University of Minnesota women’s soccer adds Tarah Hobbs to coaching staff

MINNEAPOLIS – Head coach Stefanie Golan announced the hiring of Tarah Hobbs as the new volunteer goalkeeper coach for the University of Minnesota women’s soccer program.

“I am thrilled to bring Tarah back to the Gopher Soccer family,” Golan said. “Tarah was a fantastic player in the program, but she is also a wonderful person of tremendous character who embodies all of the qualities we want in our young women. She has been coaching the past few years, and we are confident that our goalkeepers are going to grow tremendously, both on and off the field, under her tutelage. Everyone on staff is excited for Tarah to join us!”

Hobbs’ hire marks the beginning of her second stint in Maroon & Gold, as the Hugo, Minn. native previously shined as Minnesota’s starting goalkeeper from 2013-16. During her four years in net for the Gophers, Hobbs set countless program records as Minnesota made three NCAA Tournament appearances and swept the Big Ten Regular Season and Tournament titles in 2016.

“First off, I can say it’s incredible to be back,” Hobbs said. “It is an unbelievable gift and opportunity to go back to a program where my life was changed. I’m grateful for the opportunity, and I am excited to work with this coaching staff and help develop these young women on and off the field.”

Most recently, Hobbs coached the goalkeepers for both the men’s and women’s soccer programs at Bethel University. While at Bethel, Hobbs also served as an assistant coach for the women’s program. Prior to that, she worked as a goalkeeper coach from 2017-18 with Savlo Soccer Club, coaching youth-to-high school-aged players.

Individually, Hobbs stands as one of the greatest goalkeepers to ever suit up for the Gophers. Holding the career record at Minnesota for shutouts (33), Hobbs also sits inside the top-three all-time in goals-against-average (second; 0.90), goalkeeper minutes (second; 7,406:42) saves (third; 82), wins (third; 42) and winning percentage (third; .667).

While leading Minnesota to 11 wins and a spot in the NCAA Tournament in 2013, Hobbs paced the Big Ten with 122 saves and was named Big Ten Goalkeeper of the Year, All-Big Ten First Team and All-Big Ten Freshman Team. United Soccer Coaches also handed Hobbs recognition in the form of 2013 All-Great Lakes Region Team honors. In 2016, Hobbs garnered an All-Big Ten Second Team accolade as the Gophers again reached the NCAA Tournament and won 16 games, marking the program’s winningest season since the 22-win, 2008 campaign.

Hobbs’ resume also comes with professional playing experience, as she signed a pro contract with Ostersunds DFF of the Elitettan League in Sweden following her standout college career. In 2017, Hobbs logged 810 minutes while appearing in nine games for Ostersunds DFF.

With the Gophers already entrenched in preseason practice as they look ahead to a spring 2021 campaign, Hobbs will not need to wait long before her first game as a Gopher coach. Minnesota is set to compete in 11 conference-only games this spring, with the season set to begin at home against Nebraska on Feb. 20.