OKLAHOMA CITY – Under first year head coach Anthony Yousey, Mid-America Christian women's soccer is proud to announce that Jaclyn Purvine will join the program as the team's assistant coach while Ivanna Rivas will take the reigns as the graduate assistant coach.
"Both Jaclyn and Ivanna bring a lot to our program from their high-level playing experience at the NCAA Division I level and in the WPSL league," said Yousey. "Jaclyn has two years as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas-Little Rock, where she gained lots of experience with the coaching staff there. Ivanna's passion for the game will also bring a great energy level to our team and players which I think will be great to get the most of our players."
An experienced a club and camps coach, Purvine comes to MACU after serving as an intern for Little Rock Soccer from January until May.
"I am so thankful for this opportunity and blessed to be a part of such an amazing program," said Purvine. "I can't wait to get the preseason going and to see what this team will accomplish."
With the trek to MACU, Purvine will be returning to her central Oklahoma roots. In high school, Purvine competed for Southmoore High in Moore, Okla., where she earned Most Valuable Player, All-Conference and All-District accolades for the Sabercats while also competing for the NYSA Fury 07 club team, now known as the Oklahoma Celtic.
After taking her talents to Arkansas-Little Rock, Purvine helped lead the Trojans to their first ever Sun Belt Championship and NCAA Tournament appearance in 2018. Purvine ended her Little Rock career as one of the best offensive players in program history, as she tied the team record for game-winning goals (9) and ranks seventh in the team's record book in assists (11), eighth in goals (21) and eighth in points (53).
On top of a great collegiate career, Purvine has also participated in the WPSL as a member of the Oklahoma City Football Club for six straight seasons.
Rivas also brings an NCAA Division I background to Mid-America Christian after a four-year playing career for the Oklahoma Sooners. From 2016-19, Rivas appeared in 55 games and made 26 starts for OU, scoring six goals and notching two assists while being named a three-time Big 12 Academic All-Conference honoree.
"I'm grateful for the opportunity to coach and also earn a master's degree from MACU," said Rivas. "I'm very excited to work with the team and also the other coaches. Can't wait to get this season started!"
Last season, Rivas served as a graduate assistant coach for Edmond Sante Fe High School, where she helped lead the Wolves to the 6A Playoffs.
Mid-America Christian will look to get the ball rolling on its season on Friday, August 13 as they will host Seminole State in a scrimmage for a 7 p.m. kickoff at Evangel Field.
