DENVER – MSU Denver women's soccer coach
Tracy Chao has announced the addition of
Bonnie Young and
Maren McCrary as assistant coaches.
Young has been the director of the FC Boulder girls academy since January, 2018, while McCrary is the former head coach of College of St. Mary (Neb.) and for the past four years has been Midwest regional director of the Olympic Development Program as and head coach of the U17 National ODP team.
Both Young and McCrary were standout players at the NCAA Division I level and have experience playing professional soccer.
Young has more than 17 years of experience in coaching and club leadership across all levels, from recreational soccer through women's professional soccer with the Chicago Red Stars and the Washington Spirit.
Young was a four-year player for Penn State, earning all-conference accolades twice, team defensive MVP twice and All Mid-Atlantic Region on first team on two occasions. While at Penn State, Young was named SoccerBuzz All-American honorable mention in 2001 and was a Freshman All-American third-team choice in 1998. She currently ranks second all-time in the NCAA women's soccer record book with 104 career games played, and registered the first hat trick in Penn State women's soccer history.
Her playing career with the Nittany Lions led her to the WUSA, where she was drafted 14th overall in 2002 by the New York Power. Young has also played for the New Jersey Wildcats, winning the W-League Championship in 2005.
"Coaching allows us the great opportunity to connect with amazing people and coaches, and I was fortunate to have crossed paths with Bonnie during my time at College of Charleston," Chao said. "Bonnie has not only dedicated herself to the game as a standout student-athlete at Penn State, which led her to a pro season with Chicago Red Stars, but also as a coach at some of the best youth clubs in the nation and collegiate level. I am excited to add Bonnie's knowledge and passion to my staff, our program and to our Roadrunner Family."
McCrary, who will serve as a volunteer coach, was a three-time All-American forward at Brigham Young, and was the school's second all-time leading scorer.
"Maren is another outstanding person and coach who also brings an amazing career as a student-athlete, professional player and coach," Chao said. "We have been able to work together as Talent ID Scouts for US Soccer, and I am extremely grateful to have Maren's experience and energy join our program and our Roadrunner Family."
Prior to FC Boulder, Young spent eight years as Girls' Competitive Director of Coaching at the Naperville (Ill.) Soccer Association before serving as Technical Director of Montgomery (Md.) Soccer.
Originally from Houston, Young earned a bachelor of science degree in kinesiology from Penn State, and her master's degree in human movement and corrective exercises from the Arizona School of Health Sciences.
Young has earned her premier diploma and director of coaching diploma from the NSCAA, and has her USSF "B" License in addition to being a certified strength and conditioning specialist.
Her professional playing career included time with the WUSA's New York Power and the NWSL' Chicago Red Stars, along with W-League stints with the New Jersey Wildcats and Sky Blue Soccer.
Meanwhile McCrary played professionally for the San Jose CyberRays and Carolina Courage in the United States' first women's professional league, the WUSA. She also played team handball for the United States National Team where she earned 15 CAPs and played in the PanAm Championships.
McCrary, who was inducted into the BYU Hall of Fame in 2010, compiled a 15-22 record in two seasons as the head coach at NAIA College of Saint Mary, and has also coached collegiately as an assistant at UNLV.
She holds a USSF "A" License in addition to the talent scout license and instructor license. She is a U.S. Soccer Youth National Team scout, and an instructor for U.S. Soccer Coaching Education courses.
McCrary, who has a bachelor's degree in communications, has been a state technical director, state and regional ODP Director, and director of coaching for multiple youth soccer clubs. She and her husband, Josh, have three children: Cumorah, Jordan and Justis.