AMERICUS, Ga. - Georgia Southwestern State University athletic director Mike Leeder has announced the hiring of Paula McDonald as head coach of the women's cross country program.

"We are very excited that Paula has accepted our offer to become the next head cross country coach at GSW," Leeder said. "Her experience building a program and developing a winning culture as a championship-level coach will allow our ladies to thrive on the course, in the classroom and in the community."

McDonald comes to Georgia Southwestern from Southland Academy in Americus where she most recently served as the head boys and girls cross country coach since 2010. Along with her assistant coach Patrick Calcutt, the Southland programs combined to win two Georgia Independent School Association (GISA) Class AAA state championships and five region titles. In addition, she was named the GISA Class AAA Co-Coach of the Year on two occasions.

"I appreciate the opportunity," McDonald said. "I've always had a fondness in my heart for Georgia Southwestern."

A 1991 graduate of GSW with a degree in psychology, McDonald played for two years on the Lady Hurricanes basketball team under head coach Dr. Greg Hawver. Her teammates included GSW Hall of Fame inductees Carol Turner and Bridgette Colson.

"As a former GSW student-athlete, Paula's enthusiasm for the position and desire to see her alma mater succeed at a high level made her an ideal choice as we continue to move the program forward."

McDonald expects the Lady Hurricanes to shine in their role as ambassadors for the University and the city of Americus.  

"Georgia Southwestern is a bright spot in this community and I would like to show that when we go out and compete," McDonald said. "I want people to say those kids are first class."

While the team's success on race day is important, McDonald understands the value of earning a degree.

"My ultimate goal is to help the girls bridge that gap to graduation," McDonald said. "We're here for them. Education comes first."

LISTEN TO INTERVIEW CLIPS

PART 1: Thoughts on recruiting coming into the position and the state of the program

PART 2: Returning to work at her alma mater

McDONALD'S ACCOMPLISHMENTS AT SOUTHLAND

Boys Cross Country

2014 GISA Class AAA State Champions

2013 GISA Class AAA State Champions

2012 GISA Class AAA Third Place

2014 GISA Region 3-AAA Champions

2013 GISA Region 3-AAA Champions

2012 GISA Region 3-AAA Champions

2011 GISA Region 3-AAA Runner-Up

Girls Cross Country

2014 GISA Region 3-AAA Champions

2013 GISA Region 3-AAA Champions

2012 GISA Region 3-AAA Runner-Up

2011 GISA Class AAA Fourth Place

2011 GISA Region 3-AAA Runner-Up

All-State Runners

Wright Calhoun and Billy Calcutt (2012, 2013, 2014)

Ridge Roland (2014)

Chris Shattles (2011)

Coaching Accolades

Two-time GISA Region 3-AAA Coach of the Year

Two-time GISA Class AAA Co-Coach of the Year