Macalester College has named assistant coach Jemma (Merrick) Perkins as its interim head women's soccer coach. Perkins, a 1997 Macalester graduate and former team captain for the Scots, takes over for Kate Ryan Reiling, who resigned earlier this month after one season as Macalester head coach.

Coach Perkins will begin her oversight of the program immediately and she will oversee all facets of the program throughout the season and through January 31st, 2012, to ensure the program's recruiting efforts. A national search will take place immediately following the conclusion of the season.

“I have been honored to be part of Mac soccer as a player and assistant and I highly respect the rich tradition that has been set by the program,” Perkins said. “I am excited to embrace that history and to have the opportunity to work with these inspirational student-athletes in a new capacity to help build on their individual and collective success.”

Perkins has served as an assistant at Macalester since 2007, working under former coaches John Leaney and Ryan Reiling. She began her collegiate career as a Division I player at the University of Virginia before transferring to Macalester, where she started two seasons in the midfield and was team captain as a senior.

Her soccer background as a former Mac student-athlete, Division I player, and her wealth of soccer involvement and experience is strong and diversified. “She has a thorough knowledge and familiarity with the MIAC,” said Macalester Director of Athletics Kim Chandler. “She will be able to recognize and understand our opponent's competitive strengths and tactics and as a result, she will be able to prepare the team effectively and efficiently throughout the competitive season.”

She lives in Minneapolis with her husband, Chad and their two sons, Ty and Keane.