Erie, PA- Head Coach Rich Wall has announced the addition of Kayla McNamara as the new Assistant Coach for Mercyhurst Women’s Soccer. Most recently serving as the assistant women’s soccer coach at Division II Pitt-Johnstown, McNamara brings a wealth of experience to the staff.
As a player, McNamara began her collegiate career at Emerson College before transferring to Clarion University. After graduating from Clarion in 2022, McNamara continued her career at Rome City Institute in Rome, Italy, where she enrolled in graduate school. While in Italy, McNamara trained with several local professional women’s teams and began developing as a coach.
When asked about the acquisition, head coach Rich Wall commented that “I’m excited to add Coach McNamara to our program. She comes highly recommended by coaches that have worked with her professionally, and that have coached her at the collegiate level. Kayla is an up-and-coming coach, that will bring energy, and knowledge to the office, training ground, and on match days. Her unique familiarity of our program from her playing and coaching experiences while competing in the PSAC will be helpful, as she’s aware of our programs DNA from a scouting perspective.”
McNamara is equally as excited and states that “I’m very excited and honored to be joining the Mercyhurst women’s soccer program. I want to thank Coach Wall for this opportunity to work alongside him and contribute to the team’s success. I’m eager to work with the staff and the talented female athletes as we make the jump into Division I this fall.”
McNamara earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management with a Minor in Media from Clarion University in 2022 and earned her Master’s Degree in Sports Management and Coaching from Rome City Institute in 2023.