A New Era Between the Posts
Troy soccer has named Keanan Ainge as its goalkeepers coach for the upcoming 2026 campaign, a move that signals the program’s intent to fortify its defensive backbone with experienced mentorship.
Ainge arrives after a stint at Spring Hill College, where he helped the team post its best winning percentage since 2007. Under his guidance, the Hilltoppers finished the 2025 season with a 7‑4‑7 record and limited opponents to just 0.72 goals per game.
A Record‑Setting Legacy
One of the most striking stories from his time in Alabama involves Carlotta Stark, who set a new program record for career saves during Ainge’s tutelage. Stark’s emergence exemplified the environment Ainge cultivated, one that blended technical rigor with confidence‑building.
Ainge’s coaching philosophy was on display throughout the 2025 campaign, as the Hilltoppers’ goalkeepers consistently turned shots into stops, a trend that caught the attention of Troy’s athletic department.
From Jamestown to Troy
Prior to his collegiate coaching roles, Ainge served as a graduate assistant at the University of Jamestown from 2022 through 2024, a period in which he also completed a bachelor’s degree in psychology. The North Dakota institution provided his first deep dive into collegiate soccer structures, preparing him for the next step.
Troy’s schedule for the 2026 season has already been mapped out, with the campaign kicking off on August 13 against Middle Tennessee State. A home opener against Stetson is slated for August 23, giving Ainge an early opportunity to imprint his methods on the new roster.