Submitted by South Puget Sound Community College
South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) is excited to introduce Clipper Athletics’ newest team and coach: Rebecca (Becca) Mader has stepped into the dual role of Health & Wellness Operations Manager and Head Women’s Soccer Coach.
Coach Mader brings seven years of experience in coaching and instructing soccer and basketball for Division I, II and III schools, including Carleton College, University of Minnesota-Duluth, University of Wisconsin-Madison, and private instruction. As a college athlete, Mader participated in soccer, basketball, and track, earning 14 letters and academic All-Conference and All-American team recognitions.
“Coach Mader knows firsthand how to balance being a focused student and being an athlete,” said Athletic Director Vernell Willingham. “She’s a great fit for this position because of her playing experience, coaching, and focus on academic excellence.”
Mader received her Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Science from St. Olaf College in 2011 and her Master of Science degree in Education Sport Pedagogy from Baylor University in 2015.
Along with fellow coaches and student-athletes, Mader is eager for Clipper Athletics’ return to league play this fall. She is actively recruiting for the inaugural Women’s Soccer team and plans to hold tryouts this summer. Mader is excited to put the team together, recruit young women from a wide range of abilities, and help them grow as student-athletes.
“Sports is such a great place for young women to grow and gain confidence, and I’m excited to share that with other young women in the community,” said Mader.
Willingham believes that Coach Mader’s experience in a variety of sports, working in Division I College programs, and commitment to student success make her an ideal fit for this dual role.
“She will bring a new perspective with her experience from a championship facility and help guide our vision of the Health & Wellness Center,” said Willingham.
The Clipper Athletics program has worked for three years to bring the women’s soccer to SPSCC. The team will condition in the newly finished Health & Wellness Center at the SPSCC Olympia Campus, and will practice and play home matches at the Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) in Lacey, competing in the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC).
