ABOUT HAMI
Hami Kara, a Wethersfield High School student-athlete from 2004–2008, graduated as the school’s all-time leading goalkeeper, boasting impressive statistics and accomplishments. Over a four-year career, he compiled a 57–11–7 record, allowed just 25 goals, and recorded 50 shutouts. He earned All-Conference honors three times and was named Conference Player of the Year as a senior. In his final year, Kara was selected to the CT All-State Team and the NSCAA All-New England Team.
After graduating from Wethersfield High School, Kara attended Manchester Community College, competing in NJCAA Division III. There, he excelled to become the No. 1 goalkeeper in the country—posting a 0.25 GAA and allowing only four goals in 20 games. He was named Top Goalkeeper in the Nation and earned NJCAA First Team All-American honors.
In Fall 2010, Kara joined the University of Pittsburgh Panthers as their goalkeeper in the Big East Conference. Kara recorded 51 career saves and registered six shutouts during his time as a goalkeeper for the Pitt Panthers, earning Big East Goalkeeper of the Week honors three times in the process.
After Hartford City FC joined the NPSL as an expansion team in November 2016, Hami was named the club’s inaugural captain, helping lead the defense and shape the team’s early identity in the Atlantic Conference. He quickly made an impact as a top shot-stopper, earning multiple clean sheets early on, and in June 2017 he represented the club at the Champions Experience, making standout saves in exhibition matches against high-level international competition. Following his leadership through the franchise’s early seasons, Kara announced his retirement from the club after the 2019 season and all-while earning a training invite with USL Championship side Hartford Athletic ahead of their 2019 campaign.
Hami Kara
Owner, HKGoalkeeping1
Following a successful Division I career at Pitt and semi-professional experience with Hartford City FC, Hami Kara has transitioned into coaching, helping develop the next generation of skilled goalkeepers.
Hami emphasizes training that strengthens core goalkeeping fundamentals, including shot-stopping technique, positioning, and footwork, while also improving distribution—through accurate throwing and kicking—and decision-making in live match scenarios.
He leads goalkeeping-specific drills, leverages performance analysis and video review to address areas for improvement, and prioritizes confidence and communication so each goalkeeper can effectively organize their defense and perform consistently under pressure.
