Georgia Southwestern State University

Jacob Crawford enters his third season as head coach of the Georgia Southwestern women's soccer program in 2026-27, continuing a period of unprecedented growth for the Hurricanes.

In just two seasons at Georgia Southwestern, Crawford has overseen a historic transformation of the program, establishing numerous school records and milestones. Under his leadership, the Hurricanes recorded a program-best four Peach Belt Conference (PBC) victories in a season, achieved the first three-match PBC winning streak in program history, and earned the program's first-ever victory over nationally-ranked North Georgia (then ranked No. 22). His teams also secured the program's first PBC road victory by more than one goal with a 2-0 win at USC Aiken and recorded the program's first victory over a Sunshine State Conference opponent with a 2-0 home win over St. Leo in 2025.

Crawford's impact has extended beyond team accomplishments to individual recognition. During his tenure, Alana Beddow became just the second player in program history to earn PBC Goalkeeper of the Week honors, while Cassidy Brunner became the program's first-ever PBC Player of the Week. The Hurricanes also set new program records for goals, assists, and total points in a season, achieved their highest conference finish with a tie for fifth place and produced the program's first Women's Soccer All-Conference selection in Chloe Iuliano.

Before arriving at Georgia Southwestern, Crawford served as interim head women's soccer coach at the University of West Georgia during the 2023-24 season. He guided the Wolves to a 6-5-2 Gulf South Conference record and a berth in the GSC Women's Soccer Tournament.

Prior to West Georgia, Crawford spent six seasons building South Georgia State College into one of the premier junior college programs in the region. He compiled 48 victories and led the Hawks to the program's first two NJCAA Region XVII Championships in 2021 and 2022. His teams captured three consecutive Georgia Collegiate Athletic Association (GCAA) regular-season championships and earned three straight No. 1 seeds in the conference tournament while posting an impressive 31-8-2 record during that stretch.

Under Crawford's leadership, South Georgia State also excelled academically, earning back-to-back NJCAA Academic All-American Team honors. He coached the program's first two NJCAA All-Americans, Aubrey Harrison (2021) and Makayla Robinson (2022), with Robinson also being named the 2022 GCAA Player of the Year. The Hawks reached a program-best national ranking of No. 20 in 2021 and developed into one of the nation's top defensive teams, finishing third nationally in goals-against average and save percentage in 2021 and fourth nationally in those categories in 2022.

For his achievements, Crawford was named GCAA Coach of the Year in four consecutive seasons from 2019 through 2022.

A highly respected coach and educator, Crawford holds a Master of Science in Kinesiology from Georgia Southern University. He possesses a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" License and a United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma. In addition to his collegiate coaching experience, Crawford spent 10 years as a staff coach and program director with United Futbol Academy South Georgia and has served on the Georgia Olympic Development Program coaching staff.

Known for his commitment to player development, academic excellence, and competitive success, Crawford continues to elevate the Georgia Southwestern women's soccer program while building a culture centered on excellence both on and off the field.