A new era in UNF women’s soccer has begun with the replacement of six-year head coach Linda Hamilton.
University of Georgia assistant coach Robin Confer has been named the new Osprey head coach and will begin her career at the start of spring play.
​The opportunity came about in a whirlwind for Confer, who said she was excited to be taking over the program.
​“It all happened pretty quickly, but as soon as I heard the job was open I knew I wanted to look into it,” Confer said. “I’m looking forward to meeting the team and getting things started.”
​Confer said her career leading to UNF has been a fulfilling one as a player and assistant coach. She worked as an assistant coach at UGA for the last nine years after helping guide FSU to its first College Cup in 2003.
​Hamilton was unavailable for comment on the staff change and what her future plans will be.
​Athletic Director Lee Moon was also unable to comment on the circumstances leading up to the sudden change, but said he is looking forward to what Confer can do for UNF.
​“She has a great pedigree, along with a lot of success as both a player and a coach,” Moon said. “She came across our staff and people within the department as a person who was charismatic and a very positive person.”
​Confer’s success as a player came at the University of North Carolina where she was a star forward for the Tar Heels.
​Earning Player of the Year and Final Four Offensive MVP in 1997, Confer was a part of three UNC National Championship teams during her college career, in which she earned 5th all-time in goals scored at 77 goals.
​Confer was a captain of the U-20 U.S. National Team and made her debut for the Women’s National Team in 1996 against Ukraine. She scored her first and only goal against France in 1997.
​According to soccertimes.com player profiles, Confer played in an UNC record 107 games and became the first player to play in 100 career NCAA wins. She was also named to the 50th Anniversary ACC team.
​Confer said she wants to bring her philosophy of play to UNF and that coming in the spring will help shape her idea for fall play more effectively.
​“I know there’s some talent on the team and just want to get them out there and start training them,” Confer said. “Really just want to see them play and get an idea of what I have and the best formation that suits the players and just try to imprint my style of getting forward established in the spring.”
​Confer said her visit to UNF was a great experience in seeing the campus, its location and meeting with the athletics staff.
​Confer will begin Jan. 6, when the players return from break and begin the spring season.
Email Andrew Nicols at sports@unfspinnaker.com