DECHELLIS NAMED HEAD COACH OF NIAGARA SOCCER PROGRAMS

The Niagara College Department of Athletics & Recreation is proud to announce the hiring of Frank Dechellis as the Head Coach of the Niagara College Men's and Women's Soccer Programs.

The 46-year old native of Welland, Ont., and married father of three has been an active member of the Niagara Region soccer community for over 25 years. After competing for three seasons in the OCAA as a member of the Mohawk Mountaineers, DeChellis took to coaching in 1988.

DeChellis coached the Niagara College Men's Indoor Soccer Program from 2000 to 2004, and in 2008 played a key role in launching Women's Soccer as a component of Niagara College's Intercollegiate programming. In recent years, DeChellis has also been delivering coaching education to the Soccer Association of Ontario.

Niagara College Manager of Athletics & Recreation Matthew Davies commented, "We are very excited to have Coach DeChellis lead both our Men's and Women's Soccer Programs. He has fantastic communication skills and a unique ability to motivate both male and female student-athletes, so the role is a natural fit."

When asked about the new dual coaching role DeChellis stated "I am honoured to be involved with a student-centred institution like Niagara College, and after helping to launch the Women's Program in 2008, it feels good to have the team back in my portfolio."

After a rebuilding season in 2012 for the Niagara College Men's and Women's Soccer Programs, Coach DeChellis is excited about the 2013 season. "Both Programs have quality athletes already committed for 2013 and that gives us a good talent base from which to grow, and our coaching staff is as good as anyone's in North America."

Davies echoed the excitement surrounding the Knights' soccer Programs stating, "we are committed to growing our Men's and Women's Soccer Programs. Coach DeChellis and his staff are extremely well respected within Ontario's soccer community, and their emphasis on fitness and skill development will help our teams continue to improve in the very competitive OCAA West Division"

The 2013 OCAA Soccer season will kick off in the Fall of 2013 and the Niagara College Knights will play their home games at the brand new Youngs Sportsplex on River Road in Welland, Ont.

Source: Niagara College