Olivet College Names Sarah Yancer Head Women’s Soccer Coach

OLIVET, Mich. -- Olivet College and its athletic director, Ryan Shockey, have named Sarah Yancer as head women's soccer coach.

"We are fortunate to have the opportunity to promote Coach Sarah Yancer from within our current staff. I couldn't be more pleased with her work with the women's soccer team as an assistant coach last season. I know she will continue to lead the Comets in the right direction," said Ryan Shockey, Olivet College athletic director. "It's because of her love for the sport and her dedication to the success of our student-athletes, as well as Olivet College, that I'm excited to see what the future holds for Olivet College women's soccer.

Yancer joined the team in 2016 as assistant coach. She earned a coaching diploma through the National Soccer Coaches' Association of America, the world's largest soccer coaches' organization. She is a coach for Cap City Soccer and Michigan State Youth Soccer Association Olympic Development Program (ODP). Yancer was a soccer stand-out at Spring Arbor University, starting in goal for four years and leading the Cougars to a national championship.

"I was thrilled to be named head coach for the women's soccer team. We had no seniors on last year's team, so all of the girls are returning. Plus, I'm excited about the solid freshman players coming. The team is moving in the right direction, and it's great to be part of what's ahead," said Yancer. "Plus, I love the small college atmosphere. It feels like family and students benefit from getting to know their professors and coaches on a more personal level."

In 2015, as a senior at SAU, Yancer was the starting goalkeeper in all 26 games and led the team to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship. Yancer did not allow a goal during the Cougars' championship run to earn the tournament's Select Sport American-NAIA Championship Outstanding Defensive Player award. She recorded 15 shutouts, a program record and had a .795 save percentage.

Yancer was the 2015 SAU female Senior Athlete of the Year. She was a two-time NAIA All-American and holds the SAU career record of 72-9-4. She had 47 career shutouts, 234 career saves, and a .692 career goals against average.

Yancer holds a bachelor's degree in health and exercise science from Spring Arbor University. Originally from Freeland, Michigan, Yancer now resides in Battle Creek.

"Coach Yancer's success as a student-athlete herself is an inspiration and motivator for the team. She brings incredible athletic and coaching talent and experience to the team, in addition to serving as a role model for our student-athletes," said Shockey.