Lady Pies Name Lina Staropoli as Coach

The Lady Magpies are thrilled to announce the appointment of their first official coach, former player Lina Staropoli.  Hailing from the Land Down Under, Lina has many years of coaching under her belt in soccer.  Lina has decided to turn in her boots and put on a whistle to coach a more physical sport with one of the most physical women’s teams in the USAFL.

In existence since 2008, the Lady Pies had never had a “full-time” coach to lead the team, although the Magpie men have done a great job of integrating the women into their training sessions over the past 4 years.  The Lady Pies lost by a mere straight kick to the future champions of the 2010 Nationals, proving that they are a force to be reckoned with on the oval.  Lady Pies’ Captain Andrea Casillas believes that Chyloe Kurdas, who stepped in as the Lady Pies’ coach during Nationals, was the “driving force” behind the Pies’ success.  “Having her as our coach was absolutely necessary in order for the Pies to realize our full potential, “ Casillas stated.  Lina’s appointment has been a long time coming for not only the Lady Pies, but for the Women’s USAFL.  She is the first female coach in US Footy history.

Coach Staropoli is “delighted” to be the official leader behind this faction of the Magpie Army.  “The Lady Pies are a great bunch of ladies to be associated with, and I’m happy that I can continue to contribute to the team,” Lina commented.  Lina’s plan for the season is to get some consistency in training and more game time to give the Pies “a little extra and tip us over the line in Austin.”

As for Lina’s hopes for Nationals, “Only a flag will do!  I think many of the senior players really believe that it’s possible after our performance at the 2010 Nationals.”  While a flag is in sight for Lady Pies this season, Lina stresses that the ladies will “take it one game at a time”.

Congratulations to Lina and to the Lady Pies!