GAINESVILLE, Fla. – One of the most decorated players in NCAA soccer history, Kerri Hanks Petersen, is joining Florida’s staff as Director of Scouting & Player Development, Gators Head Soccer Coach Samantha Bohon announced Tuesday.
She’ll utilize advanced video analysis software and tools to help Gators player development, scout opponents and develop game and training strategies.
They Said:
“I am truly grateful to join the Gator Soccer team. This is an incredible opportunity to work alongside Sam and her staff to help these young women achieve their dreams. The culture, ambition and drive within this program are special, and I can’t wait to contribute to its continued success. I look forward to bringing my experience and passion to this team, helping these student-athletes grow both on and off the field.”
Kerri Hanks Petersen, University of Florida Director of Scouting & Player Development
“Funny story- I tried to recruit Kerri as a player coming out of high school as she was one of the purest goal-scorers I had seen. Our sport has seen very few two-time national Players of the year, and Kerri is on that short list. You’d be hard-pressed to find someone with a more successful individual college career. But I know winning a national championship was something we both fell just short of as players, so we are especially motivated to bring Florida soccer back to that level nationally.
“And now being a mom, Kerri equally values the development of our players as people, so it’s a win-win! She’s stayed active in our sport coaching club and Olympic Development Program teams, so transitioning into our role will be quite seamless. We are thrilled to have her join us.”
Samantha Bohon, University of Florida Head Soccer Coach
Coaching Career:
Since 2022, Hanks Petersen has been with the Gainesville Soccer Alliance, serving as the program’s director of coaching.
Hanks Petersen started her coaching career as a Texas Christian assistant for the 2010 – 2012 seasons. She also coached with national recognized Dallas Sting Soccer Club.
Hanks Peterson served as the United Soccer Alliance in Clay County Girls Recruiting Coordinator and head coach, which competed in the Girls Academy League. She was on the Olympic Development Program Region III staff in 2012 and rejoined in 2022.
She was Gainesville’s Buchholz High School girls program head coach from 2015-2018, with the team claiming the District 1-5A title and advancing to the regional final in her final season as head coach.
She owns USSF C, D and E licenses and an NSCAA National diploma.
As a Player:
During her career with Notre Dame, Hanks Petersen twice earned the Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top collegiate player. Winning the honor in 2006 and again in 2008, Hanks Petersen is one of seven to repeat in the award’s 37-season history. Notre Dame reached the NCAA College Cup championship match in both years she won the Hermann Trophy with Hanks Petersen being named to the College Cup All-Tournament team both times.
An All-American all four years, Hanks Petersen left Notre Dame holding or sharing more than 60 Irish records. She still tops the Irish’s career goals (84) and points (241) list.
The sixth selection in the 2009 Women’s Professional draft by the Saint Louis Athletica, she was traded to Sky Blue FC midway through that season. She helped Sky Blue win the 2009 WPS Championship.
Hanks Petersen, once a player with various U.S. youth national teams, served as a coach for the US Youth Soccer ODP U17 team on their April 2024 trip to Costa Rica. She played with the U.S. Women’s National U19, U21 and U23 teams. A two-time competitor at FIFA U19 World Cup, Hanks Petersen was part of the U.S.’s 2002 (gold) and 2004 (bronze) teams. Hank Petersen was part of the U.S. U23 team that won the 2008 Nordic Cup.
Education:
Notre Dame University: Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (2008)
Personal:
Married Nic Petersen in 2012, who is Associate Head Coach – Jumps for Florida’s Track & Field program.
The Petersens have two sons, Greyson and Cole.
Kerri Hanks Petersen File
Birthdate:
● September 2, 1985 in Plano, Texas
Collegiate Career
● University of Notre Dame (2005-08)
● 2006 & 2008 Hermann Trophy winner
● 2008 Lowe’s Senior CLASS Award
Playing Career
Member of U.S. U-19 FIFA U-19 World Cup teams in 2002 (gold) and 2004 (third)
30 appearances with U.S. U-20 national team (22 goals)
Member of U.S. U-23 gold-medal team at 2008 Nordic Cup
Sixth overall pick in 2009 Women’s Professional Soccer draft by Saint Louis Athletica
Traded to Sky Blue FC in June 2009. Helped team win 2009 WPS Championship
Coaching Career
● Texas Christian Assistant Coach (2010-12)
● United Soccer Alliance in Clay County Head Coach (GA)
● Gainesville’s Buchholz High School Head Coach (2015 – 2018)
● Gainesville Soccer Alliance coach (2022 – 2025)
Education
● Bachelor’s degrees in Sociology from Notre Dame (2008)
