Former Boston University women's soccer standout Jessica Clinton has rejoined her alma mater's coaching staff in February 2022. She is currently in her second stint as the associate head coach; the 2022 season will be her second in that role, and sixth as a coach.
“We are thrilled to welcome Jessica back to BU Women’s Soccer,” said Head Coach Nancy Feldman at the time of her rehire. “She will bring her love of Boston University and the program, and her interest in building relationships with our current student-athletes. Having been a head coach for the last eight years, her wealth of experience and knowledge will serve to elevate and enhance the way we teach and lead our current players while simultaneously identify and recruit the next generation of Terriers.”
Clinton returns to Terrier Town following eight seasons as the head coach at Fordham University. During her tenure, she guided the Rams to four appearances in the A-10 Championships in 2015, 2016, 2018, and 2019. During that 2015 run, Fordham was its second-highest win total in program history with 13, reaching the A-10 title game and finishing the year 10th in the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Regional Rankings.
“First of all, I’m grateful to Nancy Feldman allowing me the opportunity to come back to a place that I call home,” said Clinton upon returning to BU. “This program has provided me great memories, including winning many championships on Nickerson Field. I am very much looking forward to building relationships with the current group of players, identifying and cultivating a strong group of future Terriers and continuing to connect with all our alumnae.”
In her first stint as a Terrier coach, she was an assistant from 2008-12, then promoted to associate head coach in 2013. In that span, BU won six consecutive conference regular season titles (five in the America East, and one in the Patriot League). The Terriers won the conference tournament championship in five seasons, and reached the second round of the NCAA Tournament in 2011 and 2013. BU earned a program-record 19 wins in 2011, and was ranked 25th in the nation entering the 2013 NCAA Tournament.
Before her coaching career with the Terriers, Clinton was an assistant coach at St. John’s from 2007-08.
Clinton remains one of the Terriers' most accomplished goalkeepers, as she sits at the top of the school record books in saves in a season (98), career shutouts (21.6) and saves in a career (312).
The 2003 America East Goalkeeper of the Year, Clinton was a member of three AE championship teams (2000, 2001, 2003). She was an America East All-Conference First Team honoree in 2001 and 2003, while collecting NSCAA All-Northeast Region Team honors as a senior. In addition, Clinton trained with the Boston Breakers of the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA) for one season in 2003.
The Valley Stream, N.Y., native gained experience in the coaching ranks as an assistant at St. John's from 2007 to 2008. Prior to her stint with the Red Storm, Clinton was the head coach of the Girls U-10/11 team for the Long Island United Academy and the goalkeeping coach for the Eastern New York Olympic Development Program (ODP). Clinton also continued to serve as a counselor for the David Bucciero Goalkeeping Academy from 2001-07.
Clinton has also coached within the youth club NEFC since 2009.
Clinton is a holder of a LIJSL/ENY Youth Soccer Association State [quote]A[quote] Coaching License, NSCAA National and Advanced Diplomas, as well as a USSF "C" License. She also received the Bob McNulty award which is named in honor of Bob McNulty, a former national staff coach, who instructed "C"courses for many years. The award is given to candidates who best represent coaching and the important role it plays in the development of young people.
She graduated from Boston University in 2004 with a degree in hospitality administration.
