Makenna Garcia Added to SFA Women's Soccer Coaching Staff
6/9/2026 1:48:00 PM | Women's Soccer
Former Ladyjack goalkeeper returns to Nacogdoches in coaching role ahead of 2026 season
Garcia joins the coaching staff after spending five seasons as a goalkeeper with three universities, including SFA. As a keeper, Garcia totaled 1321 minutes played across 15 starts and 19 appearances in her career. In the 19 matches played, Garcia racked up 86 career saves, including a season high of 65 saves in her first season at Louisiana. During that same season, Garcia was a staple in Louisiana's goalkeeping with five wins and four shutouts.
"I am so excited and grateful to be given this opportunity to join the SFA women's soccer staff," Garcia said. "These are some of the best coaches and people I have had in my life and career as a soccer player, and I can't wait to join them in continuing to make this program one of the best in the nation. I have such a passion for soccer and goalkeeping — I am ready to get to work!"
During her time as a keeper at SFA, Garcia entered in the second half of the season opener against Sam Houston, recording three saves, allowing no goals, and finishing with a 1-1 draw against the Bearkats.
Garcia began her collegiate career at Auburn University, where she appeared in one match for the Tigers and recorded one save. In her two years at Auburn, Garcia was named to the SEC Community Service Team in 2022 and the SEC Academic Honor Roll in 2020, 2021, and 2022.
Before her intercollegiate career, Garcia played for Lonestar SC for 10 years and was rated as the ninth-best prospect by TopDrawerSoccer. In 2019, Garcia was a part of Lonestar's National Championship run, recording 10 saves in the championship match.
The Pflugerville native played at Hendrickson HS, where she contributed to the 2017 Texas 6A State Championship and was named State Tournament MVP. To add to her accolades, Garcia was named Austin American-Statesman's Newcomer of the Year and earned Academic All-District.
Garcia will serve as an assistant coach for SFA Soccer, with a primary focus on goalkeeping, as the Ladyjacks enter their second season under Head Coach Ashley Whittemore.
Head Coach Ashley Whittemore stated, "I am thrilled to welcome Makenna back to our program and onto our staff. As an elite former player, she brings a unique perspective and understanding of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels of the game." Whittemore said, "Makenna has valuable coaching experience and has been mentored by outstanding goalkeeper coaches throughout her career." To conclude, Whittemore stated, "She brings tremendous energy and enthusiasm every day and has a genuine passion for developing student-athletes. I'm excited for the impact she will have on our goalkeepers, our staff, and the overall culture of our program."
The Ladyjacks kick the season off with their home opener against Sul Ross on Thursday, August 13 at 11:00 a.m. in the Chopping Block.
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