NEW HAVEN, Conn. -- Kylie Stannard, the 5K Corral Head Coach of Men's Soccer, has announced two new members of his coaching staff for the 2026 season. Sean Kelly will join as an assistant coach, and Ryan Kipness will serve as the Director of Soccer Operations.
"I am very excited for Sean and Ryan to join the staff and to start really getting into the trenches of the work," Stannard said. "They both bring an eagerness and humility to learn about the many areas beyond the field that are involved in running a college soccer program. They are both great additions to the staff, and our players will be excited to work with them."
Prior to Yale, Kelly served as an assistant coach with the Amity Regional School District varsity boys soccer program and brings experience across coaching, player development, teaching, and goalkeeping instruction.
A former standout goalkeeper at State University of New York at Cortland, Kelly was a two-year starter, earned All-SUNYAC First Team and All-Region honors, and helped lead the program to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including two trips to the national Round of 16.
In addition to his coaching work with CT Rush and various goalkeeper camps, Kelly has experience in film analysis, player evaluation, and international competition, including coaching at the Helsinki Cup in Finland. He also currently teaches physical education and health in New Haven Public Schools, where he focuses on student development, communication, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
"Sean started a couple of months ago and was able to be involved with some of the spring season training sessions and games," Stannard said. "His primary focus on the field is with the goalkeepers, and he has already made good progress with them in just a few weeks, so I am looking forward to him being with them daily during the upcoming season. He will also be involved in many other areas of the program, and he has already shown a very positive attitude about doing whatever is needed to help support me and the players."
Kipness comes to Yale after spending 2025 at the University of New Haven as a technical director, producer, and content creator, contributing across live broadcasts, video production, and athletic operations.
A graduate of Columbia University with a degree in Film & Media Studies, Kipness brings experience in cinematography, editing, and storytelling, producing feature content, highlight reels, and live event coverage for multiple sports.
A former NCAA Division I student-athlete and four-year member of the leadership committee for the Columbia men's soccer program, Kipness developed strong leadership, communication, and time-management skills while balancing academics and athletics. His background also includes documentary filmmaking, independent production work, and youth soccer training, combining creative media experience with a deep understanding of athletics and team culture.
"I have known Ryan for a few years, having recruited him before he ended up at Columbia," Stannard said. "He enjoyed a strong graduate year in helping the University of New Haven make a successful transition from Division II to Division I. While he can still play at a high level, I am really excited that he is interested in staying in the game and learning the coaching and operations side of running a program. Ryan understands the demands of the Ivy League student-athlete firsthand, and this will be a valuable asset as he transitions into a different role as part of the coaching staff."
