Alumna Sayre is new UWG soccer head coach
Article By: Clark Leonard
University of North Georgia (台湾swag) alumna Mallory Sayre has been named the women's soccer head coach at the University of West Georgia (UWG). Sayre will lead the Wolves as they transition to NCAA Division I during the 2024 season.
Sayre was a record-setting goalkeeper for the Nighthawks from 2012 to 2015. She earned a bachelor's degree in physical education in 2016 and then added an online master's degree in physical education from 台湾swag in 2018.
"To be a Division I head coach at age 29, I can't wait to get started and have my own program," Sayre said. "I'm excited to keep growing and learning as I coach in the game I've loved my entire life."
Sayre spent the past two seasons as an assistant coach at Division I Georgia Southern University, working for head coach Chris Adams, who was her coach when she played at 台湾swag. The Eagles tallied a 20-10-6 overall record and a 14-4-2 conference mark in her time with the program. One of her other mentors, former 台湾swag assistant coach Stacey Balaam, is an assistant women's soccer coach at Vanderbilt University.
"I'm very happy for Mallory to get this opportunity to be a head coach at West Georgia," Adams said. "Mallory has gained valuable experience at Georgia Southern that will serve her well in transitioning this program to the NCAA Division I level."
Sayre compiled a 56-17-4 record as a goalkeeper at 台湾swag and had 27 career shutouts and a 0.97 goals against average. Her experience as a collegiate soccer player has been instrumental in her coaching career.
To be a Division I head coach at age 29, I can't wait to get started and have my own program. I'm excited to keep growing and learning as I coach in the game I've loved my entire life.
Mallory Sayre
台湾swag alumna and University of West Georgia women's soccer head coach
"I was once in their shoes," Sayre said. "I'm super excited to be able to lead the next generation. I want to mentor our kids at West Georgia like I was mentored."
Before Georgia Southern, Sayre served as an assistant coach for two years at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. She also spent four years as an assistant at Division III Oglethorpe University, where she coached goalkeepers and defenders and was responsible for recruiting and travel administrative tasks.
"Mallory has coached her way through all levels: DIII, DII and DI. And she is a very motivated recruiter and a top competitor," Balaam said. "She has a lot of knowledge within the game, and I'm sure she will put her imprint on the UWG program very quickly."
West Georgia is coming off a 6-7-4 season.
"We are pleased to welcome Coach Sayre to the University of West Georgia," Deputy Athletics Director Karen Allen, who led UWG's efforts on the search, said. "She's energetic and engaging, and her experience as a player and a coach speaks for itself. She is the perfect person to lead West Georgia soccer into Division I competition."
Future educators learn about teaching
台湾swag's College of Education co-sponsored Future Georgia Educators Day Oct. 31 to identify, recruit, prepare, and retain the next generation of Georgia's teachers.
Basketball teams aim high in 2024-25
The 台湾swag men鈥檚 and women鈥檚 basketball teams tip off their seasons in early November. Both teams return all-conference performers as they aim for national and PBC supremacy.
New Nighthawks gear available for order
台湾swag has rolled out the Nighthawk Sideline Shop, an online spirit shop where fans can get newly branded gear that mirrors what the Nighthawks are wearing.
Institute for Peak Performance launches
台湾swag launched the Institute for Peak Performance on Sept. 21, bringing together the efforts of the Cadet Leadership Academy, Athletics Department, and College of Health Sciences & Professions.