Johan Cedergren, the head coach of the University of Kentucky men’s soccer team, announced key changes to his coaching staff on Thursday, in anticipation of the 2023 season. The changes include the addition of Ryan Hulings and the promotions of Ryan Zinkhan and Stanton Smith.
“I am excited to announce staff changes for the 2023 season,” said Cedergren. “We are looking forward to the addition of Ryan Hulings, as well as the promotions of Ryan Zinkhan and Stanton Smith.”
Ryan Zinkhan – Associate Head Coach
Ryan Zinkhan, in his second season with UK men’s soccer, has been elevated from assistant coach to associate head coach. Zinkhan initially joined the Wildcats in February 2022 after a four-season stint at Oregon State. At Oregon State, Zinkhan was instrumental in recruiting talent that garnered multiple awards, including the 2020 MAC Hermann Trophy, Pac-12 Player of the Year, and Pac-12 Freshman of the Year. This laid the foundation for the team’s impressive performance, including their first-ever Elite 8 appearance and a consistent presence in the top-25 rankings. Before joining Oregon State, Zinkhan had roles at William and Mary and the Fredericksburg Football Club. As a player, he was an important part of the 2013 NCAA DI Final Four and 2014 National Championship teams at the University of Virginia.
Ryan Hulings – Assistant Coach – Goalkeepers
Ryan Hulings joins the Kentucky soccer staff after a successful term at the University of Birmingham-Alabama (UAB). At UAB, Hulings specialized in coaching goalkeepers and was instrumental in recruiting efforts that saw the 2023 incoming class ranked No. 30 by TopDrawerSoccer. Prior to UAB, Hulings had a successful four-season tenure at the University of Massachusetts. Under his guidance, the team achieved numerous shutouts, low goals against averages, and individual weekly awards. Hulings’ coaching career also includes stints at Virginia Tech, New River United SC, and the University of Pittsburgh, among others.
Stanton Smith – Assistant Coach
Stanton Smith has been promoted from director of operations to assistant coach. Smith, in his second season with Kentucky men’s soccer, has been a critical component of the team’s daily operations. Before joining UK, Smith served as the assistant coach of Georgetown College’s soccer program. At Georgetown, Smith was instrumental in recruiting efforts, developing player-specific strategies, and maintaining a well-organized operation. Smith’s experience also includes coaching at Transylvania University and heading the Barça Academy in Charlotte, N.C.
Commenting on these changes, Cedergren said, “I look forward to working alongside Ryan, Ryan, and Stanton as we share a vision of continuing a standard of excellence for Kentucky men’s soccer.” With these strategic staff changes, the Wildcats are looking forward to a successful and high-performing 2023 season.
