Florida Tech Panthers

Jessica Monarch wrapped up her first season as an assistant coach of the Florida Tech women's soccer team in 2015.

Prior to joining the Panther program, Monarch served for two years as a graduate assistant coach at Belhaven in a role that very much resembled that of a full-time assistant. Her responsibilities included planning and running practices, recruiting, organizing travel plans, budget planning and player development. Monarch also assisted with the operation of Belhaven’s summer soccer camps, all while earning her Master of Science in Sports Administration.

Monarch played collegiately at Faulkner University in Montgomery, Alabama from 2008-12 where she played in 71 consecutive games, scoring 20 goals and recording eight career assists. She was NAIA All-American Honorable Mention, the Southern States Athletics Conference Defensive Player of the Year and an All-SSAC honoree in 2011. Additionally, Monarch was named the Faulkner Student-Athlete of the Year in 2011 and 2012.

A standout in the classroom, Monarch garnered numerous academic awards during her time at Faulkner. She was a three-time SSAC Academic All-Conference selection, a two-time NAIA Scholar Athlete, a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-District honoree and was twice named Faulkner’s Champion of Character winner.

That vast array of experience was one of the primary reasons Monarch was selected from a talented pool of candidates to fill in the final piece of Smith’s inaugural staff.

“We are super excited to have the opportunity to bring in someone who not only has great experience playing but has also acquired some experience coaching at a high level,” Smith said. “Coming from Faulkner and going to Belhaven, which is a well-respected program, we are excited to have Jessica join our staff and bring important experience.”