SCOOBA — Leon Powell has been hired to rekindle the women’s soccer program at East Mississippi Community College.  The announcement was made Friday by EMCC Director of Athletics Dr. Randall Bradberry.

 Charged with reviving an EMCC soccer program that was suspended following the 2009 season, Powell comes to EMCC on the heels of a successful two-year stint as both the boys and girls head soccer coach at Lamar School in Meridian.

“I have believed a women’s soccer program would be a boost to our Golden Triangle campus,” EMCC President Thomas M. Huebner Jr., said. “A soccer program has the potential for a very positive enrollment yield and I have no doubt it will help contribute to our sense of community.”

Hired at Lamar School prior to the 2015-16 academic year, Powell most recently guided the Lady Raiders to back-to-back Mississippi Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class AAAA Division 2 state championships. He also directed the Raiders to consecutive boys state runner-up finishes the past two years. For his teams’ accomplishments, Powell was named the 2016 MAIS Division 2 Girls Soccer Coach of the Year and served as the head coach for the MAIS All-Star Game.

“We are very excited about competing within the MACJC once again in women’s soccer,” Bradberry added. “Soccer on our Golden Triangle campus has been a vision of Dr. Huebner’s since he arrived at EMCC. Now with the hiring of Coach Leon Powell, we believe we have put our best foot forward in laying the groundwork for a successful program.”

A familiar face around the Meridian community, Powell was an NJCAA All-American at Meridian Community College before completing his collegiate career at the University of Cincinnati. Upon his return to the Magnolia State in 2013, Powell helped coach the Meridian-based Alliance Futbol Club within the competitive ranks of the Meridian Youth Soccer Organization.   

“I am very happy to be a part of the EMCC family and I look forward to helping rebuild a soccer program that will bring success and pride to the community,” Powell said. “We’re also extremely excited about being able to offer quality collegiate soccer for the fans around the Golden Triangle region.”

Having twice earned All-Region 23 soccer honors while ranking among the NJCAA Division I Top 20 scoring leaders both years at Meridian Community College, Powell netted 39 career goals and assisted on 11 other scores for 89 total points. As a freshman forward in 2009, he ranked 10th nationally with 20 goals to garner Honorable Mention All-America laurels. Powell added 19 goals and eight assists during his sophomore year with the Eagles.

Powell took his soccer talents to Cincinnati in 2011 and earned two letters with the Bearcats. After playing in 17 matches his junior year as a top reserve forward, Powell totaled six points, 33 shots and 14 shots on goal to earn UC’s Offensive MVP postseason award following an injury-shortened senior season. Off the playing field, Powell earned his bachelor’s degree in sports management.

A native of Kingston, Jamaica, Powell served as team captain for Excelsior High School’s 2008 Walker Cup championship team. He also was a member of Jamaica’s U17-U20 All-Star team that played against the United States. In addition to having competed for the Columbus, Ohio-based Santos Futbol Club, Powell also played semi-pro soccer with the Cincinnati Kings of the USL Premier Development League.

Powell is married to the former LaEbony Sutton, of Tallahassee, Fla., who played volleyball at Alcorn State University and Gulf Coast State College.  They welcomed the arrival of their first child — daughter Ava Noel — earlier this week.