FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — The Northern Arizona women's soccer team is excited to welcome Sam Monahan back to the Lumberjack family as the newest assistant coach. Originally from New Jersey, Monahan returns to Flagstaff after receiving her Bachelor's degree at NAU in Electronic Media and Film in 2012. She has spent the last five years competing professionally with clubs in Finland, Sweden and Denmark.
 
"I think it is great to have an alum come back who has had a lot of success," Head Coach Andre Luciano said.
 
Monahan graduated from Catalina Foothills in Tucson, Ariz. in 2007 where she played as a starting striker for four years. She was a two-time All-Conference second team selection and garnered first team honors as a junior. Upon graduation, Monahan went on to NAU to compete as a four-year starter who garnered conference nods as Big Sky Offensive Player of the Week, two-time All-Big Sky first team selection, second in conference points, goals and assists. Monahan helped NAU to back-to-back Big Sky Conference tournament titles in 2008 and 2009 and a regular season championship title in 2010. 
 
In addition to NAU, Monahan competed for the Women's Premiere Soccer League with Arizona Rush in 2008 and FC Tucson Women in 2015. She started her professional career in 2012 overseas with Finnish club Ekenäs IF. 
 
"Sam brings in professional experience and will serve as a good mentor to our athletes and give them some insight on what it is like," Luciano said.
 
Monahan joins the blue and gold from Europe where she scored a total of 30 goals and 22 assists. Luciano and the Lumberjacks are excited to welcome Monahan back.