Ball State University Athletics
Rachel Napoli Named Soccer Assistant Coach
March 08, 2010 | Soccer
MUNCIE, Ind. - First-year Ball State soccer head coach Craig Roberts announced the hiring of Rachel Napoli to the position of assistant coach Monday afternoon. Napoli spent the past two seasons on Roberts' staff at Tennessee-Martin and will begin her duties at Ball State immediately.
"Our familiarity with each other from UTM will allow us to have a smooth transition into our positions at Ball State," Roberts said. "I am delighted to have Rachel alongside me as she demonstrates the essential work rate and attention to detail needed to promote a successful program. In addition, her insight and personality allow us to create a positive coaching environment."
Napoli spent the past two seasons as Roberts' top assistant with the Skyhawks, where she was the recruiting coordinator, assisted with on-field coaching and organized all the program's fundraising efforts. During her time at UTM, the Skyhawks posted a 19-12-4 record and gained the program's first ever Ohio Valley Conference regular season championship last season.
"I am truly excited for the opportunity to join the Ball State family and continue to work with Craig as his assistant coach," Napoli said. "Craig has a proven track record and we are excited about the future of Ball State soccer."
Last year, UTM posted a 9-7-0 overall record and a 6-2-0 mark in league play, marking the program's most conference wins in a single season. The Skyhawks finished the season 39th in NCAA Division I in shutout percentage as they posted eight on the season and only allowed 13 goals in 16 games. In 2008, she helped the Skyhawks earn a 10-5-4 overall record and advance to the program's first ever OVC Tournament Championship game appearance.
Prior to UTM, Napoli served as an assistant coach at Kutztown University for two seasons. During her time at NCAA Division II Kutztown, she was actively involved in all aspects of the programs' achievements. Her recruiting ability helped land many of the top players in the states of Pennsylvania and New Jersey and she was heavily involved in the team's strength and conditioning program. During her time in Pennsylvania, she was named the U18 girls head coach of FC Revolution, one of the region's most successful youth soccer clubs.
Napoli was a collegiate standout at Wheeling Jesuit University where she helped WJU to a pair of NCAA Division II Tournament appearances, three West Virginia Conference titles and a wealth of personal accolades. Her leadership abilities earned her team captain duties during her freshman year and she helped the captaincy throughout her collegiate career.
Napoli earned her bachelor's degree in teacher preparation from Wheeling Jesuit in 2006 and her master's degree in reading specialist from Kutztown in 2009.
####
