JACKSON – Amanda Paschall, former Millsaps women's soccer player from 2003-07, has been named the Interim Head Coach of the Majors for the 2012 season.

"With the knowledge of the College and our soccer program, I am pleased that Amanda Paschall has accepted the position as our Women's coach," said Athletic Director Tim Wise. "Amanda excelled here as a student-athlete and has a purpose to impact lives through coaching soccer at the college level."

"My excitement is through the roof," said Paschall. "I've always wanted this job."

This comes a week after former Head Coach Paul Van Hooydonk resigned to pursue a job in the Warren Central School District. He leaves Millsaps after 11 years of service including a 13-7 mark in 2008, the best record in the history of the women's soccer program.

"Coach Van Hooydonk has left the program in fine fashion as the team members consistently represent the department with class and a passionate spirit. The expectation is that Coach Paschall will continue these foundations upon which a competitive program is built," added Wise. "We look forward to this fall with a strong nucleus of returning players that have collegiate experience."

Paschall was a four-year letter winner for the Majors and was named Team Captain in 2005 and 2006. She also earned All-SCAC honors in 2006 and graduated from Millsaps with a degree in English.

She became a part-time assistant in the memorable 2008 season and attended Western Kentucky University a year later, where she earned her Masters of Science in Recreation and Sports Administration degree.

Paschall returned to Millsaps this past season and was named assistant coach of the women's soccer team.

The native of Tuscaloosa, Ala. is excited to bring the team in on Wednesday and get to work.

"I want to establish a firm defense and shut down some teams," said Paschall. "We lost four games by a single goal a season ago and I believe a stronger defense can turn those games into wins and a better record."

Paschall knows coming into this season that having an experienced group along with some keys freshman can make a difference.

"We've got four solid freshman who can contribute and I hope they come in ready to hit the ground running," says Paschall. "We've got nine in the junior class who are ready to step up and take charge both on and off the field, and we always want leadership from our seniors."

The Majors open the season on August 31st as they travel to East Texas Baptist.