NEW LONDON, N.H. - The Colby-Sawyer College Athletics Department announced on Tuesday Grace Lincoln Sokolow as the next head women's soccer coach for the Chargers.

Sokolow arrives to Colby-Sawyer after spending two seasons as the head coach at Finlandia University in Hancock, Mich. Prior to Finlandia, Sokolow was an assistant coach for three seasons at Austin College (TX).

"Throughout the interview process, Grace distinguished herself as someone who has an incredible passion for the student-athlete and the game at the Division III level," said Capelle. "We are excited to welcome Grace into this leadership role for Chargers women's soccer."

During her time with the Lions, Sokolow put together a record of 11-6-1 and reached the American Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Championship game, which was the first conference final in school history. During her tenure she had seven All-ACAA selections, four all-academic, and an All-North Region selection. Sokolow also coached the conference's Player of the Year, Defensive Player of the Year, and First-year Player of the Year during the 2019 season.    

"I am delighted to accept this position, and grateful for the opportunity to work with such a diverse, talented, and dedicated group of young women," said Sokolow. "Together, we will work to embody excellence, both on and off the field. Colby-Sawyer recognizes the mission and purpose of Division III: the holistic education of the student-athlete - mind, body, and soul. I am looking forward to joining a learning community that so values the liberal arts, experiential learning, and vocational studies.

"I would like to thank Athletic Director Mitch Capelle, Men's Soccer Coach Charles Metz, and the rest of the search committee for placing their confidence in me. I would also like to thank Megan Kahn and WeCoach for believing in me, and encouraging all of us to value female coaches. Ms. Molly Pitcher (my rescue cat) and I are very excited for this new chapter in our lives."

Sokolow had 30 student-athletes named to the Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference (SCAC) Academic Honor Roll while an assistant at Austin College. The Roo's were also awarded a United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Award in 2017 and 2018.

A native of Parker, Colo., Sokolow was a four-year letter winner and two-year starter at Vassar (N.Y.). She was named to the Liberty League All-Academic Team three times (06-08). Sokolow also contributed a monthly sports column to the college newspaper.

During her career Sokolow has received a number of certifications including a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "D" License, Premier and Goalkeeping Level 2 Diplomas from United Soccer Coaches, and is an NFHS Accredited Interscholastic Coach of both Soccer and Strength and Conditioning. She is also a proud member of the Alliance of Women Coaches, now WeCoach. In 2018 she graduated from the NCAA Women Coaches Academy. Her other professional memberships include the Positive Coaching Alliance, US Soccer, United Soccer Coaches, and USA Weightlifting.

She holds an A.B. in Women's Studies from Vassar, M.A. in American Studies with an emphasis in Education and Education Policy from Lehigh and a M.S.W. in Social Work Business with an emphasis in Leadership and Management from the University of Southern California.