Paulson Annouces Addition of Swanson to Coaching Staff
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. -- Former NCAA Division I goalkeeper Andrea Swason has been hired as an assistant women's soccer coach at John Brown University, head coach Kathleen Paulsen announced on Monday (Aug. 15).
"I am excited to have Andrea on our staff this coming year," Paulsen said. "She worked with us in the spring and has been a great addition on and off the field as we seek to embrace high level soccer and a Christ-centered team culture. Having played goalkeeper at a high level, Andrea brings a wealth of knowledge to our team at that position. We are thankful to have her as a part of what we are doing at JBU."
Swanson joins the coaching staff at John Brown University after a four-year standout collegiate career, three of which came at Iowa State University. While a Cyclone, the 5-foot-9 goalkeeper posted a career 13-18-0 record and recorded seven shutouts while notching a career 1.56 goals-against average and a .722 save percentage. Swanson saw action in 40 matches, making 30 career starts.
Swanson spent her junior season at Drake University, starting all 20 games for the Bulldogs, grabbing a trio of clean sheets and posting a 1.55 goals-against average and a .755 save percentage. She was named Missouri Valley Conference Defensive Player of the Week on Oct. 8, 2013. Facing her former team for the first time, Swanson recorded a Drake single-game career high 10 saves in the Bulldogs' 1-1 double-overtime draw with Iowa State. Nine of her 10 saves came in the second half and overtime against the Cyclones, including four saves alone in the second overtime period.
After graduating summa cum laude from Iowa State in the spring of 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in elementary education, Swanson spent two seasons on the Des Moines Menace, a member of the Women's Premier Soccer League.
"I'm very excited to be a part of the JBU staff and grow under the leadership of coach Paulsen," Swanson noted. "The opportunity to develop young women spiritually, athletically and professionally while being involved with a well-established program is absolutely incredible."
During her collegiate career, Swanson was named a two-time Academic All-Big 12 first team honoree and earned a spot on the Big 12 Commissioner's Honor Roll three times.
Swanson, currently pursuing a Master of Science in counseling at the University of Arkansas, resides in Fayetteville.
