2008 Woodie Awards
New women's soccer coach Vettori excited about new opportunity
Dave Lomonico
Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Sports
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You said you were waiting for the Loyola job to open up. Why did you want to come here?
Loyola's a place I've had my eye on for quite a few years. It's a great academic institution, which is very important to me. And the minute I stepped on campus years ago, I loved the architecture, the atmosphere and the type of student that attends Loyola. It reminds me of my higher education experiences. And obviously the soccer program is very successful, and the Loyola athletic department is very supportive of women's soccer. It's the type of program I want to be associated with.
With all of the coaching experience you've already had, what do you bring to Loyola?
I've been fortunate enough to work at the college-level for a while, but then recently I've been working on the youth-level day in and day out. I've been working with high school aged players, which will help recruiting. College coaches have been calling about my players, so it's been extremely educational getting to know that side of the recruiting process. I've gotten to know a lot of coaches, and recruiting is starting earlier and earlier in high school. The players are now committing their sophomore years, so I've been making contacts, getting to know high school and club coaches and building a relationship. It's going to be an advantage when I recruit.
You're only 33 and been through a lot of coaching already - how did you get involved in all this?
I was an assistant with UPenn, and when the coach left, his position opened up. I jumped on the job, and from there I just caught the bug. It's what I want to do with my life; I love to coach.
Are you a more hands-on, personable coach or a "me vs them" type of coach with a more distant relationship?
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