John Hackworth, who has more than 30 years of experience across the highest levels of American soccer, has been hired as varsity men’s soccer coach at the Naval Academy.
Hackworth is just the seventh coach in the 105-year history of Navy men’s soccer. He replaces Tim O’Donohue, who did not have his contract renewed following a 10-year tenure.
“John Hackworth is one of the most respected and accomplished soccer minds in the country, and we are proud to welcome him to the Naval Academy as our new head men’s soccer coach,” Navy athletic director Michael Kelly said.
It was the first varsity sports coaching hire for Kelly since he became athletic director in early June. He cited Hackworth’s “breadth of experience” with United States soccer as well as at the college and professional levels.
“John cares deeply about developing players as competitors, teammates and leaders, and he has shown throughout his career that winning and character go hand-in-hand. He will be an exceptional steward of our program and an outstanding mentor for our midshipmen,” Kelly said.
Hackworth arrives in Annapolis after spending the past four years as director of coaching and technical director of Major League Soccer’s St. Louis City SC. He was named 2025 MLS NEXT Pro Coach of the Year while serving as the interim coach for the club’s CITY2 team.
Hackworth also spent time as an assistant coach for the senior U.S. men’s national team and as head coach for United States Under-17 national squad. He previously had stints as head coach of the United Soccer League’s Louisville City FC, Major League Soccer’s Philadelphia Union and the University of South Florida.
“The chance to be a part of the Naval Academy and its athletic department is an opportunity that I am honored and humbled to accept,” said Hackworth, who thanked Kelly and Lieutenant General Michael Borgschulte, the Naval Academy superintendent, for “their belief in my abilities to lead the men’s soccer program. I look forward with great ambition to see what we can collectively achieve.”
Hackworth entered the pro ranks in 2009 as an assistant coach and youth director for the then-expansion Philadelphia Union of the MLS, ultimately being promoted to head coach and chief soccer officer in 2012. He led the Union for three seasons, highlighted by a trip to the 2012 US Open Cup semifinals.
Hackworth got his first head coaching job in 1998 with the South Florida’s men’s program. At the time, he was the youngest head coach in the NCAA Division I ranks. In four seasons at the helm, he guided USF to a 47-32-2 record and pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.
Hackworth was named the 1998 Conference USA Coach of the Year and developed 17 all-conference selections. He led the Bulls to the 1998 Conference USA Championship and a 2001 NCAA at-large berth.
“John Hackworth is an outstanding coach and person. He has been successful in every level of soccer in our country and is a great appointment for the Naval Academy,” said Bruce Arena, former United States men’s national team head coach and current San Jose Earthquakes sporting director/head coach.
While pursuing a playing career in the United States Development Soccer League for the Carolina Dynamos of the A-League, Hackworth started his coaching career at his alma mater as an assistant coach for the Wake Forest women’s soccer program during its 1994 inaugural season. He then joined the Wake Forest men’s soccer staff as an assistant under head coach Jay Vidovich for four years.
“John is a tremendous hire. I was fortunate to work alongside him to rebuild our Wake Forest program and I owe him a great deal,” said Vidovich, who is now coach at Pittsburgh. “John brought an unmatched energy and passion for the game, along with a remarkable ability to detect both talent and character in players. He is a natural leader who has been able to connect with players at every stage of their careers.”
A native of Dunedin, Florida, Hackworth played his first two years of college soccer at Brevard College before transferring to Wake Forest for his final two seasons. He graduated from Wake Forest in 1992 with a bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology.
Hackworth and his wife, Tricia, have three sons — Morgan, Larsen and Keaton. Morgan and Larsen both played professional soccer.
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