Owens Community College is continuing to grow the Owens Express athletic program by reintroducing women’s soccer for the 2023 season with the assistance of the National Junior College Athletic Association Sport Opportunity Grant.
Through the NJCAA Foundation, Owens will receive a grant of $2,000. Owens originally fielded a women’s soccer program from 2011-15.
“Two-year collegiate sports provide student-athletes with the opportunity to further both their athletic and academic careers,” said Brian Luckett, NJCAA Foundation executive director.
“The NJCAA Sport Opportunity Grant affords the NJCAA Foundation a pathway to continue supporting student-athletes and the member colleges who provide them with these incredible opportunities while also promoting continued growth and development throughout the organization.”
Zane Polack, a former Express men’s soccer player, has been hired as the head coach.
“We are now in a position to add another sport and women’s soccer is the ideal choice,” said athletic director Shelley Whitaker. “With coach Polack on board, we are excited to identify the first recruiting class and look forward to games next fall.”
With support from the NJCAA and NJCAA Foundation, Owens offers students in the area another option not only on the field, but in the classroom.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to empower players while they navigate their own career path,” said Polack.
A press release states that Owens “offers more than 70 programs and continues to make advances in education to foster success for the next generation of employees in careers from healthcare to skilled trades and more.”
Polack, a Bowling Green native, is celebrating not only his head coaching position, but also a homecoming. He played for the Express men’s soccer team in 2007 and 2008. He has coaching experience at the youth, collegiate and professional levels.
“Owens will provide an opportunity for local players to continue playing after high school and also provide a bridge for players who have aspirations to play at a four-year university,” Polack said. “I want to restore the program to compete at a regional and national level.”
