CAMBRIDGE, Mass. -- Lesley women's soccer head coach Paul Vasconcelos announced the hiring of Veronica Halen as a new assistant coach for the 2016 season.

"I am very appreciative for the chance to come back and coach at my alma mater," Halen said. "The opportunity of working alongside Coach Paul is something I am excited for and I can't wait to get started!"

Halen spent the 2015 season as a member of the Wheelock College women's soccer coaching staff, where she was responsible for training and managing the team on a day to day basis.

"Our needs for this assistant position were very specific," said Vasconcelos. "We felt Veronica is a perfect fit for our staff and our student-athletes as she brings knowledge and experience, but most importantly, a passion to mentor our players on and off the field. Veronica exudes positivity and enthusiasm along with a strong desire to win."

Halen was a standout forward as a student-athlete here in Cambridge. In her four year career, Lesley went 61-17-10, including an 18-4 mark in 2014. Halen was a three-time New England Collegiate Conference First Team selection, including her sophomore year when she was named NECC Player of the Year. Halen served two years as captain, leading the team to two straight NECC Championships and two NCAA Tournament appearances. She amassed 42 goals, 37 assists, and is just one of three players in program history to record over 100 career points as she finished with 121 in her illustrious career.

Halen earned a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood and is completing her masters in Special Education Pre-K in 2017.