WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – After spending two years at the helm of the Salem College soccer program, head coach Octavia Saunders accepted the same position at USC-Aiken on Wednesday, June 17, 2020. She departs from Salem after guiding the Spirits to an appearance against Maryville in the USA South Conference Semifinals.
Saunders wrapped up a solid 2019 season with a 12-6-1 mark, posting the best winning percentage (.631) of any coach in the first two years of their career in Salem soccer history. She guided the 2019 unit to the 10th-most goals (40) in a single-season in program history.
With Saunders manning the sidelines, Salem won six road games in 2019, which ranks third-most in a single-season. The Spirits reached the USA South Conference Semifinals after posting a 2-0 win over Piedmont on Nov. 2.
In addition to her success on the field, Saunders' 2019-20 unit was responsible for 3.65 overall GPA along with a number of community initiatives and collaboration. The Spirits placed 14 players on the USA South Academic All-Conference Team including Amy Bounds, Courtney Chaplin, Jae Lehman – who maintained a 3.9 GPA or better during the 2019-20 academic year.
Callie Adams, Rachel Black, Juliette MacMurray, Aliyah Rice and Kim Sephaphathi, Hannah Wagner and Alexcina Wartski amassed at least a 3.3 GPA or better.
"We are very excited for Octavia for her opportunity at USC-Aiken excited to see her succeed both professionally and personally" said Salem Director of Athletics Patricia Hughes. "We are beyond grateful for her commitment to our women's soccer program and the impact she has made during her tenure. Her team has experienced tremendous success and is poised for a new chapter of growth for the next leader!"
In her first season on the sidelines, Saunders guided Salem to a 7-12 overall mark, which included key USA South Conference victories against Meredith, N.C. Wesleyan, Methodist and William Peace. The Spirits, who posted five home wins during the slate, reached the first round of the USA South Conference tournament before bowing out to Covenant on Oct. 27.
Saunders, who earned her bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Montevallo, returns to the Peach Belt Conference where she was two-time captain for the Falcons and was named to the PBC Presidential Honor Roll three times.
"I would like to thank the Salem Director of Athletics Patricia Hughes for giving me the opportunity to lead the soccer program for the last two years," said Saunders. "I'm so thankful for the time I've had at Salem College. There is so much I will miss but I'm excited for my new chapter in my career. I know the Salem soccer program has a bright future ahead, I will be following and I can't wait to see what they achieve in upcoming season."
Salem will immediately begin a national search to fill the head coach position.