Mississippi College

Clinton, MS 39058

Mississippi Southeast

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Darryl Longabaugh

Darryl Longabaugh is entering his 26th season at the helm of the Lady Choctaw soccer program as the only women’s soccer coach in Mississippi College history. Longabaugh helped get the program started as the inaugural coach in 1997 and built one of the most successful programs in the American Southwest Conference before transitioning to Division II and the Gulf South Conference and competing for the top spot in the league year in and year out.

The fall of 2021 saw a return to a normal GSC and national schedule in women's soccer following disruptions from the Covid-19 pandemic. The Lady Choctaws entered the season ranked 2nd nationally in the preseason coaches poll after their success in the previous spring. MC would qualify for the NCAA tournament for the fourth consecutive season (not counting 2020/2021 where there was not a tournament) on the year. MC went 12-4 overall in the regular season, which included win streaks of both four and five matches respectively. The Lady Choctaws went 10-3 in Gulf South Conference play on the year which earned the squad the #2 seed in the GSC tournament. Following the GSC tournament, MC earned the #4 seed in the NCAA Division II South Region tournament. The Lady Choctaws would fall in the opening round to Florida Tech in a penalty kick shootout. MC picked up numerous individual accolades on the season as well. Emma Young had a banner season in which she was named a 1st team All-American (United Soccer Coaches), 1st team All-South Region (USC and D2CCA), GSC Defensive Player of the Year, 1st team All-GSC, and was named to the GSC All-Academic team. Young was also honored among the GSC Top 10, an award honoring athletes who excel on the field, in the classroom, and in their communities. Avery Hederman also picked up 1st team All-South Region honors (D2CCA), 2nd team All-South Region (USC), 1st team All-GSC, and was a member of the GSC All-Academic team. Beatrice Currie was named 2nd team All-South Region by both the USC and D2CCA. She was a 1st team All-GSC selection and a member of the All-Academic team as well. Emily McNair rounded out the list of 1st team All-GSC players on the season for MC. Erin Hederman and Holly Pascoe were also named to the GSC All-Academic team.

The 2020/2021 season was another very successful year for Longabaugh and the Lady Choctaws, although it was not a traditional season. MC went 8-0 on the season and won the GSC Spring Championship Series. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, women's soccer in the Gulf South Conference was played in the Spring. It was also a conference only slate, and it was titled the Gulf South Conference Spring Championship Series. It was a World Cup style tournament with group play and then a knockout stage style tournament. MC went 5-0 during group play on the year, outscoring opponents 9-3. The Lady Choctaws went into the GSC SCS tournament as the #1 seed from their group. The Lady Choctaws then knocked off UAH 3-1 in the SCS quarterfinals and West Alabama 2-1 in the SCS semifinals. MC then defeated Lee University 3-0 in the SCS championship match. All in all, MC outscored opponents 17-5 on the year and finished ranked #2 in the country in the final coaches poll, even though there was not an NCAA tournament on the season due to the pandemic. It was also a successful season for individual awards as well, even though traditional awards were not handed out. Erin Hederman was named the Most Outstanding Player of the tournament. Plus, Emily McNair, Beatrice Currie, and Sara Maleski (along with Hederman) were named to the All-Tournament team.

The Lady Choctaws made history in 2019, winning the Gulf South Conference regular season title with a perfect 12-0 record in league play. They would advance to the NCAA Tournament as the #1 seed in the South Region for the second time in three years and went 15-3 overall and played in their third straight NCAA Tournament. The Lady Choctaws won a school-record 15 straight contests during the 2019 campaign, and Katie Taylor was named a First Team All-American and earned South Region and GSC Player of the Year Awards. MC also swept the GSC postseason awards with Liza Wise earning Defensive Player of the Year honors and Erin Hederman being named GSC Freshman of the Year. The 2019 squad also featured the first two CoSIDA Academic All-Americans in program history in Lauren Kate Carter and Taylor. Also, 21 players were named to the GSC Academic Honor Roll, while four Lady Choctaws were named to the All-Academic Team.

In 2018, the women's soccer team advanced further than any other in the program's history, winning their way to the Division II Sweet Sixteen with an upset road win over top-seed Barry in the second round. The Lady Choctaws set a school record with 11 straight victories from September 7th to October 21st, including eight shutouts and just a total of three goals allowed. MC opened the Division II tournament with a 3-0 win over Nova Southeastern before defeating Barry in the second round. Senior Gaylynn Cooper earned First Team All-GSC and First Team D2CCA and USC All-South Region honors on the year. Senior Sam Carson and juniors Gabby Kayser and Liza Wise were Second Team all-conference selections, while Wise also earned all-region honors from D2CCA and USC. Carson, Kayser and Katie Taylor were also named to the USC All-Region Team. The Lady Choctaws hung their hats on the defensive end where they allowed just 13 goals and posted a 0.64 goals against average.

The year 2017 proved to be one of the most successful seasons in MC Women's soccer history. The Lady Choctaws compiled a record of 15-4-1, with a 12-2 record against Gulf South Conference, marking for the third most single-season wins in program history. The Lady Choctaws booked a second-straight trip to the GSC Postseason Tournament Championship match. The Lady Choctaws also earned their first-ever bid to the NCAA Tournament, serving as the #1 overall seed in the NCAA South Regional Tournament in Florence, Ala. Caitlin Hayes and Andrea McDonald headlined the 2017 squad as GSC All-Conference First Team Selections, while Scarlett Hodges was named to the All-GSC Second Team. Hayes and McDonald were both also named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All South Region First Team, while Hodges garnered Second Team honors. The Lady Choctaws were led by a stout defense that allowed just 12 goals in 20 contests, for a GSC-best Goals Against Average of 0.60; a mark that ranked second in program history in single-season GAA. The Lady Choctaws also pitched a GSC-best 10 shutouts, highlighted by stretches of 309 and 326 consecutive minutes during the year without allowing a goal. The Lady Choctaws netted 41 goals on the season, for an average of 2.05 per match. MC put together a run of five-straight wins from Sept. 22 through Oct. 6, and a season-high six straight wins from Oct. 15 through Nov. 3.

In 2016, Longabaugh led the Lady Choctaws to a record of 13-5-2 overall, and a 9-2-1 mark against Gulf South Conference opponents in MC’s first full season of competition in the GSC in over 20 years. Under Longabaugh’s direction, the Lady Choctaws scored 39 goals in 20 games, for an average of 1.95 goals per contest. The Lady Choctaws rendered just 0.90 goals per game to opponents and recorded eight shutouts, both marks that ranked third in the Conference. The Lady Choctaw defense put together a streak 364 consecutive minutes without allowing a goal, a streak that lasted just over four matches from Sept. 25 through Oct. 9. Caitlin Hayes, Lauren Kate Carter and Gaylynn Cooper all landed spots on the 2016 GSC All-Conference Teams. Hayes garnered first team honors, while Carter and Cooper both earned second team honors. Hayes was also selected to the D2CCA All-South Region First Team, while Carter picked up second team honors. The Lady Choctaws finished off the regular season with a three-match win streak, including a 1-0 victory over nationally ranked West Florida that clinched the Lady Choctaws a spot in the 2016 GSC Postseason Tournament. Longabaugh and the Lady Choctaws grabbed their first ever win in the GSC tournament in a 2-1 overtime victory over West Georgia on Nov.1. The Lady Choctaws would go on to clinch a spot in the GSC Finals after playing to a 0-0 draw versus Lee and advancing on PK’s 3-2.

The 2015 season saw the Lady Choctaws advance to the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) national championship game, entering the tournament as the #1 overall seed. MC won 14 games on the season and had three players named NCCAA All-MidEast Region in senior Sayit Mejia Bello and freshmen Jess Davenport and Andrea McDonald. Mejia Bello and Davenport were also named NCCAA All-Americans, while Davenport was named a D2CCA All-South Region selection. In their final transition year being ineligible for NCAA and GSC postseason play, MC finished 4th in the final league standings, while 19 Lady Choctaws were named to the GSC FireSeeds Academic Honor Roll.

In 2014, the Lady Choctaws played a full Gulf South Conference schedule for the first time in school history, going 9-8-1 with a 4-7-1 mark in league play. Seniors Melanie Benner and Macey Lee were joined by juniors Meghan Dodge and Mejia Bello on the NCCAA All-MidEast Region Team, while 20 members of the Lady Choctaw team earned spots on the GSC All-Academic Team.

It did not take Longabaugh long to develop one of the ASC’s most consistent soccer programs and earn his status as one of the league’s top coaches. Four times he was named ASC East Division Coach of the Year in 1998, 1999, 2000 and 2003. He also led the Lady Choctaws to the NCCAA national championship game in 2015, heading into the tournament as the #1 overall seed. They finished 2015 fourth in the final GSC standings.

In 2013, the Lady Choctaws wrapped up their time in the American Southwest Tournament with a 13-6-1 overall record and a 6-3 mark in the league. With MC's 7-0 victory over Ozarks on October 24th, Longabaugh earned his 200th career win. Despite not being eligible for the ASC Tournament due to transitiong to Division II, the Lady Choctaws advanced to the National Christian College Athletic Association Tournament. They would open the tourney with a 5-1 win over Tennessee Temple at home. They then traveled to face Campbellsville, falling in penalty kicks. The Lady Choctaws had 14 players earned ASC All-Academic honors, while Melanie Benner, Caitlin Chapman, Meghan Dodge, Macey Lee and Nicole McKissack were All-ASC selections. Junior Macey Lee set a school record with 25 goals scored in 2013, also earning NSCAA All-West Region honors. Benner and Kaitlyn Kiss earned NCCAA All-Region honors.

The 2012 season saw the Lady Choctaws return to the ASC Tournament after a brief hiatus in 2011. MC won at least 14 games for the fifth time in 16 seasons under Longabaugh. The Lady Choctaws advanced to the semifinals of the ASC Tournament, falling to Texas-Tyler in a shootout. The MC defense was stifling in 2012, posting 10 shutouts in 20 matches. Senior Megan Whitten and sophomore Melanie Benner each earned NSCAA All-Region honors and joined Macey Lee as First Team All-ASC selections. In all, seven Lady Choctaws earned All-ASC honors. Arguably, the most impressive feat by the Lady Choctaws was that 21 of 36 members of the team earned ASC All-Academic honors.

In 2011, the Lady Choctaws clinched their 13th consecutive winning season in the tough American Southwest Conference. MC had six players earn All-Conference honors, led by three on the Second Team, including senior Lesly Melo, junior Megan Whitten, and freshman Macey Lee. Senior Hannah Langley was given the ASC Fred Jacoby Sportsmanship Award, recognizing one male and one female student-athlete in the conference who best displays the attributes of sportsmanship, leadership, citizenship and academic integrity in their athletic, academic and life pursuits. Over the 13 years the award has been given out, four Lady Choctaw soccer players have earned the honor.

In the 2010, the Lady Choctaws qualified for their eighth straight ASC Tournament with a 12-5-2 record and #5 seed in the playoffs. MC was bounced out of the tournament with a 1-0 loss to Howard Payne in the first round. Seven Lady Choctaws earned All-ASC honors: Kasey Ambrose, Molly Dearborn, Hollye Henderson, Lesly Melo, Liz Miller, Megan Whitten, and Bethany Roberson.

The 2009 season was another successful one for the Lady Choctaws as they advanced to their seventh consecutive ASC Tournament after an 11-5-3 finish and a #3 seed. Carrie Kirk earned Defensive Player of the Year honors as five Lady Choctaws overall earned All-ASC honors. Kirk was named to the All-ASC First Team for the fourth time in her career.

In 2008, the Lady Choctaws finished 17-4 with an 11-2 conference mark that earned MC a #3 seed in the ASC Tournament. Seven Lady Choctaws earned All-ASC selections with Carrie Kirk earning the inaugural ASC Sportsmanship Athlete of the Year Award. Hannah Langley was named ASC Freshman Defender of the Year while Kirk was named to the NSCAA All-South Region Third Team.

In 2007, the Lady Choctaws finished with a 13-6 record, which earned them the #4 seed in the ASC Tournament. It was the fifth consecutive tournament appearance for Longabaugh and the Lady Choctaws. MC placed seven players on the All-Conference teams, including three players with First Team selections: Laura Leigh Ellis, Kellie Kirby, and Carrie Kirk.

In 2006, the Lady Choctaws earned a 14-6 record, which was good enough for a #4 seed in the conference tournament. MC saw six players earn All-ASC honors, and Jennifer Benson became the all-time leading goal scorer in school history. Laura Leigh Ellis and Carrie Kirk earned First Team All-ASC honors with Kirk earning the Defensive Freshman of the Year Award.

In 2005, his Lady Choctaws finished the season with an 11-7 record and earned an appearance in the ASC Championship Tournament for the third consecutive season. Under his tutelage, seven Lady Choctaws earned post-season honors including First Team All-ASC selection Kelley Kirby. In addition, Kelly Morse became the first Lady Choctaw soccer player to earn ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District honors.

In 2004, the Lady Choctaws finished the year with a 14-6 overall record that included a trip to the ASC Championship Tournament semifinal round where they lost to eventual ASC Champion Hardin-Simmons 2-0. The season resulted in seven different Lady Choctaws earning All-ASC honors including two first team selections in Kristy Morse and ASC Offensive Freshman of the Year Kellie Kirby.

In 2003, the Lady Choctaws won a school-record (at the time) 16 games and set numerous other records including goals scored in a season and goals scored in a game (15, Jackson State). That same year they were regionally ranked by both the NCAA and NSCAA as high as 5th.

Longabaugh helped develop some of the ASC’s top talent. Kemily Weimer (2002), Jennifer Benson (2003) and Kellie Kirby (2004) have been named the ASC Offensive Freshman of the Year. Kellie Kirby was also named to the NSCAA Second team All-Region after leading the team in goals scored with 18 in 2004. Courtney Shires (1997) and April Smith (2003) were named the ASC Defensive Player of the Year. Carrie Kirk (2006), Lauren Cooper (2007), and Hannah Langley (2008) have all been named ASC Defensive Freshman of the Year.

Prior to taking the reins of the women’s program, Longabaugh worked with the men’s team for four seasons as an assistant and goalkeeper coach. He also has extensive experience away from Mississippi College coaching top high school talent and Division I select teams. Longabaugh has worked in international soccer ministry teams that have toured Mexico, Costa Rico, Antigua, Mexico, and Venezuela.

Longabaugh is a native of Cincinnati, Ohio. He played at Clinton High School in Clinton, MS and Hinds Junior College, Raymond, MS before playing at Mississippi College. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Social Science degree from Mississippi College. He currently holds his U.S.S.F. National D Coaching License.

Darryl is married to the former Kimberly Girod and the two have a son, Garet.

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Adam Johnson

Adam Johnson is entering his 10th season with the Lady Choctaws. Johnson spent his first six years as an assistant, and is entering his fourth season as the Associate Head Coach, having been given the title prior to the 2017 campaign.

In nine successful seasons, Johnson has helped contribute to an overall winning record of 119-44-13, a conference record of 78-29-8 and helped account for a seamless transition for the program from Division III to Division II.

The Lady Choctaws made history in 2019, winning the Gulf South Conference regular season title with a perfect 12-0 record in league play. They would advance to the NCAA Tournament as the #1 seed in the South Region for the second time in three years and went 15-3 overall and played in their third straight NCAA Tournament. The Lady Choctaws won a school-record 15 straight contests during the 2019 campaign, and Katie Taylor was named a First Team All-American and earned South Region and GSC Player of the Year Awards.

In 2018, the women's soccer team advanced further than any other in the program's history, winning their way to the Division II Sweet Sixteen with an upset road win over top-seed Barry in the second round. The Lady Choctaws set a school record with 11 straight victories from September 7th to October 21st, including eight shutouts and just a total of three goals allowed. MC opened the Division II tournament with a 3-0 win over Nova Southeastern before defeating Barry in the second round. The Lady Choctaws hung their hats on the defensive end where they allowed just 13 goals and posted a 0.64 goals against average.

The 2017 season served as one of the most successful seasons in program history for the Lady Choctaws, as they were crowned GSC Regular Season co-champions. MC compiled a record of 15-4-1 on the year, the third-highest single-season win total in program history. Along with their GSC Regular Season Championship, the Lady Choctaws made the NCAA National Tournament for the first time, earning the number one seed in the South Region in the process. They also finished as conference tournament runners up for the second year running.

Coach Johnson and the Lady Choctaws have had additional success in recent years, including reaching the GSC conference tournament finals in 2016 in their first full season of eligibility as a division II school. The Lady Choctaws held the number one seed at the NCCAA National Championships in 2015, while finishing as national runners up in the tournament.

A number of players have received recognition under the coaching of Johnson, including Gaylynn Cooper earning First Team All-GSC, D2CCA All-South Region and USC All-South Region recognition in 2018. Over the last few seaosns, Johnson has helped produce four GSC First Team All-Conference, six GSC Second Team All-Conference, seven D2CCA All-South Region, six NCCAA All Mid-East, two NCCAA All-American, five First Team All-ASC and five Second Team All-ASC selections.

Having previously played semi professional soccer in England with Thackley FC and in Australia with Albion Park, he finished his playing career in 2011 as a state champion with Hinds Community College. Johnson accumulated many individual and team honors including 2 Illawarra Premier League and Grand Final Championships in 2007 and 2008 with Albion Park, and inclusion in the 2011 All Region team while at Hinds CC.

Adam began his coaching career in 2007 with the Albion Park youth team in Australia before his move to the US. He has since coached as Head Coach at Jackson Academy, club teams in the Jackson metro area, and is currently the Director of Player Development at Brilla Juniors in Clinton, Mississippi. In a coaching career spanning three continents, he has the UEFA B coaching license from England, the Football Federation of Australia (FFA) Youth License, and currently the USSF National D license in the US.\

Adam was born in Huddersfield, England. He graduated from the University of Huddersfield in 2007 with a Bachelor's degree in business. Johnson also graduated with an Associates degree from Hinds Community College in Raymond, MS in 2011, and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Athletic Administration from Mississippi College. Adam lives in Madison, MS with his wife and three children.

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Kevin Johns

Head Coach Kevin Johns enters his 18th season as the head of the Mississippi College men’s soccer program. In 17 years, Johns has become the winningest coach in MC men’s soccer history. Over his career at MC, he has posted a 174-98-37 (.623) career record.

The Choctaws won their second Gulf South Conference regular season championship in three years, going undefeated in conference play with a 7-0-3 record. After a win over Union to open the league tournament, MC was eliminated in overtime by Lee and just missed out on an NCAA Tournament berth. For his efforts, Johns was named the GSC Coach of the Year for the second time in three years, as well. Goalkeeper Alejandro Chavarria set school records for single-season goals against average (0.62) and shutouts (9) and was an All-Region and First Team All-GSC selection. Joshua Davies also earned All-Region recognition and joined Owen Connelly on the All-GSC Second Team. Abel Perez was also honored on with an All-Region selection. The Choctaws also had 20 student-athletes named to the GSC Academic Honor Roll.

The 2018 season was a tough one for the Choctaws, by MC standards, as they went 6-7-1 and finished just one game out of a spot in the GSC Tournament. Senior Rafael Costa was named to the Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-South Region Second Team and earned a spot on the First Team All-GSC. Junior Connor Johnson was named to the CoSIDA Google Cloud Academic All-District Team and the GSC All-Academic Team, while 16 student-athletes landed on the GSC Academic Honor Roll.

In 2017, Johns oversaw the Choctaws to an overall record of 11-3-3 and a mark of 7-2-2 against GSC opponents. The Choctaws placed five players on the All Conference Teams, with Humberto Pelaez and Jacob Farthing earning First Team honors, and Victor Bazan, Horacio Gutierrez Jr. and Elliot Rimmer garnering second-team honors. Farthing and Bazan were both honored by the D2CCA, garnering All-South Region Second Team honors. The Choctaw attack led the Gulf South Conference in shots taken (317), shots per match (18.65) and shots on goal per contest (8.18) in 2017. The Choctaws scored 34 goals in 17 matches, for an average of 2 per contest. The MC backline allowed 17 goals on the season, averaging one goal allotted per match while pitching five shutouts. MC booked a second-consecutive trip to the Gulf South Conference Postseason Tournament in 2017, earning the number three seed as the result of their efforts on the field during the year. MC bested West Florida 3-2 in the quarterfinal round of the GSC Tournament on Tuesday, Oct. 31 to earn their second-straight trip top the GSC semifinals. The Choctaws put together their second-longest win streak in program history in 2017, tallying seven-consecutive wins from Sept. 8 through Sept. 29.

The year 2016 saw the Choctaws clinch the GSC Regular Season title in their first full season of competition in the conference, finishing at 10-4-2 overall and 7-1-1 against GSC opponents. Johns was honored as the GSC Coach of the Year as a result of leading MC to its first regular season title after a 20 year absence from the conference. The Choctaw’s season was highlighted by an eight-match win streak that took place from Sept. 18 through Oct. 16, with crucial GSC victories over West Florida, West Alabama, UAH and Union all decided by a one-goal margin. In 16 games, the Choctaws scored 35 goals for an average of 2.19 per contest; a mark that ranked them second in the GSC. MC posted a GSC-best 0.91 goals against average, led by junior goalkeeper Humberto Pelaez, who earned GSC All-Conference First Team Honors, in addition to being named the GSC Player of the Year. Jorge Delgado, Ben Roberts, and Jacob Farthing all also earned GSC All-Conference First Team honors for their efforts during the year. The Choctaws officially clinched the GSC Regular Season Title with a 0-0 draw against Shorter on Oct. 23. As a result of finishing first place in the GSC for the regular season, the Choctaws played host to the GSC Conference Semifinals on Nov.4-Nov. 6.

Johns and the Choctaws finished 5-10-1 overall and 2-6-1 against GSC opponents in 2015. Of MC's 10 loses on the season, eight came by just one goal. The Choctaw attack notched 30 goals in 16 games, for an average of 1.88 per contest. Defender Perry Goldsbury collected NCCAA All-Mideast Region Team honors for his efforts on the pitch during the season. Goldsbury spearheaded an MC defense that allowed one or fewer goals in 10 of 16 matches on the season. Over the final nine games of the season, the Choctaws compiled a record of 5-3-1, including victories over GSC opponents Shorter, Spring Hill and a 5-1 nonconference victory over Ouachita Baptist on Oct. 31 to close out the season.

In 2014, Johns and the Choctaws finished at 12-6-2 overall and 5-4 against Gulf South Conference opponents in their first season of a two-year transitional period in the GSC. The Choctaws amassed their third highest season goal total in school history, with 50 scores in 20 games for an average of 2.50 per contest. The Choctaws were led offensively by NCCAA DI All-American Brian Vasquez, who finished with seven goals and an MC single-season record of 17 assists. Johns and the Choctaws finished off the regular season on a four-match win streak, with victories over GSC foes Lee, Spring Hill and West Florida. Johns led MC to a number one seed in the NCCAA Division I National Tournament, as a result of hosting and winning the NCCAA Mid-East Region Tournament; highlighted by a 3-3 draw versus Campbellsville in which the Choctaws advanced to the regional finals on penalty kicks.

In 2013, the Choctaws won the American Southwest Conference regular season championship for the second straight year, dropping just one league match all season long. MC finished their last two years in the ASC with a 20-3-2 record in the conference. Despite being ineligible to defend their ASC Tournament championship, Johns led the Choctaws to the National Christian College Athletic Association Tournament, earning two draws. Six Choctaws were named to the All-ASC Teams, led by goalkeeper Adam Pittman, who was named ASC Defensive Freshman of the Year. Adrian Moreno, Brian Vasquez and Pittman were named to the First Team, while Francisco De Anda and Harrison Russell were Second Team selections. Oscar Delgado rounded out the list with an Honorable Mention nod.

The Choctaws had, arguably, their most successful season in school history in 2012, winning their first-ever ASC championship, along with the league tournament title. Johns was named the ASC Coach of the Year as MC needed two penatly kick victories to win the tournament at Longabaugh Field. The Choctaws advanced to the NCAA Regional, defeating Whitworth (1-0) in the first round, before bowing out to Trinity (TX) in PK's. Seven Choctaws earned All-ASC honors, led by Julio Cesar Espinal, Robert Jackson, Daniel Lang and Brian Vasquez being named to the First Team. Vasquez was also named an NSCAA All-American and All-West Region performer. Harrison Russell was an All-West Region honoree, as well as, a Second Team All-ASC performer. BJ Williams (Third Team) and Hugo Flores (Hon. Mention) also earned All-ASC honors.

The 2011 season saw the Choctaws qualify for their sixth consecutive ASC Tournament, going 14-3-3, including a win streak of seven games over the final month. MC also did not lose a match over the final 10, tying the final three of the season. Brian Vasquez was named the ASC Offensive Freshman of the Year, while seven other Choctaws earned All-Conference honors. Ben Cross and Rafael Guzman joined Vasquez on the First Team. Vasquez and Cross were also named to the All-Region Team by NSCAA.

In 2010, the Choctaws advanced to their second ASC Tournament Championship game in five years as MC faced Texas-Tyler for the automatic bid into the NCAA Tournament. The Choctaws allowed the fewest goals in school history with on 12 GA on the season and finished the year with a school record 12 shutouts. Seven Choctaws earned All-ASC honors with Michael Cooper and Barry Prather being named to the First Team.

In 2009, the Choctaws made their fourth consecutive trip to the ASC Tournament, finishing 12-4-4. Forward Michael Cooper set MC single-season records for goals with 20 and led the conference, while earning ASC Offensive Player of the Year honors. Six Choctaws finished with All-ASC honors on the season with Cooper and Tyler Wade earning First Team selections.

In 2008 under Johns leadership, senior forward Phillip Buffington tied the ASC record for goals scored with 56 goals in just 54 games. Senior defender Keith Armstrong also earned ASC Defensive Player of the Year honors on his way to his fourth straight All-ASC season. Both players are receiving interest from different professional organizations across the country and are expected to sign contracts this offseason.

In 2007, Johns led the Choctaws to a 12-5-1 record, including a 10-2-1 mark against ASC opponents. The Choctaws scored 47 goals in 18 games, for an average of 2.61 goals per contest; a mark that ranked fourth all time in school history. The Choctaws tallied 42 assists, which ranked them third all time in school history. The 2007 season was highlighted by a 7-match unbeaten streak from Sept.1 through Sept. 29.

In 2006, the Choctaws went 14-5-3 and reached the ASC Championship Game for the first time in the program’s history. The Choctaws lost in the final 2-1 to Hardin-Simmons University. The Choctaws have reached the ASC Championship Tournament in each of the last four seasons.

During his tenure as a JFC coach, Johns managed to win more club soccer state championships than any other coach in Mississippi history. During his thirteen years as a club coach, Johns produced 21 state championships in men and women’s soccer in ages ranging from 11-18. Johns’ under-19 boys team in 2006 was the first team in MYSA (Mississippi Youth Soccer Association) history to win nine consecutive state championships. Johns also served as Director of Coaching for Jackson Futbol Club in 2002-2003.

During the 1997-98 seasons, Johns gained experience in the professional ranks as the assistant head coach and assistant general manager of the Jackson Chargers. Johns also served as the head coach on road trips for the now defunct minor league team. Johns also was the Head Coach for the women’s program at St. Andrew’s High School from 1995-1997. He led St. Andrews to a semifinal appearance in the MHSAA state tournament.

Johns spent his collegiate playing career with the Belhaven Blazers, a NAIA scholarship school. With the Blazers, he spent four years under the leadership of Pete Fuller, now the head coach at the University of Mobile. During his career at Belhaven, the Blazers won the 1992 NAIA National Championship.

Johns currently holds a USSF B license and his National Youth license.

Kevin and his wife Emily have a son, Davis.

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Owen Connelly

Owen Connelly enters his 2nd season as a Graduate Assistant with the men's soccer team.

Connelly previously played for Mississippi College for two seasons in 2018 and 2019. He scored six goals and contributed five assists across 30 starts in his MC career. Following his 2019 season, Connelly earned United Soccer Coaches All-South Region and 2nd team All-GSC honors.

Connelly was also an Honorable Mention on the Mississippi College 2010's All-Decade team for men's soccer.

The Paisley, Scotland native began his collegiate playing career at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.