Rick Couell returned to the Hawks sideline as an assistant coach on Scott MacLean’s staff prior to the 2022 season. 

Couell, with over 27 years of coaching experience at Hilbert College, Daemen University and local travel teams, will assist in tactical strategies for the women’s program.  He previously combined 11 years as an assistant and head coach on the Hilbert men's side with two seasons as an assistant on the women’s side. 

The Orchard Park native served as the Head Coach for the men’s program from 2005-2007.  He served as an assistant in 2004 and again in 2008, wrapping those assignments around his three-year run as a head coach.   Couell returned to Hilbert again in 2012 asfor another five-year run as an assistant beginning in 2012.

His teaching and coaching style made a positive impact on both soccer programs, having helped the 2016 women's team earn their first play-off appearance after a six-season drought.  He also played a big part in the men's program qualifying for the AMCC play-offs in 2012, 2013, 2015.

Couell was an NAIA assistant coach at Daemen College in 2009 before he returned to the Hamburg campus in 2012. He also brings 11 years of youth travel soccer coaching experience (U10-U19) with the West Seneca Soccer Club.

For the last 15 years, Couell has served played and coached in the BDSL Premier League.