Kanae Haneishi was named the head coach of the Mount Holyoke College soccer team in 2007. She has posted a record of 53-128-10 (.303) record since taking over the reigns of the program, and her teams have qualified for the NEWMAC Tournament three times. In 2006, she earned her coaching certification from the NCAA Women’s Coaches Academy.

The Lyons went 2-14-2 during the 2017 campaign, including wins over Albertus Magnus and Southern Vermont, along with ties against Bay Path University and NEWMAC-rival, Clark University. Highlighting the season was the selection of senior forward Sara Sanaú Ruiz to the NEWISA Senior Bowl for her outstanding efforts over her three-year career.

Haneishi's squad posted an 8-10-0 record during the 2016 season, including a 2-8-0 mark in the NEWMAC. The Lyons were paced by All-Conference efforts from Sara Sanaú Ruiz and Zoe Marshall, who were tabbed to the First Team and Second Team, respectively.

The 2015 campaign saw the Lyons post their most successfull season in over 20 years, going 9-7-3 overall and posting a 4-3-3 record in conference play. MHC earned a spot in the NEWMAC Tournament for the first time since 2009, falling by a 1-0 margin to Babson in the First Round. The Lyons were paced by All-Conference performances from three players including First Team honorees Zoe Marshall and Sara Sanaú Ruiz, along with Ashleigh Hartsock - who was a Second Team selection.

In 2014, the Lyons posted a 6-12-0 overall record, which included wins over Lyndon State, Southern Vermont, Western New England, Bay Path, Clark and Wellesley - the team's first over the Blue since 2004.

Additionally, the Lyons saw senior forward Cassidy Robinson named to the NEWMAC All-Conference Second Team, while four other student-athletes garnered Academic All-Conference honors.

The 2013 campaign saw the Lyons finish with a 6-12-0 mark, which included wins against Nichols, MCLA and long-time rival Smith. The squad also earned the NSCAA Gold Ethics Award, recognizing teams that exhibit fair play, sporting behavior and adherence to the laws of the game, as reflected by the number of yellow caution cards or red ejection cards they are shown by referees throughout the season. Mount Holyoke was one of just 26 institutions from all levels of the NCAA (Division I, II and III) to earn the honor.

Haneishi brings an abundance of playing and coaching experience to Mount Holyoke. Prior to joining the Lyons staff, she served an assistant coach at Smith College from 2005-07. During that time, she was also the head coach of the Western United U-17/U-18 club team. Haneishi has played for the New York Magic of the elite United Soccer League from 2003-10, serving as the club's captain. Additionally, she was a member of the Japanese National Team that earned a silver medal at the World University Games in 2003.

Haneishi helped the Christian Brothers University (Tenn.) women’s soccer team to the NCAA Division II Championship match in both 2001 and 2002. After leading her squad to the National Title in 2002, she earned Tournament Outstanding Defender honors. Prior to her arrival in America, she played for the JEF United Ladies, who compete in the top women’s soccer league in Japan.

In addition to her coaching duties at the College, Haneishi also serves as a Lecturer in its Department of Physical Education. She teaches a variety of courses, including yoga, weight training, walking for fitness, badminton and bon odori (Japanese Spiritual Dance).

After receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in sport and health science from Juntendo University in Chiba, Japan, Haneishi went on to earn a Master of Science Degree in exercise science from the University of Memphis in 2005 and a Master of Science Degree in exercise and sport studies from Smith in 2007. She completed her Doctor of Education Degree in sport pedagogy at the University of Massachusetts Amherst in May of 2014.

Follow @MHCsoccer