Katy’s Spotlight on Women - Molly Rouse
By Katy Young Staudt, Vice President at TurnkeyZRG
The Ole Miss Rebels Women’s Soccer team has a new leader for 2023. Her name is Molly Rouse. Molly took over the program in the middle of May—a bit off cycle—but has hit the ground running!
Molly moved to Oxford from St. George, Utah where she had served as the head coach of the Utah Tech women's soccer program for three seasons. Molly played soccer at the University of Minnesota and began her journey as a walk on. After becoming an immediate contributor for the Gophers as a freshman, Molly earned an athletic scholarship and went on to have an amazing collegiate career.
One of the key differentiators that came out in the search process was Molly’s commitment to building strong, well-rounded women on and off the playing field, something that is so important and often overlooked when hiring a coach today.
Molly’s 4 pillars of success include: Communication, Player Centric Environment, Holistic Approach, and Organized Process. All key components to building a championship program.
Molly is also a mom and wife—the textbook example of how to integrate family into the coaching lifestyle. Leading by example, Molly passionately empowers her team to maximize their potential!
Her daughter “A.J” is lucky to have a front row seat to observe one of the most inspirational leaders in college soccer.
It’s going to be an exciting season for the Rebels!
Hotty Toddy!
Catching up with Molly
Molly Rouse: Head Women’s Soccer Coach, Ole Miss
Family: Dane- Husband, Daughter- Alexandra “AJ” (19 months)
What do you love most about your current job at Ole Miss?
I greatly enjoy the privilege of working at an institution with a rich history and strong traditions. Ole Miss holds a respected position in the athletic community, evident by the widespread support it receives nationwide and within the Oxford community. The people involved in Rebels athletics share a common servant mindset, dedicated to providing the best possible experience for student-athletes. The atmosphere at this institution is charged with electric excitement, and I'm thrilled to be a part of it.
What advice would you give to a young person looking get into coaching?
To all aspiring young coaches, I advise trusting in your abilities and seizing every learning opportunity that comes your way. The most accomplished coaches I've encountered are perpetual learners, constantly evolving and adapting. Remember that investing in self-improvement and professional growth enhances your confidence and awareness, ultimately preparing you to become the best coach, mentor and leader you can be.
Favorite Quote?
The Woman in the Arena-
“It is not the critic who counts; not the woman who points out how the strong woman stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the woman who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again; who spends herself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if she fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that her place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
By President Theodore Roosevelt (adapted)
What is your guilty pleasure?
I have a deep passion for everything related to the great outdoors. My husband and I engage in a wide range of adventurous pursuits, such as mountain biking, rock climbing, hiking, camping, and paddleboarding. You can often find us immersed in the beauty of nature.
Go-To Restaurant in Oxford?
Oxford boasts a plethora of fantastic small, local restaurants, but my personal favorite is Volta. Their Greek cuisine is absolutely incredible, and it's particularly noteworthy that the restaurant is owned and powered by female leadership.