TJC to add women's soccer

Tyler Junior College will add women's soccer as its 11th intercollegiate sport, effective with the 2008-2009 school year, the college announced recently.

The Apache women's soccer team will join Region XIV to compete with rivals Lon Morris College, Navarro College and Bossier Parrish Community College, in Louisiana.

The Apache women's schedule is in the process of being formulated and will include other collegiate teams throughout north and central Texas.

"When the Pat Hartley Field was constructed and later upgraded to include men's and women's locker rooms and a concession stand, the College made the commitment that, at some point in the future, we would add ladies' soccer," said Dr. Drain. "That time has come and we look forward to the competition."

The College is presently seeking applicants for the position of instructor of health and kinesiology and head coach of women's soccer, Dr. Drain said.

"Apache men's soccer coach Steve Clements has assumed interim duties for women's soccer and is already seeking equipment, talking to recruits and talking to other teams in Division XIV," Dr. Drain said.

"We look forward to the opportunity to have more women athletes on our campus and to adding another phase of opportunity to our vibrant student life," said Dr. Austin Lane, TJC vice president of student affairs

The college presently offers women's volleyball, basketball, golf and tennis. Men's sports are football, baseball, soccer, basketball, golf and tennis.

The TJC women's soccer team will play in Division I, which provides the opportunity for full or partial scholarships to players. There will also be a red shirt squad. Eventually, the program will have a red shirt coaching assistant, Dr. Drain said.

Prospective players for the 2008 season are encouraged to contact Clements at 903-510- 2687. Qualified individuals interested in applying for the position of head coach should contact the TJC Human Resources office at 903-510-2419. Qualifications include previous soccer coaching experience and a master's degree with a minimum of 18 graduate hours in health and kinesiology.