NEW COACHES INTRODUCED FOR NIAGARA SOCCER TEAMS

The Niagara College Knights have introduced new coaches for the men's and women's varsity soccer teams for 2012-2013.

After a year's absence, Frank DeChellis is returning to coach the men's team, while Cathy Klein, a former two-time Collegiate All American and member of the Canadian National Team will take over the women's squad.

DeChellis is no stranger to the Knights, having coached the women's soccer team from 2008-2010, and the men's indoor soccer team prior to that. As coach of the women's team, DeChellis was named Ontario Colleges Athletic Assocation (OCAA) West Coach of the Year, and he led the team to an appearance in the OCAA playoffs. DeChellis brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, and he is currently a coach with the Welland Soccer Club and a course instructor with the Ontario Soccer Association. He is a National "A" License coach with the Canadian Soccer Association and a Level III coach with the National Coaching Certification Program.

DeChellis replaces Anthony Ventresca, who has led the men's team since 2006.

Born and raised in Burlington, Ont., Klein played for the Canadian National Team from 1987 to 1990. She graduated from State University of New York, College at Cortland in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education. She earned a Master's Degree from Kent State University in 1991 and a PhD in Sport Administration from the University of New Mexico in 2007. Klein has been involved in all levels of soccer, coaching children, youth, high school, College and University soccer teams all over the United States and Canada.  She currently operates the Soccer Pups Developmental Soccer Program for Ancaster Soccer Club.

As an athlete she was two-time Collegiate All-American in 1985 and 1986 as well as the recipient of the Soccer America Magazine "Super 11" honours. Klein is a USSF "B" licensed coach who spent time coaching at all levels in the Unites States including three years at the University of Arizona (2000 - 2003). In 2006 she was recognized for her coaching excellence as Head Coach of Highland High School and was named the High School Coach of the Year for the State of New Mexico. In 1997 she was the recipient of the Big 12 Conference Co-Coach of the Year while serving as head coach of the Iowa State Cyclones from 1995 to 2000. Klein was also the Head Coach at Creighton University (1994 - 1995), Earlham College (1991-1994), and Utica College (1987-1989).

Source: Niagara College