Seattle Reign Academy appoints Kim Calkins as technical director

(Via Seattle Reign FC) – Seattle Reign FC have announced that Reign Academy technical director Tracey Kevins will leave Reign Academy on July 14 to join U.S. Soccer as the head coach of the U.S. Under-15 Girls’ National Team and an assistant coach of the U.S. Under-17 Girls’ National Team. Reign Academy has appointed Kim Calkins as the new technical director.

Kevins oversaw the launch of the Reign Academy in 2016 and its inaugural season in the ECNL.

Her achievements over the past year include overseeing the Academy’s first-ever national signing day class, helping three players achieve call-ups to various U.S. youth national teams, and qualifying three teams for the ECNL National Playoffs. Kevins was also instrumental in preparing the Academy for entry into the U.S. Soccer Development Academy and expanded the reach of the Academy to include Reign Academy2 and Reign Pre-Academy teams through its partnership with Seattle United FC and Eastside FC.

“We started the process of building something extraordinary over the last 15 months,” said Kevins. “It is hard to leave such a great organization and an Academy that has such potential, but I am confident the leadership of Reign Academy will ensure the program continues to be driven forward with the highest standards and ambitions.”

“Tracey has built the Academy from the ground up to a position where multiple players have received an opportunity for national team exposure and our teams are competing in national tournaments,” said Laura Harvey, Seattle Reign FC head coach and general manager. “Tracey did an incredible job with the Academy, so the job with U.S. Soccer can be seen as a due reward for the hard work and dedication she has shown to this club. Tracey is one of the best coaches I’ve ever worked with and has earned the chance to coach the U-15 squad. U.S. Soccer is very lucky to have her.”

Calkins currently serves as the head coach of the Sounders Women and as the Girls Director of Coaching at Eastside FC. She previously worked as the Technical Director for Washington Youth Soccer, where she led the Washington EPD teams to four regional championships. Calkins attended the University of Portland where she earned First Team All-WCC honors and helped lead the Pilots to three NCAA College Cup final four appearances. After college, Calkins played professionally for the Boston Breakers in the WUSA. Calkins holds a U.S. Soccer “A” license.

“I have been continually impressed with Kim’s leadership, coaching and communication skills,” said Harvey. “She brings extensive coaching experience to the Academy, has strong relationships with college coaches, and is a passionate advocate for the advancement of female players and coaches. We’re incredibly lucky to have her as a leader in Reign Academy.”

“I am very excited about the opportunity to join Reign Academy and inspired by their commitment to build a world-class girls’ academy,” said Calkins. “I am ready to do whatever it takes to help players achieve their full potential and see the program fulfill its ambitions.”

The Reign Academy will open U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy play this September.