Jan. 21, 2000

VERMILLION, S.D. - When the University of South Dakota begins its women's soccer season in the fall of 2000, the Coyotes will be under the direction of a new head coach. USD Athletic Director Kelly Higgins announced in December the hiring of Jessica Maddox as the Coyotes' second head coach. "I'm very pleased to have Jessica join our athletic department and lead our women's soccer program," said Higgins. "Jessica has sound credentials, and I'm extremely confident of her abilities. I was impressed by her enthusiasm and knowledge of the sport. She has the right qualities to direct our women's soccer program, and I look forward to working with her."

Maddox served as an assistant soccer coach at NCAA Division II Tusculum College in Greeneville, Tenn. for the last three years. While coaching at Tusculum, she helped lead a program that produced two wins prior to her first year to 13 wins this past season. Maddox earned her undergraduate degree from Midway (Ky.) College in 1997 and her Master's degree from Tusculum in 1999. While at Midway, Maddox was a four-year starter and a two-time team captain. She sparked her team to a pair of fifth-place finishes at the NAIA national tournament in 1994 and 1995. During her playing career, the program never lost a conference game and never dropped out of the NAIA Top-20 poll.

"I'm very excited to be at South Dakota," stated Maddox. "It's a great challenge and an excellent opportunity for me. The athletic department has made a lot of positive changes which I feel very proud to be a part of. The soccer program is still young, and the players are very enthusiastic to get off on the right foot. It's all very positive, and I look forward to coaching a growing program."