By ALI OVERSTREET
Sports Editor

(WARRENSBURG, Mo., digitalBURG) — The university’s soccer program has hired its first full-time assistant coach.

Originally from Lawrence, Kansas, Hannah Carlson earned a bachelor’s degree in art education last year and completed her collegiate playing career at Emporia State University in 2013. She joined the Jennies for the 2015-16 season as a graduate assistant and has now begun her first season as the full-time assistant.

“We’re very excited to have Hannah stay with us,” Theobald said in a university press release. “She has a detailed knowledge of our program and has really impacted us in the year that she has been with UCM. She’ll make a huge difference for our program, and we’re lucky to have her on staff.”

Carlson said her hiring is a credit to her program, not herself.

“Whether it be myself, or another candidate, to have a full-time position added to our coaching staff is a testament to the success and support our program has achieved,” Carlson said. “I am excited for the program and personally grateful for this opportunity.”

Carlson said she came to respect the UCM soccer program after being part of the MIAA conference for five years.

“UCM won the conference and consistently made NCAA appearances, making an Elite Eight in 2015, and placing numerous student-athletes on academic, all-conference and All-American honors along the way,” she said.

Carlson said UCM’s championships, resume and winning tradition drew her to the university’s soccer program.

“After joining the program, I have witnessed the talent, dedication and support put forth by our student-athletes, coaching staff, athletic training team and administration,” she said. “The combination of these elements are what truly makes a championship culture, and I feel very fortunate to be a part of this program.”

The coaches said they are excited about their incoming class this year. Combined with the majority of the players returning from last year, the team has a balance of experience and leadership. Having reached back-to-back Elite Eights, their idea is to break through to the Final Four.

“It is very early, but we are working toward our team goals, taking it day by day, keeping the big picture in mind,” Carlson said.

Jennies soccer opens their season on the road at Southwestern Oklahoma State Thursday, Sept. 1. They will then host Augustana on Saturday, Sept. 3.