STEUBENVILLE, Ohio – Franciscan Women's Soccer and Women's Basketball alumni Sarah Salamida has been named Interim Women's Soccer Head Coach. She is set to become the Barons' sixth head coach since the program's inception in 2008. Salamida will continue working in the department as the Compliance Coordinator, Recruiting Coordinator, and Assistant to the Director of Athletics. Former Head Coach Christyn Bobak will remain on staff as an assistant coach.

"I cannot thank Coach Bobak and Coach Salamida enough for their willingness to work through the difficulty of COVID restrictions," said Franciscan Director of Athletics Scott Greve. Their humility is what has made a transition like this such a witness to their team, our staff and those who see the grace they exhibit in their service to our student-athletes. Through their desire to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, this transition will not only work, but will be a great example to all of what it means to follow the Lord's calling on our heart. I look forward to a very successful Lady Barons soccer season!"

Salamida had an outstanding athletic career at Franciscan on both the pitch and the hardwood. As a Women's Soccer Player, Salamida anchored the teams defense for three seasons, playing in 46 career games making 34 starts. Despite being a defender, Salamida scored one goal and registered five assists. In 2017, Salamida earned AMCC Second Team All-Conference honors.  For the Women's Basketball Team, Salamida was a standout scoring 793 career points, fourth most in school history. Her defensive natured showed up on the court as she recorded 105 career steals, sixth most in school history. Salamida was named AMCC Newcomer of the Year and Third Team AMCC All-Conference in 2015.

"I am both humbled and honored to have the opportunity to be involved again with the Women's Soccer program at Franciscan University," said Salamida. During my time here as an undergraduate, this program was incredibly formative to my personal faith and character. To now have the chance to serve these young ladies feels like such a privilege. I am looking forward to the unique opportunity we have as a team to both face and overcome adversity throughout this unconventional season, and to do so with the unwavering goal of growing closer to Christ and playing for an audience of One.  And lastly, I am blessed and grateful for the support of Christyn Bobak, and the continued role that she will have with this team. We thank her for her tremendous sacrifices which are continuing to further this program."

Salamida earned her master's degree in Social Work from Aurora University in 2019 after previously graduating from Franciscan with a bachelor's degree in Social work in 2017.

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