March 21, 2008

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - The UAB women's soccer program has added former Clemson standout Allison Graham as its new assistant coach, announced head coach Paul Harbin. Graham comes to UAB from UNC-Charlotte, where she served as an assistant coach for the 2007 season.

"We are extremely excited to add Allison to our staff," said Harbin. "Our goal was to bring in a competitive and energetic coach with a good understanding of what it takes to be successful at the highest level. We also wanted to make certain that we brought in a top quality person who could help our student-athletes in their development on and off the field.

"Allison is a perfect fit. She has proven to be one of the top players in the country. I am now convinced that she has the potential to do the same as a college coach."

During her one season at Charlotte, Graham helped the 49ers to Atlantic 10 regular season and tournament championships and a bid to the NCAA tournament.

Graham spent her playing career at Clemson, lettering four years (2002-05) for the Tigers and serving as team captain in 2005. She was a key part of her team playing in the NCAA Tournament all four seasons. Graham also was a member of the United States' U-19 and U-21 National Teams.

During her collegiate career, Graham was named to the first team All-Atlantic Coast Conference for two seasons and the All-ACC second team one year. She was also a standout in the classroom, being named to the ACC Honor Roll all four years and earned a spot on the National Soccer Coaches Association of America's (NSCAA) Academic All-America team as a junior and senior.

Graham joins Harbin and associate head coach Summer Perala to round out the Blazers' women's soccer staff.

"I am very excited to be a part of the UAB staff and I look forward to working along side both Paul Harbin and Summer Perala," said Graham. "I want to thank Paul Harbin for this wonderful opportunity and I look forward to continue to build on to the great traditions already in place at UAB."