By Bella Grimaldi
Staff Writer
What is your academic and professional background?
I have a bachelor's in finance from Suffolk University, and I have a master's from Anna Maria in public administration. I am the Director of Finance and Operations for Medfield Public Schools.
What brought you to Framingham State?
I made a transition last year from coaching high school after 22 years, and was an advisor to the head coach at Lasell College. I enjoyed it so much that when this position opened up, which was really close to home, I felt that I could help out this program. In the past, I've taken over programs that have been struggling and love to see them grow and to me, it's taken professional training and adapting that [to the program]. And I always love to see how the progression of improvement happens. Then the other thing I would say is, when I met these guys [the soccer players] over here, they were so welcoming, and I knew where I needed to be.
What is your background with soccer? I've been coaching soccer since I was 20. I started coaching youth programs, and then I got an assistant and JV high school coach job at a private school. And then after a couple of years, I became a head coach at another high school. I've also coached at the regional level. I coached at the club level. Now it's called ODP, but it was more of a developmental program. I have coached at all levels, which has been fine. I have my high school certification, goalkeeping certification, league certification, regional certification, and national certification. I can coach at pretty much all levels except professional. What is something that students would not expect or know about you? My first language was Italian. I didn't speak English until I was in kindergarten. What are some of your hobbies? Besides coaching, I enjoy cooking. I love to make pizzas and bread. I love to be outside and have time with my family. Stress relief is spending time in the kitchen, cooking. Then my daughter and I have a little garden that we cultivate, which is another little hobby. What is your favorite aspect of being a coach at Framingham State? Seeing players develop and getting to know so many wonderful players. Everyone's different, but the most important thing to me is growth - both on the field and in the classroom. Being able to see that growth - it's, to me, the best thing about coaching. What is your goal for the women's soccer program? It's to be the best program in the MASCAC conference. What advice would you offer students at Framingham State? To follow their dreams first, and to never sell themselves short. Whatever they set their expectations at, it might be high, but it can be achievable if they can believe and if they work hard.