Alumna Michelle Ogborn-Haywood returns to MCCC to coach women’s soccer. (Photo courtesy of MCCC.)

Mercer County Community College Athletics Director John Simone has announced that Michelle Ogborn-Haywood of Ewing will join the athletics staff as head coach for women’s soccer. Ogborn-Haywood is a 1992 alumna of the college who is still active locally in both soccer and softball leagues as a player and youth coach. She also brings considerable managerial and team-building skills to the program.

“Michelle has a strong connection to Mercer. As an alumna of the college, she has been in the shoes of our students and understands the important role of college athletics,” Simone said. “She will draw from personal experience as she mentors our players on the field and encourages them to get the job done in the classroom. We expect her to be an inspiring leader for our program.”

Ogborn-Haywood notes that, like any coach, she would love to have a winning season. She will condition her players at practice and share her considerable knowledge of the game and winning tactics. But her number one goal will be to create an atmosphere of mutual respect and see her players flourish.

Ogborn-Haywood was a three-sport athlete while at Mercer. A graduate of Council Rock High School in Bucks County, she was originally recruited by Bill Drake to play softball, who also coached her in soccer. She began playing her third sport, basketball, after being spied shooting baskets in the gym by then new basketball coach Mike Tenaglia, who still coaches at Mercer.

After Mercer, Ogborn-Haywood transferred to the University of West Florida, where she played soccer for Coach Diane Kelly, also an MCCC alum. She recalls being well-prepared athletically and academically for the transition. She earned her bachelor’s degree in education and went on to a successful career in promotions and sales. As a marketing manager who traveled nationwide setting up sales teams for promotional events, she developed strong organizational and team-building skills that she believes will be very useful in her new position.

Currently a stay-at-home mom, her coaching duties will bring her back into the competitive sports environment that she loves.

The Vikings’ season begins Aug. 27 with an away game against Monroe (Rochester, NY). The home opener is Sept. 11 at 1 p.m. vs. Montgomery (Rockville, MD) at the MCCC Stadium.

For more information on MCCC sports teams, visit www.mccc.edu/athletics.