| Jodi Grant |
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Jodi Grant is every head coach's wish. She is an assistant coach whose talent goes beyond any boundaries. Grant has been a part of the women's soccer program since its inception. Along with head coach Brooks Monaghan, Grant led the 2007 Memphis women's soccer team to its first Conference USA Championship title and its first NCAA Tournament appearance.
"This program would not be where it is without Jodi," Monaghan said. "I look at her as a co-head coach. Jodi is irreplaceable, and she deserves as much credit as I do for our success."
A native of Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada, Grant is entering her eighth season as a full-time assistant coach with the Lady Tigers. Prior to that, she served as a graduate assistant coach for one season and as a volunteer assistant coach for a year. Grant has been a great recruiter in Canada, as Memphis has brought in seven Canadians in the past two years.
Grant first came to the University of Memphis as a player on the inaugural Lady Tiger squad in 1995.
She played four seasons, and in 79 career games, compiled school records still standing today. Grant holds the Memphis record for points (92) and shots (178). Her record for most goals with 33 was passed in 2007 by forward Kylie Hayes. Grant is also the co-holder of the record for most assists in a game (4) and is second all-time in school history in assists in a season (11) and career (26). A third team All-Conference USA selection as a junior in 1997, Grant was also named to the C-USA All-Freshman Team in 1995.
In addition to helping Monaghan with on-field coaching duties and recruiting, Grant has also played an instrumental part in the Lady Tigers' success in the classroom. The last four seasons, Memphis was the recipient of the women's soccer team academic award from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America, and this spring had 24 out of 28 players finish with a grade-point average above 3.0. Junior defender Kate Murphy was named Memphis' first female ESPN/CoSIDA Academic All-American in 2007, with a perfect 4.0 cumulative GPA.
"Jodi is a great tactician on the field, but she's just as good in teaching the kids off the field," Monaghan said. "She is great role model for all of the players and really understands where they are coming from."
Grant earned her undergraduate degree in exercise and sport science from Memphis in 1999 and also earned a master's degree in student personnel services from the university in 2002. Formerly Jodi Fisher, she married Memphis men's soccer head coach Richie Grant in May 2006. The couple resides in Memphis
