Indy Eleven Coach Returning For 2017

(Image Courtesy: Indy Eleven Professional Soccer)

Indy Eleven has announced head coach Tim Hankinson will return for the 2017 season. Hankinson led the Eleven to an undefeated run in the first 10 games of the 2016 season, his first year as head coach, along with a North American Soccer League spring season championship.

Hankinson was named permanent head coach in December 2015. Earlier this year, he was named the NASL 2016 Coach of the Year. 

"A year ago we brought Tim Hankinson aboard to provide leadership on the team side of the club and improved results on the field, and he certainly checked both of those boxes," said Indy Eleven owner Ersal Ozdemir. "The Indy Eleven family is excited to continue working with Coach Hankinson as he helps the team towards more success in 2017."

The Indy Eleven finished second in the NASL combined season, losing to the New York Cosmos in the championship final. Hankinson says that will serve as motivation for next season. 

"Continuity is important, so I am looking forward to keeping the core of last year’s squad and building on the foundation of success it achieved," said Hankinson. "At the same time we do need to grow tactically and add new faces that will bolster our play on the field and the tremendous relationship we’ve built with our fans."

The announcement comes on the same day that Indy Eleven defender Greg Janicki announced his retirement from professional soccer after a nine-year career, two of which were played in Indy.