The Women’s Soccer world has lost one of its own. The news broke yesterday morning that Tony DiCicco, former USWNT coach, passed away Monday evening.
A statement from the DiCicco Family. pic.twitter.com/kBLKhdrWdH
— Anthony DiCicco (@DiCiccoMethod) June 20, 2017
Tony DiCicco is a legend in the world of soccer.
The coach led the women’s National Team from 1994 to 1999 and, to date, is the only one to have teams win both Olympic Gold medals (1996) and the World Cup trophy (1999). But the Olympics and World Cup victories are just the height of DiCicco’s far-reaching influence in American women’s soccer.
He began as the goalkeeping coach for the USWNT in 1991 before taking over as head coach in 1994. Under DiCicco, the WNT accumulated 103 wins, 8 draws, and 8 losses, making him the “winningest” coach in USSF history. Beyond the Senior WNT, DiCicco managed at the youth level and coached the US women’s team that won the U-20 World Cup in 2008, a team that included Alyssa Naeher, Meghan Klingenberg, Kiersten Dallstream, Elli Reed, Becky Edwards, Christine Nairn, Keelin Winters, Alyssa Mautz, Alex Morgan, and Sydney Leroux. All celebrated members of the NSWL and most current members of the USWNT.
Pioneer. Champion. Legend.
RIP, Tony DiCicco. This sport is forever grateful. WE are forever grateful. Thank you: https://t.co/KvIFqrKN5I pic.twitter.com/fFXLg3cBmH
— U.S. Soccer WNT (@ussoccer_wnt) June 20, 2017
DiCicco has played a huge role in the establishment of domestic women’s soccer in the US. He acted as the founding commissioner for the WUSA (2000-2003), and then, after leaving international coaching, he managed the Boston Breakers from 2009 through 2011, the majority of their time in the WPS. Under DiCicco, the Breakers took 2nd place in the 2010 season, their highest finishing ever as a pro-level team. Throughout, he has served on the USSF’s Technical Advisory board, and dedicated time to improving the state of coaching in soccer for women and girls across the nation.
Such a brilliant mind, educator, and true gentleman. We are deeply saddened to hear of Tony DiCicco's passing! #BreakersFamily 💙 pic.twitter.com/V0LclFQGuR
— Boston Breakers (@BostonBreakers) June 20, 2017
In the final phase of his long career in women’s soccer, DiCicco worked as a broadcaster for Fox Sports and ESPN, offering commentary for international friendlies and tournaments, including the 2015 Women’s World Cup where he saw many of the women he’d coached previously win the most coveted title in the women’s soccer world. Men and women across the nation and world are familiar with his voice, interpreting the game for them as they watch their favorites play.
DiCicco joined the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012, having been elected to the honor in recognition of his work and success in the sport. But there can, perhaps, be no more fitting memorial and celebration of Tony DiCicco than the numerous testimonials and remembrances being shared across social media today, as former colleagues, players, and fans join together to mourn the loss of one of US Soccer’s biggest stars.
RIP, Coach DiCicco. You will be missed.
Tony was one of the finest to grace this planet. His spirit will indeed live in us all Anthony. I smile thru the tears. His impact, immense. https://t.co/HYIbvwbSrV
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) June 20, 2017
Tony DiCicco played an integral role in getting our program to where it is now. I am very appreciative of him and his contribution. Sad day.
— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) June 20, 2017
…and the sun rose in his eyes. RIP Tony DiCicco. Even though we can't see you anymore, I know you are here, keeping us goalkeepers strong.
— Ethan Zohn (@EthanZohn) June 20, 2017
I'm grateful to have played for Tony DiCiccio. I carry the lessons you taught with me to each team I play on. Thank u for everything.
— Meghan Klingenberg (@meghankling) June 20, 2017
Such sad news,Tony was great for the our game, we're so fortunate. Thank you for taking a chance on me. My thoughts & prayers to the family💙 https://t.co/ndTwxvRrNq
— Christie Rampone (@christierampone) June 20, 2017
@DiCiccoMethod Thank you Coach! Di, Anthony, Drew&Nick i❤️u all.ur willingness to share ur life w/uswnt filled me w/gratitude&humility&joy🙏 pic.twitter.com/AVwwxZyAfZ
— Brandi Chastain (@brandichastain) June 20, 2017
