VCU hires Lauryn Hutchinson as women’s soccer head coach

RICHMOND, Va. – Lauryn Hutchinson, a Virginia native and VCU women’s soccer alumna, was named head coach of the VCU women’s soccer team, and will return to her alma mater as the seventh head coach in the program’s history, Rams’ Vice President and Director of Athletics Ed McLaughlin announced.

“Lauryn has the passion, energy and determination to lead our women’s soccer program into the next chapter. Her deep love for VCU and her ability to connect with people through the game will pay huge dividends as she builds relationships with the student-athletes, program alumni and the vibrant Richmond soccer community,” McLaughlin said. “She played the game at the highest level internationally and has built her career on developing and improving young people into the best version of themselves through sport. I look forward to welcoming her home to the Rams.”

Hutchinson is a UEFA B licensed coach who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in coaching and player development, all the way up to the semi-professional level, in her return to VCU for her first Division I head coaching role.

(+READ: VCU women’s soccer team announces signing of five new Rams for 2025 season)

“VCU has always been more than just a school to me—it’s a place that shaped who I am, both on and off the field. Four years of playing, a master’s degree, and the incredible mentorship from Tim and Tiff Sahaydak have instilled in me a culture of excellence and resilience that I will carry forever,” Hutchinson said. “Their impact on my life has been nothing short of life-changing, and now, coming full circle as Head Coach here at VCU the very program that molded me is a blessing I can hardly put into words.

“VCU isn’t just an institution; it’s an experience—an experience that I am determined to ensure every player here gets to live. I will lead them to train like professionals, have fun in the process, and graduate as not only skilled athletes but exceptional humans. This is my homecoming, and I’m here to make it count.”

Currently, Hutchinson serves as head coach of UNKNWN Football Club, a Women’s Premier Soccer League team, preparing athletes for professional football through competition with professional clubs and personal development opportunities. In addition to technical coaching, Hutchinson notably focuses on talent identification and recruitment.

Hutchinson is also currently part of the USL PPR Program with USL League One’s Richmond Kickers, an initiative that supports BIPOC and women coaches in achieving professional aspirations through a structured, pro-level environment. In her role, Hutchinson provides an immersive experience and real-world training to high-performing coaches.

For nearly five years, Hutchinson has served as head technical director and coach for UNKNWN Athlete (UK F.C.) as its founder and CEO, overseeing the observation, evaluation, and coaching of players as well as instructing coaches on strategies for college and professional-level play and training.

Since 2016, Hutchinson has worked as an international professional trainer. The extensive list of athletes directly impacted by Hutchinson includes youth national players from multiple countries, as well as men’s and women’s athletes from Champions League teams, and players in MLS, USL Championship, USL League One for men, as well as high-caliber NWSL players

Prior to her work as a professional trainer, Hutchinson served as a coach at the youth level, developing high school, travel soccer and futsal players ranging from ages eight to 19. She worked with multiple organizations in Virginia, building both young athletes and the foundation for her coaching career alike.

The defender played with the Trinidad & Tobago Senior National Team from 2011 through 2022, where she competed at the highest levels for twelve years, amassing 37 caps and scoring five goals. Her distinguished career includes two Pan American Games, three CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers, two Olympic Qualifiers, and recognition on the Starting XI Team of the Decade.

Hutchinson played for VCU women’s soccer for four years under former USWNT player and World Cup gold medalist Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak and Tim Sahaydak from 2009-2012.

Compiling over 1300 minutes of playing time and making 53 career appearances and 20 starts, Hutchinson also split her time playing for the Trinidad and Tobago national team. In the final year of her collegiate career, the defender helped lead VCU to its second consecutive conference tournament championship game and a 12-5-5 record, going 6-2-1 against Atlantic 10 opponents.

A Sterling, Va., native, Hutchinson was a standout multi-sport athlete at Dominion High School, captaining her soccer team as a senior and making school history as the only freshman girl to earn a spot on both the varsity soccer and varsity basketball squads.