Meet FIT’s Head Women’s Soccer Coach Hatem Gabr

By Noreen Hofving (AMC ‘24)

If you have been keeping up with the successes of FIT athletics, you may know that the women’s soccer team has been transformed into a winning group. The team established this impressive record in the fall of 2022, when head coach Hatem Gabr, the Kuwait native and soccer expert, took the reins.

As one of the first ten coaches in the USA to earn a masters degree with a specialization in soccer, attending Ohio University’s masters program for Recreation & Sport Science, Gabr’s education solidifies his passion for the sport. With dual licensing from the United States Soccer Federation and United Soccer Coaches and a variety of coaching experience including some of the top teams in NYC, a few of which include The United Nations International School, The Dalton School and the Manhattan Soccer Club, Gabr’s arrival has revived FIT’s women’s soccer team.

As we sit to discuss an impressive journey with Coach Hatem Gabr, we gain insight on his triumphs, obstacles and future plans for the women’s soccer team.

Noreen Hofving: As one of the first ten coaches in the USA to earn a soccer specific masters degree, what inclined you to pursue this unique education?

Hatem Gabr: I chose this degree because I always look for something different. I researched who created this masters program at Ohio University and found Dr. David Carr, the President of United Soccer Coaches. He became my mentor and somebody I look up to. Carr picked the best of the best to be in this program, so to be in an environment with top level educators and coaches was an opportunity that I wouldn’t leave at all. As one of the first ten in the USA to complete this degree, it was very challenging, but it was very good.

NH: Growing up in Kuwait and Egypt where soccer is the most popular sport, what role did soccer play in your early years?

HG: I was born in Kuwait, but my parents and I traveled a lot. We were always back and forth between Kuwait, Egypt, and the USA. I think that any place you go in your country or even here in school, you want to make friends and find your happy place. So for me, soccer was definitely the way to meet people, you know? To feel like even when cultures are different, there is a lot of similarity to it.

NH: Did you always know you wanted to coach?

HG: No, I actually did not want to coach. I played until I got injured and of course, when you’re younger, you always dream of becoming a player. My injury made me stay away from anything that reminded me of the game. I didn’t like to watch soccer or even be near the field for a while. But then one time a friend of mine asked me for a favor to cover his shift. He was coaching little kids and I showed this girl some move and then she did it. That feeling made me like oh, okay, I do want to coach.

NH: Off the field, what steps do you take to ensure a cohesive team dynamic?

HG: Off-season, we do a lot of activities like Tuesday open gym sessions, we’ll just have fun. I let the players boss me around for a change. We also play in an away tournament to start off our season, this year in Massachusetts. While we’re there, we’ll go for dinner and do other activities off the field. When we return from that trip there is already friendship building. We also try to work with a charity for a few games, like our Alzheimers and Breast Cancer Awareness games, and I’ll involve one or two or the girls to help organize.

NH: To continue the team’s current success, how do you plan on maintaining a competitive reputation and recruiting new players?

HG: We have already recruited a few players for the next two years that are in high school. We usually contact the coach or the coaches contact me, as I know a lot of people in the field. I also think everybody that used to play should be an ambassador for the soccer program. Former players are proud and always promote it, which can help us recruit as much as possible. The program itself is very attractive and it’s a great school, so we’re going to get a lot of high end players that want to come here and have fun.

From Unsure to Encore: FIT’s Dance Company Returns

By Noreen Hofving (AMC ‘24)

To begin the fall 2023 semester, the FIT dance company has made an astonishing return. Under the instruction of new director Lenard Foust, New York City and Atlantabased dance prodigy, the dance company begins their comeback season on Sunday, Oct. 8, as auditions commence.

Following the exit of FIT’s former dance directors, a sense of uncertainty for the dance company’s future lingered. However, Foust’s decision to lead provides FIT dance veterans an opportunity to continue their passion. “I’m super excited for this season, I didn’t want to not dance my senior year,” stated senior Kailee Ryan (CFM ‘24).

With a diverse dance background in musical theater, performances alongside notable artists, and collaborations with cruise lines and ballet companies, Foust arrives at FIT with abundant experience. With plans to incorporate styles like hip hop, street jazz, and AfroFusion contemporary, a wealth of talent and diverse choreography can be anticipated this season.