Stacey Balaam is in her first year as the assistant coach of the North Georgia women’s soccer team in 2011-12.

Balaam makes her way to North Georgia with extensive coaching and playing experience, most recently as the assistant coach of the University of Montevello women’s soccer team for the last two years.

“Stacey has a real passion for the game,” head coach Chris Adams said. “The Players were thoroughly impressed with her energy and enthusiasm during the interview process and I believe she will step in and be a valuable member of our coaching staff.”

During her playing days at Montevallo, she was a two-time All-American, three-time All-Region and four-time All-Conference player. She was named South Region Player of the Year in her junior year and led the nation in assists both her junior and senior years.

Balaam was a captain for three years at UM and was awarded the Most Valuable Player award three times and equaled the team’s record in career points.

A native from Suffolk, England, Balaam was a member of the U19 national squad before beginning her college career in the United States.

After completing her college career, Balaam was scouted to play semi-professionally in Iceland where she ended her season with a game-winning goal and was named to the National Premier League’s Team of the Week.

In the spring of 2009, Balaam was the assistant coach at Hoover High School and was a part of the coaching staff for the Alabama Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program.