Octavia Saunders serves as the head coach for the Salem College soccer program. 

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, tying the 2013 and 2017 units for 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 her first season on the sidelines, Saunders guided Salem to a 7-12 overall record, 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 brought a wealth of knowledge to the Spirits after spending three years as the assistant coach at Brevard College where under her coaching the Tornados reached a program-best 11-6-1 record and all-time best in NCAA era. While with the Tornados, she also worked for the North Carolina Olympic Development Program and the Highland Football Club.

Coach Saunders was a standout on the field as she started every match for the Montevallo. Her leadership ability was noted as she was named captain for her junior and senior seasons. Success translated to the classroom for Saunders as well, as she was named to the Peach Belt Conference Presidential Honor Roll three times.

Saunders earned a bachelor of science in kinesiology from the University of Montevallo.