By: Frank Maira, Assistant Director of Athletics/Sports Information Director

MONT ALTO, Pa. – Penn State Mont Alto Director of Athletics Staci Brennan announced Monday the hiring of Mary Miller as the new head coach of the women's soccer program. Miller takes over the program after a successful six-year stint at nearby Shippensburg High School where she most recently served as the head varsity girls soccer coach.

"I am pleased to announce Mary Miller as our new head coach for the women's soccer program," said Director of Athletics Staci Brennan.  "Her coaching experience and enthusiasm will be invaluable as we work to rebuild our women's soccer program here at Penn State Mont Alto."

Miller's coaching experience goes back to 2008 where she served as the assistant coach at her alma mater Wilson College. She assisted the team for four seasons before transitioning to her role as head coach of the girls' varsity program at Shippensburg High School. She gained experience in developing and arranging competition schedules, maintaining her team's performance, as well as planning and executing fundraising opportunities.

"I am thankful for this opportunity and look forward to building a strong, competitive program – while helping my athletes reach their full potential on the field and in the classroom," said Mary Miller.

She has a clear vision for the immediate future for the program and cannot wait to hit the ground running.

"The first step will be getting a team together of players that are ready to compete and are ready to attack the challenge ahead of us, which is helping the program grow," said Miller.

Being a native of the Franklin County area, Miller believes that her knowledge and rapport with the surrounding high school coaches will work towards her benefit.

"I feel having a good rapport with the local coaches can help attract players whom aren't looking for a bigger school and are looking to earn a degree close to home and continue playing something they are passionate about," said Miller.

Coach Miller has received various coaching certifications from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Those include a NSCAA National "C" License and goalkeeping level one and two diplomas.

A decorated high school soccer athlete at Chambersburg Area High School, she was a Franklin County all-conference selection her senior year. She graduated from Wilson College as the programs all-time second-leading scorer, was a two-time AWCC first team selection, and earned a spot on the NEAC second team her junior season and earned honorable mention recognition as a senior.

In addition to her role as the head women's soccer coach, Miller will continue to oversee the women's basketball program at Mont Alto as she is currently in the midst of her first season at the helm.

The women's soccer team opens the 2018 season on Saturday, September 1 on the road versus Central Penn College.