Sammy Towne
| Title: | Assistant Coach |
| Phone: | 561-310-3296 |
| Email: | sgtowne@uncg.edu |
Sammy Towne enters her first season as an assistant women’s soccer coach at UNCG for head coach Steve Nugent. Towne joins the Spartans after a stellar four-year playing career at Southeastern Conference power Auburn.
“I am so happy that Sammy has agreed to join us,”
Nugent said. “Her work ethic and personality will be a
valuable asset to our team. We had a great group of candidates and
it was very clear from the start that her enthusiasm and passion
for coaching was going to be a very good fit for UNCG. Sammy will
be a strong role model for our players and will be a valuable asset
to us both on and off the field, helping to make the
student-athlete experience here at UNCG memorable.”
Towne spent last season as a defensive assistant student-coach at Auburn, helping the Tigers win their first-ever SEC Tournament championship and a second round appearance in the 2011 NCAA Tournament. Under her assistance, Auburn posted a 15-7-2 overall record, allowing 31 goals while posting eight shutouts on the year.
"This is a tremendous opportunity for me to join the UNCG
program,” Towne said. “I am looking forward to working
with Steve and helping these student-athletes advance to the NCAA
Tournament. I am very appreciative of Karen Hoppa and the Auburn
soccer program for all the knowledge and experience they have given
me during my career."
Towne was a four-year varsity letterwinner for the Tigers and a two-time team captain as a defender. She led Auburn to four straight winning seasons and NCAA Tournament appearances, totaling 43 wins and 26 shutouts anchoring the Tigers’ defense. She played in 84 career games, which ranks second all-time in Auburn history, while her 79 career starts rank 10th all-time.
“Sammy had a great career for us at Auburn as a two-time All-SEC player and a two-time team captain,” Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa said. “She was a great leader for our team and played through numerous injuries during her career. She has a tremendous personality and her knowledge of the game, especially on the defensive end, will be an asset to the UNCG program. Her leadership skills and strong character will make the transition from player to coach a smooth one. We are excited for her opportunity at UNCG.”
Towne was named Second Team All-SEC as a junior and a senior, starting all 41 games on the backline. She earned All-SEC Tournament accoaldes as a junior, leading the Tigers to the SEC Tournament semifinals. Additionally, she was awarded the Auburn Inspirational Female Athlete of the Year in 2011.
“Sammy's success as an All-SEC performer on the field and in the classroom brings a unique perspective to our team and I am sure her impact will be felt immediately,” Nugent said. “I had the unique pleasure of coaching Sammy as a youth player and that familiarity will help us achieve great things together. Because of her perseverance as a player, there is no doubt she will help us to succeed as we navigate a very tough schedule in 2012. Please join me in welcoming Sammy to the UNCG family.”
Towne earned her bachelor's degree from Auburn in 2012 in
human development and family studies.