Myrtle Beach, SC – Atlantic Collegiate Academy Director of Athletics William Payne has named Coast FA Soccer Club head coach Jordin Anderson to serve in the role of head coach of the Armada's girls' soccer program.
"When you are starting a school and athletic department you want the best coaches," Payne said. "Often that comes in the form of lengthy experience as a coach. Sometimes that comes in the form of excitement, passion, and experience as a player and Jordin has those in spades.
"Going into the hiring process, I had my mind set on someone with lengthy coaching experience, after interviewing Jordin I knew she had what it would take to lead our girls soccer program on and off the field, even if she didn't come with a mountain of experience. I am excited that Coach Anderson will be at the helm of this program and know she will build a foundation second to none."
A graduate of Coastal Carolina University, Anderson has served as the head coach for the Coast FA Club since 2018, helping the program to a pair of championships. In addition to her role as a coach, she has also worked as a Sports Tourism Coordinator for the City of Myrtle Beach and as an Athletic Coordinator for the South Strand Recreation Center.
"I am beyond excited to be a part of this program," Anderson said. "Soccer is my passion, and being able to teach the youth something I value deeply warms my heart.
"Mike Lorenz and William Payne have really made me feel comfortable with the ACA system. I believe this family-oriented school will help me grow, not only as a soccer coach but as an individual. I am super happy for this opportunity and a chance to provide my skills and knowledge to those interested in the program."
Anderson is a native of Waldorf, Md., who ventured south to the Grand Strand for college. She received a Bachelor of Arts in Sports Communication in 2021.
"When it was time for me to submit college applications, I had no idea where I wanted to go," Anderson said. "I knew I wanted to get out of Maryland, away from the cold and to experience new things. I looked up colleges near the beach and CCU popped up. I went to tour the school and immediately knew this is where I want to be.
"I moved to a new state to start a new life with no family and no friends. This was one of the hardest things I've had to do, but it's also been my greatest achievement. I was also the first in my family to graduate college and created that pathway for my little sitter who will be going off to college this year."
Her sister, Jaeden, will be a freshman on the soccer team at High Point University this fall.
Anderson's own playing career didn't go as far as college but did take her far from her Maryland roots. She started playing at the age of four and, at 12, began playing for the Maryland United Soccer Club. She was on championship teams all the way up and at the age of 15 she traveled with her team to Sweden to play for the Gothia Cup.
"I have always had a passion for soccer, even in high school my primary focus was on soccer," Anderson said. "I played for both my high school and club team so I would go to school, attend high school soccer practice, and then attend club soccer practice. I wouldn't get home until 10 p.m. on most nights, but I would rest up and do the same thing the next day because I loved it."
Her love of the game, combined with her personal experience as a junior player, attracted her to Atlantic Collegiate Academy where both athletics and academics are important, as is getting students home to spend time with family.
"I wasn't the best academically and needed the extra push and motivation to get through it," Anderson said. "Soccer was that for me. I had some struggles as a teen with finding myself and soccer became my outlet, it changed my life.
"I was attracted to ACA by principal Mike Lorenz. I could see how passionate he is about the student athletes and taking care of the staff. He is outgoing, family oriented and a great leader who will take ACA to the next level."
Anderson has put her undergraduate degree to work as well, starting as marketing lead for Topgolf in Myrtle Beach while she was still in school, coordinating events, managing social media and leading a marketing team in community outreach. She went on to work for Horry County at the South Strand Recreation Center, organizing teams and leagues, facilities schedules, game and practice times.
Over the last three years for the City of Myrtle Beach she has overseen volunteers for events, produced a quarterly newsletter and managed events.
She will bring all of that experience together in leading and building the Armada girls soccer program from the ground up.
In addition to her coaching and other duties, Anderson has served in the role of volunteer mom with her partner Christian for four children, ages eight to 13, who are all active in a variety of activities, including soccer, basketball, cheer and band. The family has a pair of dogs, Bleu and Sarabi.
About Atlantic Collegiate Academy: Atlantic Collegiate Academy (ACA), located in Myrtle Beach, S.C., serves high school students in a safe, small and family-centered setting. Our students seek the opportunity and challenge of rigorous curriculum, high academic standards and elite athletics while also earning up to two years of college credit. ACA serves students in grades 9-12 using an honors curriculum in 9th and 10 grades with a dual enrollment curriculum in 11th and 12th grades.
Learn more about ACA by visiting our website at AtlanticCollegiateAcademy.org and by following us on social media on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
