Kathleen Paulsen Joins John Brown as Women's Soccer Coach
SILOAM SPRINGS, Ark. (February 7, 2013) - Kathleen Paulsen has been named head women's soccer coach at John Brown University, director of athletics Robyn Daugherty announced Thursday.
“Kathleen is a great fit for John Brown and we are excited she has chosen to join us," said Daugherty. "I believe she has the skills and the knowledge to build upon the recent success of the program. Her familiarity with the program will help ease the transition for her and the players. She knows the culture and the overall direction of the team, and we're very excited for her to build on their past success."
"It is an honor to be named as the new head women's soccer coach at John Brown University," said Paulsen. "I would like to thank Robyn, Dr. Beers, Dr. Pollard and Scott Marksberry for giving me the opportunity to be a part of the Golden Eagle athletic department and community.
As I discussed with the administration the vision of John Brown University, it became clear that this is an institution that is dedicated to the development of student-athletes personally, athletically, academically and spiritually. Scott (Marksberry) has done an incredible job in creating a Christ-centered team culture that is committed to competing at the highest level possible. I look forward to continuing a team culture that is devoted to excellence in the classroom, on the field, and in their personal lives."
Paulsen brings with her to John Brown NCAA I soccer experience as a four-year letterwinner with the Lady Razorbacks. During her time in Fayetteville, Paulsen made an appearance in all 77 games UA played, starting an impressive 59 times. She ended her career with eight goals scored on 97 shots and two assists, totaling 20 points. While a student-athlete, Paulsen was a member and representative of the UA Student Athlete Advisory Committee while earning Southeastern Conference and UA academic honor roll accolades, and was named to the SEC's Good Works Team as a senior in 2009.
Paulsen would continue her playing career for a season post-graduation, joining the Arkansas Comets of the Women's Premier Soccer League for the 2012 season.
In 2012, Paulsen joined the Arkansas women's soccer staff as a volunteer assistant coach in addition to holding the title of director of soccer operations. She oversaw areas of the program that included fitness, nutrition and recovery, and logistical organization. The Lady Razorbacks finished the 2012 season with an overall record of 9-10-1, including upset victories over three ranked opponents in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. The Razorbacks would eventually fall in the first round of the Southeastern Conference tournament, losing 3-2 in extra time to South Carolina.
After her graduation in 2010, Paulsen earned a graduate assistant position and worked with the Academic Services wing of the Arkansas athletic department, tracking student-athlete's academic progress, in addition to tracking their eligibility, ensuring compliance with NCAA regulations.
"I would also like to thank coach Colby Hale and athletic director Jeff Long for the opportunity to represent the University of Arkansas as a player, staff member and coach over the past seven years," added Paulsen. My time as a Razorback has been invaluable to me as I move forward, and I am deeply grateful for those experiences."
Paulsen is no stranger to Siloam Springs as she served as the Golden Eagle women's volunteer assistant soccer coach during the 2011 season under current men's soccer coach Scott Marksberry in which JBU posted an 8-8-2 overall record. It was during this time Paulsen became intimately familiar with the John Brown women's soccer program as she assisted in coaching duties on game day in addition to structuring team and goalkeeper training over the course of the season.
During the summers of 2010 and 2011, Paulsen spent her time in Rogers, Ark., as a manager and counselor at Camp War Eagle, a Christian sports, adventure and recreation camp. There she oversaw counselors by ensuring policies and procedures were followed while organizing and scheduling camp staff for various events.
Paulsen, a Littleton, Colo., native, graduated in 2010 with a Bachelor of Arts in Biology. In 2012, she earned a Master of Science in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology. Paulsen also holds a national "D" license in coaching from U.S. Soccer after completing a 36-hour course designed for the experienced coach that focuses on the improvement of individual and team ability.
