Hirst was hired as an assistant women’s soccer coach by Dr. Turner in the spring of 2025.
Hirst arrives at Penn after serving as an assistant coach for the Indiana University women's soccer program during the 2024 season. Before that, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach with the Seton Hall women's team.
Hirst has also served as an assistant coach for the men's soccer program at FDU-Florham (2019-21) and the women's programs at Northeastern University (2016-17), and Holy Cross (2014-2015).
Hirst coached with STA Soccer in New Jersey, starting in fall 2019 with previous stints in 2013-14. He coached various teams, including the 2012 and 2007 Girls Academy teams. While at Indiana, he was Director of Coaching and Player Development at Cutters Soccer Club in Bloomington, Ind.
Hirst graduated from St. Martin's College in Lancashire, England, in 2007 with an honors degree in Coaching and Sport Performance. He began coaching at the grassroots level in England in 2003 after obtaining the English Football Association Level 1 coaching qualification as well as his FA Level 2 badge in 2006.
