University of Southern Mississippi Athletics
Macklin Named Soccer Head Coach
6/29/2004 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
Macklin Named Soccer Head Coach
Gail Macklin named head women's soccer coach |
HATTIESBURG, Miss. -
Southern Miss Director of Athletics Richard Giannini announced the hiring of former Lady Eagle player and assistant coach Gail Macklin as the school?s third soccer coach today. Her appointment is subject to approval of the IHL Board.Macklin, who served as the assistant coach for the past three seasons, replaces Matt Clark, who resigned to take the head coaching job at Elon. As part of her duties, she assisted in all phases of the soccer program, including recruiting, on-field coaching duties, travel arrangements and player conditioning.
"I'm thankful to Southern Miss for giving me the opportunity to be the head coach of the women's soccer program," Macklin said. "I'm excited to have this opporutnity, because I have been here as a player and coach. I have a strong vision of where I would like to take Southern Miss soccer. This first year will be a ground breaking year for me in that I'll be adjusting to the new role."
A former standout player at Southern Miss, Macklin was a member of the school's inaugural team in 1997. She played in 49 matches during her career, primarily as a midfielder, and scored two goals and had eight assists, accounting for 12 points. She was named to the Soccer Buzz First Year All-National first team. She also played one season at East Antrim Institution in Northern Ireland. She also was a member of the Northern Ireland National Team for six years.
As a part of her coaching experience, Macklin coached with the Mississippi Olympic Development Program and with the Hattiesburg Youth Soccer Association.
"I'm excited to have another former Lady Eagle coaching one of our teams," Associate Director of Athletics and Senior Woman Administrator Sonya Varnell said. "Gail has earned the right to lead the soccer program. She has Division I collegiate experience as a player and coach, as well as international playing experience. She knows what it takes to be successful in Division I women?s soccer. I have seen her grow personally and professionally. Therefore, I am confident in her abilities as a coach on and off the field. She is a role model for our female student-athletes to emulate, and I am proud to have her as our new head women?s soccer coach. "
The Glengormley, Northern Ireland native graduated from Southern Miss in 2001 with a bachelor's degree in sport administration and human performance. She is the daughter of Moria and Henry Macklin.