Coaching Accomplishments

Derek Hanks was named the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Whittier College in 2018.  Over his six seasons, he has combined for a 26-34-18, 20-27-15 SCIAC record.  He has put together one of the toughest defenses in the conference totaling 18 draws and 23 shutouts over his tenure, while seeing goalie Vanessa Martinez and defender Audrey Jeltema each earn All-SCIAC recognition twice. Under Hanks' stewardship, forwards Layla Traylor (three times) and Avery Gonzalez (once) have also earned All-SCIAC recognition. In 2023, freshman Madeline Traylor earned First Team All-SCIAC and Newcomer of the Year recognition. 

In 2022, Hanks' Poets shut out their opponents eight times and finished the season undefeated at home (6-0-4). The team was dominant at times but narrowly missed qualifying for the SCIAC Postseason Tournament as the fifth seed. Martinez was named SCIAC Defensive Athlete of the Week twice during the season, while Avery Gonzalez and Layla Traylor each received the SCIAC Offensive Athlete of the Week honor once.

Since Hanks has taken over the program, Poets have earned a total of nine SCIAC Athlete of the Week honors: Vanessa Martinez (4), Samantha Pearson (1), Elizabeth Roybal (1), Layla Traylor (1), Avery Gonzalez (1), Madeline Traylor (1).

Prior to Whittier College he served seven seasons as a member of the Cal State Northridge (CSUN) Women's Soccer program, five of which as an assistant coach.  In 2017, Hanks helped coach the Matadors to nine victories and a berth in the Big West Championship game. CSUN also picked up eight shutouts on the season and six Matadors earned all-conference honors. 

In 2016, the Matadors earned their first Big West regular season title in program history and posted numerous defensive records including the most shutouts in team history with 15. The team also registered the most shutouts in a row (6) and the most consecutive conference shutouts (6). CSUN finished the season second in the nation in shutout percentage (.714). Following the regular season, Nicole Thompson earned Big West Defender of the Year honors and Jovani McCakill took home Goalkeeper of the Year accolades. A total of eight Matadors received All-Conference selections including five members of the defense. 

In his first stint on the sidelines at CSUN, the Matadors' defense was one of the more formidable units in the Big West Conference. In 2009, the squad helped secure eight shutouts and two members of the backline (Katie Fox, Second Team, and Brielle Slepicoff, Honorable Mention) received All-Big West honors. In 2008, then-captain Nalena Betancourt also received All-Big West Honorable Mention accolades.

Education

Derek graduated in from Cal State Northridge ‘06 with his B.S. in Kinesiology and recently completed his M.S. in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia (CA) ‘16. 

Hanks was a four-year starter for the Matadors from 2003-2006.The two-time captain started 77 matches over his distinguished career and finished seventh in the all-time ranks after playing in 78 matches. Hanks accumulated five goals over his career, including two scores as a senior, and notched 12 points for his career.

Derek currently resides in Simi Valley, Calif. with his wife, Katie Hanks, and their three daughters Makenna, Charley and Stevie. 

Year

Coaching Duties

Record

SCIAC Finish

2023

Head Coach

5-7-3, 4-5-3 SCIAC

6th

2022

Head Coach

8-3-5, 4-3-5 SCIAC

5th

2021

Head Coach

4-11, 4-8 SCIAC

7th

2020

Head Coach

DNP (COVID)

--

2019

Head Coach

3-8-5, 3-6-3 SCIAC

6th

2018

Head Coach

6-5-5, 5-5-4 SCIAC

6th