Rhodes named interim head women’s soccer coach

PERKINSTON – Jackie Rhodes will be wearing a new title Saturday when she leads the Mississippi Gulf Coast women's soccer team into its first regular-season game.

Rhodes has been named interim head women's soccer coach, a move approved by the college's Board of Trustees this week. She has deep roots at Gulf Coast.

"I've played here, I was a graduate assistant for two years, I was the assistant coach last year," Rhodes said. "I've been at every level of this program, and I think that's been beneficial. I'm very familiar with everything on campus and how it runs, so hopefully that makes it a good transition."

Rhodes, a graduate of Harrison Central, played at Gulf Coast in 2001-2. She went on to play on the first women's soccer team at Winthrop University. She returned to Gulf Coast in 2004 as a graduate assistant, then went on to coach high school soccer at St. John, St. Patrick and West Harrison, where she won four district titles in five seasons.

"We are excited that we're able to elevate Jackie to this position," Gulf Coast Dean of Athletics Bert Pickard said. "She provides continuity for the women's soccer program, and we expect great things from the team in the future."

Rhodes and her husband, Brad, have two daughters, Kennedy 3, and Riley, 1.

Her Lady Bulldogs play Lewis & Clark Community College in Raymond at 3 p.m. The Trailblazers, from Godfrey, Ill., play Hinds on Friday.

The 13^th-ranked Lewis & Clark team will be a stout test for the Lady Bulldogs, who are making the transition from preseason camp to the regular-season routine.

 "It's going to be a tough game for us," Rhodes said. "We've practiced so much on the defensive end, so this week we've talked more about attacking the other team. I hope we show some improvement."