SCIOTO COUNTY, Ohio — Shawnee State University’s Women’s Soccer team has been on a roll since the arrival of their Head Coach, Natasha Ademakinwa in 2018. With a distinguished record and a new network of soccer connections, Ademakinwa was recently named the Director of Soccer, now guiding both the men’s and women’s teams.
Growing up in England, Ademakinwa played soccer and coached at a young age with club teams and academies in London. She earned her first coaching license at the young age of 16 and continued to guide young athletes while playing the sport herself in her childhood and early 20s. Several of her athletes went on to play professionally and for England’s U21 national team.
With over 20 years of coaching experience, Ademakinwa brings eight division championships and four undefeated seasons from various programs to Shawnee State University’s field. She is dedicated to building both the men’s and women’s teams with the best players from not just the region, but from around the world.
“We recruit from all over the world to bring the best-dedicated student-athletes to our program,” she said. “We have players from several nations in Europe as well as South America, Asia, and others, plus great players from right here in our region and nation. These are outstanding men and women who take both the sport and their studies very seriously.”
Now overseeing a staff of assistant coaches and fitness experts for both the Men’s and Women’s Soccer teams, Ademakinwa is looking forward to being an advocate and mentor to her student-athletes and their well-being.
“These are students with a need for learning many lifelong skills,” she said. “From time management to basic organization and planning, as well as resume-building and understanding how to prepare for launching their career, all of these are critical.”
With Ademakinwa’s passion, experience, dedication, and leadership, Shawnee State University’s Athletic Director, Jeff Hamilton, is excited for the continued growth of the men’s and women’s programs.
“This is a commitment from Shawnee State to build our men’s and women’s programs and provide the resources needed to compete in the NAIA,” he said.
Ademakinwa earned her master’s degree in coaching and sports education and holds bachelor’s degrees in psychology with health science as well as a degree in sports management. The university is excited to see what she will bring to the table in this upcoming season.