From University of Chicago Athletics

Head Women's Soccer Coach Amy Reifert has announced the hiring of Marlon McKenzie as the full-time assistant coach for the esteemed University of Chicago soccer program.

"We are thrilled to add Marlon to our coaching staff," Reifert said of McKenzie, who served as a volunteer assistant with the program from 2014-2017.

"We have coached together at the club level in the past and his technical expertise and tactical knowledge of the game are outstanding. Marlon shares our vision for the role that athletics plays in the lives of our student athletes while they are playing for Chicago and in their futures ahead."

McKenzie worked primarily with the Maroon goalkeepers during his time as a volunteer assistant for UChicago, where he focused on development of their handling, distribution and tactical proficiency. His other soccer experience includes 10 years as the Head Coach and Soccer Programs Director with the Southside Fire Soccer Club, based in Hyde Park.

A native of Jamaica, McKenzie played for several amateur and semi-professional clubs and served as captain of his squad at Moneague College. Later, he was short-listed for the Jamaican Under-21 National Team.

McKenzie currently has his United States Coaches Goalkeeping Level 1 Certificate, the United States Soccer Federation 'C' License and is currently enrolled in the USSF 'B' License course program. In addition, McKenzie also holds a USSF National Youth License. 

He earned his bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Northeastern Illinois University.

"This is a great opportunity and a career builder," McKenzie said. "The University of Chicago is one of the best places to work and it's inspiring to work for someone with as much experience and passion for the game of soccer as Coach Reifert.

"I'm thrilled to be back and can't wait to get started."