High Point University Athletics

Saunders is no stranger to the Triad she comes to HPU following a season as a volunteer assistant at UNCG. She was the head coach at nearby Salem College from the fall of 2018 to the spring of 2021.

Saunders served the 2021-2022 season as a volunteer assistant coach for the UNCG marking her first year with the team.

She recently became the assistant director for ECNL Girls and College Recruiting Coordinator at NC Fusion starting July 1st 2021, after being part time with the club since 2019. 

Prior going full time with NC Fusion, Saunders was the head coach at Salem College from fall 2018 to Spring 2021 and wrapped up a solid 2019 season with a 12-6-1 mark, posting the best winning percentage (.631) of any coach in the first two years of their career in Salem soccer history.

She guided the 2019 unit to the 10th-most goals (40) in a single-season in program history. 

Before her stint at Salem, Saunders spent three years as the assistant coach at Brevard College where under her coaching the Tornados reached a program-best 11-6-1 record and all-time best in NCAA era.

Coach Fontaine on Saunders: "I am very excited about Octavia joining our staff, she brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and coaching experience that will be very beneficial to the continued growth of our program.  Her head coaching experience gives a true understanding of what it takes and how to help build a stronger culture. She is humble and hardworking and I can't wait for her to get started with us."