Patchogue, NY -- St. Joseph's College (L.I.) Assistant Vice President & Senior Director of Athletics & Recreation Shantey M. Hill announced on Friday morning the appointment of Salma Tarik as head coach of the institution's women's soccer program.

Tarik arrives at St. Joseph's having most recently served as assistant men's soccer coach at Mercy College, a position she held for the 2013, 2014 and 2015 seasons. At Mercy, Tarik assisted with executing training sessions, recruitment and the coordination of academic programs. In 2013, Tarik helped the Mavericks reach the East Coast Conference semifinal after posting an 11-3-4 regular-season record.

"I'm very grateful for the opportunity to be the head coach of the women's soccer program at St. Joseph's College, and I would like to thank the Director of Athletics, Shantey Hill and the search committee for their consideration and confidence," said Tarik of her appointment.

"Also a special thanks to Chris Smith, who always believed in me and my coaching ability and ultimately gave me my college coaching start three years ago, East Meadow Soccer Club and Simon Riddiough for being a mentor to me through my collegiate career at Hofstra University. I'm excited to get started and I'm looking forward to working with the fine student-athletes who had a tremendous season in 2015."

In addition to her duties at Mercy, Tarik has worked as a staff coach for East Meadow Soccer Club's premiere club in the northeast region since 2011. With the club, Tarik would primarily create and execute team-training sessions with adherence to the US Soccer curriculum.

A former collegiate star, Tarik began her playing career at California State University, Northridge in 2007, where she appeared in all 18 games, including 17 starts, and tallied three goals and two assists. Two of her three goals came against teams that qualified for the College Cup (UCLA, Florida State).

In 2008 Tarik transferred to Hofstra University, where she tallied 28 goals (4th all-time) in her three years and was an All-Colonial Athletic Association First-Team and NSCAA Regional All-American First-Team selection in 2009 and 2010. Additionally, Tarik was a two-time finalist for CAA Player of the Year in 2009 and 2010.

During and following her collegiate career, Tarik was a member of the Egyptian women's national team from 2008-2014, making appearances in World Cup, Olympic and African Cup of Nations qualification matches.

Tarik, who currently resides in Hicksville, NY, earned a Bachelor's of Science in education from Hofstra in 2012 and will complete her Master's in Human Resource Management in May of 2016. 

Courtesy St. Joseph's (L.I.) athletic communications