before his time in Kansas, Ali was on staff with Manchester United FC from 2008-2018, Ali also spent time as an Assistant & Head Coach with Loreto College in England from 2012-2017.
A native of Manchester, England, Ali attended Manchester Metropolitan University and gained a Bachelor's in Coaching and Sports Development in 2015. Ali holds a USSF C License, a UEFA C License, and a FA Goalkeeping License's. In total, Ali has 14 years of coaching experience at various levels of the game in England and the United States.
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