Napoli Named UMass Women's Coach

Former Minutewoman Takes Over for Jim Rudy

July 24, 2009

AMHERST, Mass. – Former University of Massachusetts standout goalkeeper Angela Napoli has been appointed UMass women’s soccer head coach for the 2009 season, replacing longtime coach Jim Rudy, who retired this spring after 21 years at the helm.

“We are very pleased to hire Angela Napoli as our head coach for the 2009 season,” said UMass Director of Athletics John McCutcheon. “As the pre-season is just three weeks away, we feel that it is in the best interests of our program to move forward and give this leadership opportunity to Angela. We are fortunate to have an individual of Angela's experience and skills to provide direction to the program at this challenging time.”

Napoli, 31, had spent the past four seasons as an assistant coach of her alma mater after joining the women’s soccer staff in July of 2005.

“I am thankful and honored for the opportunity to lead my alma mater,” said Napoli, a native of Longmeadow, Mass.. “I look forward to the upcoming season and to showing what I can achieve as head coach of the UMass women’s soccer program.”

Over the past four years, UMass has combined 34-30-6 record, including an 11-6 mark in 2006.

Prior to coming to UMass, Napoli spent the 2004 season at the University at Albany as an assistant coach, specifically working with the team’s goalkeepers. Napoli also served as an assistant coach at William & Mary for two years.

After earning a degree in Sport Management from UMass, Napoli spent the 2001 season as an assistant coach at the University of Colorado.

In addition to her collegiate experience, Napoli worked the John Daly Girls Soccer Camp in 2002 and served as the Director of Goalkeepers for the Boulder County Force Soccer Club in Colorado.

She was a four-year letterwinner in goal for the Minutewomen (1996-99), playing in 35 games (27 starts) with a 1.38 career goals-against average. In the UMass record book, Napoli ranks seventh all-time in career shutouts (13) and saves (159).

In 2003, Napoli played with the New England Mutiny when the squad advanced to the WPSL semifinals.

A 1996, graduate of Longmeadow High School, Napoli was an all-state goalkeeper for the Lancers. She garnered three all-league nods from the Springfield Republican and posted 10 shutouts her senior season.

ADD TO YOUR SOCIAL BOOKMARKS: Blink Del.icio.us Digg
Furl Google Simpy Spurl Technorati Y! MyWeb