HARTSVILLE, S.C. – Coker College vice president of athletics and facilities Dr. Lynn Griffin announced today that Debbie McGuinness has been named the head women's soccer coach for the Cobras.

"We are excited to have Debbie lead the women's soccer program," said Griffin. "She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program that will help take us to the next level."

McGuinness comes to Coker after serving as the assistant women's soccer coach and head junior varsity women's soccer coach at Lindsey Wilson College for the last eight years. During her time at Lindsey Wilson she helped guide the Blue Raiders to two NAIA National Championships (2012, 2014), seven Mid-South Conference regular season titles and seven tournament titles. In addition to the two national championships, McGuinness and the Blue Raiders have made eight trips to the NAIA National Tournament, advancing to the national semifinals five times.

"I am very grateful to Dr. Lynn Griffin, the search committee and Dr. Wyatt for this opportunity," said McGuinness.  "I am overwhelmed with appreciation, and thankful for the trust they have shown in me and my vision for the women's soccer program. I look forward to reinventing the program driven by the mission of the college. I am extremely excited to become a part of the Coker College family."

Prior to her coaching career at Lindsey Wilson, McGuinness had a stint as the head girl's soccer coach at Elizabethtown High School in Elizabethtown, Ky. in 2006. She led her team to the district title while at Elizabethtown.

As a student-athlete, McGuinness had a stellar four-year career at Lindsey Wilson. A goalkeeper for the Blue Raiders, she helped lead them to the 2004 NAIA National Championship where she was named the tournament's most valuable player. She did not allow a goal during the 2004 postseason, helping the Blue Raiders to the program's first national title and the program's only unbeaten season (19-0-6).

In addition to being named the NAIA National Championship's most valuable player in 2004, McGuinness was named to the national championship all–tournament team and was the winner of the NAIA Champion of Character Award.

She holds a USSF National "C" License, a bachelor of art in physical education and health from Lindsey Wilson, and a master of education in counseling and human development from Lindsey Wilson.