BIRMINGAM, Ala. – The Samford soccer program and Head Coach Todd Yelton announced the hiring of new assistant coach Kelsey Dossey on Thursday afternoon.
"When we began the search, the things that were most important were to find a really good person, someone who fit the culture here at Samford, and who was also an excellent coach," Yelton said. "As we went through the process, Kelsey definitely checked all of those boxes. She's played extensively overseas and in the NWSL, and I think that's a great experience for her to share with our players. We're really looking forward to having the opportunity to work with her, and her being a part of the Samford family."
Dossey most recently coached at Arkansas State during the 2022 season, working extensively with the Red Wolves goalkeepers and helping lead the team to a 7-2-1 record in Sun Belt play and a first-place finish in the West Division. The Red Wolves keepers recorded a .795 save percentage and a 1.00 goals-against average, both good for fourth in the Sun Belt Conference.
"I feel more than fortunate for this opportunity to work alongside Coach Yelton and the program that he's built here at Samford, with the assistance of Coach Goody," Dossey said. "Within my short time of speaking with Todd and Carl, it was evident how much this program has a present and lifelong impact on not only the players, but the community as a whole. I feel blessed and honored to be a part of it."
Prior to beginning her coaching career, Dossey gained extensive experience playing professional soccer, both overseas and in the United States. She signed her first professional contract with FF Lugano 1976 in Switzerland, competing in both the top Swiss league and the Champions League. She started five matches in league play, earning two clean sheets, and also played all 90 minutes against Manchester City in the Champions League Round of 32.
After her time in Switzerland, Dossey signed with RCD Espanyol in Barcelona and competed in La Liga, the highest tier of professional soccer in Spain. She appeared in 13 games in the 2020-21 season, and earned a Player of the Week nod after her performance against Real Sociedad.
Following her time overseas, Dossey signed with the NWSL's Chicago Red Stars, after spending time training with both the Kansas City Current and Washington Spirit. She remained with the Red Stars from April to August of 2021, before heading to Arkansas State to begin her coaching career.
Prior to her professional career, Dossey was a four-year standout at the University of Missouri, eventually becoming one of the most decorated goalkeepers in program history. She appeared in 62 matches and logged over 5,000 minutes in goal, finishing her collegiate career with a 1.33 goals-against average. Her 24 wins and 11 clean sheets both rank as the fourth-most in program history. As a senior, she was named Second-Team All SEC.
A native of Plainfield, Ind., Dossey was a 2014 NSCAA All-American and ISCA Indiana Player of the Year. She was one of three goalkeepers selected to the 2014 Girls High School All-America game and also participated in the 2014 U.S. Soccer Women's Youth National Team training camp. She was a four-year starter at Avon High school, leading them to a state title in 2013 and posting a career record of 54-8-12. Her 51 career shutouts are an Indiana high school record.
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