January 24, 2024 – United Soccer League One (USL1) – Richmond Kickers News Release
TAMPA, Fla. and RICHMOND, Va. – The Richmond Kickers are pleased to share that UNKNWN Athlete Academy Technical Director Lauryn Hutchinson will join the Kickers’ technical staff to observe preseason as a part of the United Soccer League’s (USL) Pro Preseason Residency Program.
The USL Pro Preseason Residency Program is designed to identify high-performing, pro-aspiring BIPOC and women coaches across the USL ecosystem and introduce them to a pro environment with an established curriculum. Similar to a medical residency, the USL PPR Program will provide hands-on, immersive experience and training to resident coaches across 2-4 weeks with pillar programming across the year.
Hutchinson will join the Kickers’ 2024 preseason having already participated in Kickers’ training and combines in the past under Chief Sporting Officer and Head Coach Darren Sawatzky. She has also worked with W League Richmond, observing the pre-professional women’s club’s inaugural player combine in December 2023.
Hutchinson currently holds a UEFA B Coaching License as well as USSF E and F licenses.
Hutchinson’s roots in Richmond’s soccer community run deep over her 14-plus years of coaching. As the owner and academy technical director of The UNKNWN Athlete which began operations in 2020, Hutchinson works with soccer players ranging from the U8 level to the pro ranks which includes current Kickers pro players Simon Fitch, Chandler O’Dwyer, and Dakota Barnathan. Before starting The UNKNWN Athlete, Hutchinson worked throughout the region and much of the East Coast running clinics and individual training.
The Sterling, Va. native adopted Richmond as her new home during her first time ever in Richmond on her official recruitment visit to join the VCU women’s soccer team. Hutchinson immediately fell in love with the city and committed to play under head coaching duo Tim and Tiff Sahaydak. She played from 2009-12 and capped off her senior season by earning The Michael Brown Award which is awarded to a VCU Ram who exemplifies the “all-around” student-athlete.
Hutchinson holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master of sports leadership degree from VCU.
During her time at VCU, Hutchinson was introduced to the Trinidad & Tobago national team and earned a spot on the team ahead of the 2011 Pan American games in Guadalajara, Mexico. In her 12 years of playing with the national team, Hutchinson participated in…