CANTON — As announced by the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, Franco Bari, Dimitri Kaliakin has been named the head coach for the St. Lawrence University women's soccer team, the sixth in the program's history.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Dimitri to St. Lawrence University," said Bari. "With an authentic focus on the holistic development of student-athletes, Dimitri ascended to the top of a very deep pool of qualified candidates. He has not only demonstrated success as a recruiter with strong tactical knowledge, but his contributions to successful outcomes at previous institutions have provided him with the necessary tools to develop our student-athletes both on and off the field, while creating a competitive championship environment. These attributes strongly align with the values of Saints Athletics."

Most recently, Kaliakin served as an assistant coach for the University of Missouri women's soccer program in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Before his time in Columbia, he was an assistant coach for the women's soccer program at Southern Methodist University, where he helped guide the Mustangs to the American Athletic Conference final in 2023.

An accomplished athlete at Washington College (Md.), where he graduated with a degree in Mathematics, Kaliakin was a four-year starter and two-year captain for the Shoremen from 2013-2016. He capped off his playing career by earning All-Region First Team honors and All-Centennial Conference First Team honors during his senior season. He is the career record holder for the Shoremen with 32 career assists.

Kaliakin's coaching career began at his alma mater, where he served as an assistant coach with the men's soccer program from 2017-2021 before becoming an assistant coach with Washington College's women's soccer program during the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

He holds a United Soccer Coaches National Diploma and is registered as a certified Coerver Coach.

"I am deeply honored to be named the next head women's soccer coach at St. Lawrence University," said Kaliakin. "This program has a rich history and tradition that I hold in the highest regard, and I am fully committed to advancing its legacy."

"I would like to extend my sincere thanks to Franco Bari and the selection committee for their trust and for providing me with this incredible opportunity. Throughout the interview process, I was impressed by the university's commitment to fostering a positive and holistic experience for student-athletes—one that not only emphasizes athletic excellence but also promotes personal growth, academic success, and community engagement."

'I would also like to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my mentors, especially Roy Dunshee and Tom Reilly, whose influence has been invaluable in shaping my career. I am excited to begin working with this talented group of student-athletes and look forward to contributing to the continued success and growth of the St. Lawrence community."