SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Alumna Maryclaire Robinson will take over the St. Francis soccer program full time in 2016 after serving as the interim head coach for the 2015 season, Athletic Director Mark McGreevy announced.

“We’re so proud to welcome back Coach Robinson and thrilled to have her continue the great legacy of Troubadour soccer of which she has already contributed so much as both a player and a coach,” said McGreevy. “Maryclaire is a living testament to the value and benefits of St. Francis education and an excellent role model for our student-athletes.  She scores top marks on every measure in what we look for in a head coach.  Her extraordinary experience and expertise in the sport of soccer is only outdone by her exemplary character.  She also has a great sense of humor and is a joy to be around.  I’m so happy for our girls.”

She replaces Rosella Kelly, who directed the program for two seasons before taking last season off for the birth of her third child.

“Rosella has been supportive from our first conversation,” said Robinson. “It’s obvious she cared deeply for St. Francis Soccer; this was a difficult decision for her.   I am grateful she trusted me to continue her work this year. I’m excited to continue to move the program forward.”

Robinson, a 1986 graduate of St. Francis, led the Troubadours to the Sac-Joaquin Section finals and a 19-3-2 overall record in 2015 including a 10-2-2 mark in league play.

“St. Francis is a gem,” said Robinson. “The players are coachable, motivated, respectful and ready to do the work.  I was impressed by their willingness to learn and how they embraced some of the changes we made this past season.  The administrative support is second to none.  This was not my plan; I didn’t intend to pick another program so quickly after all my years at UCD.  St. Francis is such a special place; this season has left me more energized than fatigued. “

Overall, St. Francis out-scored their opponents 80-15 on the season, while posting 17 shutouts and winning the season-opening Cal Spring Classic in Woodland.

“The season was positive in many ways – it’s wonderful to be back at St. Francis,” said Robinson. “I better appreciate the community and values the school embodies.   My daughters had a wonderful time connecting with the varsity players…even in a limited fashion.  The Troubie Spirit has been instilled in them – positive role models are powerful and valuable.  We are fortunate our girls had this opportunity and look forward to more.”

Robinson, who was the head coach at UC Davis for 22 seasons, posted a 201-169-34 record during her tenure on the Aggies’ sideline. She led UC Davis to titles in the Northern California Athletic Conference and the California Collegiate Athletic Association. UC Davis also advanced to the quarterfinals of the 2002 NCAA Division II tournament.

She was named the 2011 Big West Coach of the Year after the Aggies advanced to the conference semifinals and finished with 11 wins, the most in the Division I era for the school. UC Davis recorded eight consecutive seasons with double-digit wins (1995-2002) while making four appearances in the CCAA Tournament and earning two NCAA berths.

Kelly served as the head coach at St. Francis for two seasons.  She led the Troubadours to a Sac-Joaquin Section title in 2014 in two playoff appearances and two Delta River League titles, posting a combined 34-5-12 record at the helm. The former Notre Dame standout was a National Champion (1995), two-time All-American and Big East Player of the Year for the Irish.

“I can’t thank Rosella enough for all of her efforts in building a Troubadour soccer program that promoted the growth of our student-athletes by setting such high standards,” said McGreevy.  “Her commitment to her players was evident in a variety of ways but I was particularly impressed by the way she went above and beyond typical efforts in assisting many of them to continue their soccer careers at the collegiate level.  She stressed the value of education and making the most of one’s opportunities.  We will miss seeing her on a regular basis but take solace in knowing she will always be part of the St. Francis family.

Kelly decided to step down to focus on her family full time.

 ”I really enjoyed my time as a soccer coach and working with the girls at St. Francis,” said Kelly. “I will miss the team tremendously, the comradery and the true family spirit. Thank you for having me as your coach.  I feel blessed to be a part of the program.  I wish the soccer team luck in the seasons to come.  Go Troubies! “ 

Robinson will welcome back a roster that will include two of the top four scorers from 2015 and 13 letter winners overall.