LAKE CHARLES - McNeese history will be made on Sunday night when former soccer player Sarah Lowdon will become the first former McNeese player or coach to act as a head coach for any professional team when the Houston Dash of the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) opens its season against the San Diego Wave FC at Houston's PNC Park.

Lowdon, who played for the Cowgirls from 2009-11 after transferring from Mississippi State, was named the club's acting head coach on Friday as the team searches for an interim head coach.

Several former McNeese players and coaches have moved on to coach in the professional ranks but none as a head coach whether it be permanent or as an acting role.

"I received a call from our Club President and she asked if I would be comfortable acting as the head coach for Sunday's game," said Lowdon. "I took some time to think about it then decided on doing so.

"It's a great opportunity. Right now the most important thing is having a great training session tonight (Saturday) and going out and having a great game on Sunday. We're just taking it day-by-day."

A native of Newcastle, England, Lowdon joined the Dash as an assistant coach during the 2022 NWSL preseason. Prior that joining Houston, she served as a volunteer assistant coach at Penn State. She previously served as an assistant coach for the Dash from 2014-16.

Lowdon's debut will come against a San Diego squad whose roster includes world-renowned forward Alex Morgan, a two-time World Cup champion, Olympic gold medalist, UEFA Champions League winner and NWSL league champion.

"It's a great opportunity for us," said Lowdon about Sunday's game. "The focus is on us going out and playing a great game."

While at McNeese, Lowdon appeared in 31 games as a midfielder, scored four goals and accumulated eight total points. She ranked tied for fourth on the team with two goals scored in her senior year of 2011.

She remembers her McNeese days vividly.

"I keep in touch with many of my former teammate whether it's through Facebook or other ways, although maybe not as often as I should," she said. "We went through a lot together and built a strong bond. I don't remember the results (of the game) but I do remember the times we had on bus trips, team dinners and all the other things that helped up build a strong bond."

Fans can watch Lowdon's head coaching debut live on Paramount+ beginning at 6 p.m