The University of Olivet and its athletic director, Ryan Shockey, have named Sarah (Yancer) Maracani as head women’s soccer coach.
“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to promote Coach Sarah Maracani 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, The University of Olivet athletic director. “It’s because of her love for the sport and her dedication to the success of our student-athletes, as well as The University of Olivet, that I’m excited to see what the future holds for The University of Olivet women’s soccer.
Maracani 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). Maracani 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 Maracani. “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, Maracani was the starting goalkeeper in all 26 games and led the team to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) National Championship. Maracani 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.
Maracani 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.
Maracani holds a bachelor’s degree in health and exercise science from Spring Arbor University. Originally from Freeland, Michigan, Maracani now resides in Battle Creek.
“Coach Maracani’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.