In January, Austin Peay State University hired a new head coach for their soccer program. Naomi Kolarova got the job after 12 successful years as head coach at Tennessee Wesleyan University.
Kolarova, originally from a little country in the south pacific called New Zealand, came to the USA as a collegiate athlete back in 2000. Kolarova says the opportunity to travel and experience a new culture was the driving force behind her desire combine her university education here with her love of soccer.
Coach Kolarova (Clarke) grew up on a 250 acre dairy farm and was one of six siblings.
“I knew what hard work and competition were from a young age,” says Kolarova. “We had to help Dad on the farm during calving season, and we always competed as siblings to throw out hay, round up fences, and catch calves.”
This grassroots start would be the reason she excelled in sports as a kid and eventually represented New Zealand Soccer on the national team levels, as well as being named a 4-time All American, helping her team make the National Tournament every year during her career.
While playing, Kolarova worked multiple summer soccer camps all over the country. With 12 years of college head coach experience behind her (including three trips to the NAIA National Tournament and three conference titles), Kolarova brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm to running youth camps in Clarksville this summer.
“We are beyond excited to announce our summer youth camp program,” says Kolarova. “We have fun filled footy camps for the youngest players, as well as position-specific camps for the elite player.”
The full soccer camp schedule for summer camps to be held at Austin Peay State University can be found at her website www.nrkelite.com.