WALTHAM, Mass. – Framingham native Sarah Dacey, who has gone on to a successful coaching career after earning three national championships during an All-America playing career at the University of North Carolina, has been named the head women's soccer coach at Bentley University, Director of Athletics Vaughn Williams announced today.

Dacey comes to Bentley after successful head coaching stints at Curry College (2022), Hingham High School (2020-21), Barry University (2016-20) and Babson College (2006-10). All of her teams have posted winning records, and she has a career collegiate record of 105-51-25 (.649).

"I am extremely excited to be the next head women's soccer coach at Bentley University," said Dacey. "I want to thank Vaughn Williams, Courtney Finn and the search committee for this tremendous opportunity. It was clear from the very beginning of the interview process what a special place Bentley is, and what a special time it is to be part of Bentley Athletics.

"I can't wait to meet the team and help guide the women's soccer program to new heights in this next chapter together," continued Dacey.        

"We are excited to add Sarah Dacey to our arsenal of head coaches," said Williams. "Coach Dacey has been a winner wherever she has been, beginning with her time as a student-athlete and continuing throughout her coaching career. She fully understands how to compete for excellence in the classroom and on the field of play. I am looking forward to seeing her move the program forward."

Last fall, in her only season at Curry, the Colonels reached the Commonwealth Coast Conference semifinals for the first time in seven years, posted a 10-6-3 record and improved on the previous season's winning percentage by .158 points to .605. In addition, Dacey was also Curry's women's lacrosse coach from 2022-23.

Dacey's previous stint in Division II saw her lead the Barry Buccaneers to an outstanding 45-15-5 record, including a sparkling 16-1-1 in 2018 when the Bucs were ranked 19^th in the final United Soccer Coaches rankings. She was the Sunshine State College Coach of the Year in 2018 and 2019, and twice took Barry to the NCAA South Regional tournament (2016, 2018). Her tenure also included three SSC championships (two regular season, one tournament). Dacey was also an assistant on the 2015 Barry team that reached the Division II national quarterfinals.

Babson, during her five seasons at the helm, was 50-30-17 with her .603 winning percentage, second best in program history. In 2007, the Beavers reached the finals of the NEWMAC Championships.

Dacey returned to her native Massachusetts in 2020 and led Hingham High to a spectacular 32-2-2 record. After a 12-1-1 record her first season, she led the Harborwomen to the 2021 state championship game where they suffered their only loss of the year. Her team was ranked first in Massachusetts and fourth nationally.

Dacey's coaching resume also includes director of coaching for the Galway Rovers FC (2021-22), girls' director of coaching for the Pinecrest Premier Soccer Club (2014-15), girls' director of coaching for the FC Boston Bolts Celtic (2010-13), assistant women's soccer coach at the University at Albany (2011-13), Boston College (1998-99, 2010-11), University of Tennessee (2000-01) and Providence College (1999-2000), assistant women's lacrosse coach at Babson (2005-2010) and head soccer and lacrosse coach at the Fay School (2003-05).

At North Carolina, Dacey played for the legendary Anson Dorrance, the winningest coach in NCAA women's soccer history. She was a four-year starter, a Soccer News All-America in 1996 and a key member of the Tar Heels' national championship teams in 1993, 1994 and 1996. During her career UNC's record was a remarkable 98-3-1.

Dacey was also a two-time IWLCA All-America in women's lacrosse for UNC in 1997 and 1998, as well as a team captain as a senior. Both of those teams reached the NCAA Final Four.

Professionally, Dacey played in the Women's United Soccer Association for the Carolina Courage (2001) and the Boston Breakers (2002-03).

Dacey was a United States U-20 national team member from 1991-94 and a Parade Magazine High School All-America in 1993.

Dacey graduated from North Carolina in 1998 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education. She holds an NSCAA Advanced National license as well as a USSF C license.

"A special thank you to my wife Mary-Frances and my daughter Sadie," said Dacey. "Their support and love is endless, and I could not be where I am today without them." 

Bentley will open the 2023 season on Aug. 31 against Molloy College.