MORAGA, Calif. – Saint Mary's Women's Soccer is excited to announce the hiring of new Assistant Coach, Mariah Cameron, who joins SMC from Holy Names University. 
 
Cameron brings not only her coaching experience to the Gaels but also brings more than 10 years of playing experience at the highest level of soccer. 
 
Her playing career began at Washington State University, where she featured in 74 games throughout her four-year career with the Cougars. Although she played as a defender, Cameron wasn't averse to scoring or assisting, scoring one goal and assisting three more over the course of her collegiate career. 
 
After graduating from Washington State in 2012 with a BA in Psychology, Cameron turned pro, first playing stateside with the SF Nighthawks. After one season she took her talents abroad, first playing for Nottingham Forest WFC in England for one season before hopping across town to play a season at Notts County FC. 
 
During her time in Nottingham, Cameron continued to her studies as well, earning her MA in Person-Centered Experimental Counseling and Psychotherapy from the University of Nottingham. 
 
Soon after Cameron then left England altogether, playing one season for Lugano Femminile in the Swiss league, before leaving again, this time for Italy. She found a home in the Italian league, playing one season in the Serie B with the Ravenna Women, before joining one of the biggest clubs in Italy, Napoli, where she played in Italy's Serie A from 2019-2021. 
 
After Cameron hung up her cleats in 2021, she returned to her hometown of Castro Valley to kickstart her coaching career. Having coached intermittently in-between her playing career, she took up a coaching role in the Dublin United Soccer League. That same year, Cameron also founded her own coaching academy, You + You Performance Coaching, where she works with athletes, coaches, and organizations to help improve performance through mental skills and various strategies. 
 
While still coaching in the Dublin United Soccer League and running her business, Cameron took up the Women's Assistant Coaching position at Holy Names University last summer. 
 
Head Coach Theresa Romagnolo is excited to have Cameron's experience on the Gaels staff, 
 
"I am thrilled to welcome Mariah to our team. As a former college and pro player, she brings a wealth of experience and international connections. In addition, her work in the sports psychology field will be a great resource with our players in their development in all aspects of their lives."
 
Look out for Cameron on the sidelines when the Gaels get back underway in the fall.