May 12, 2008

DAYTON, Ohio - The University of Dayton women's soccer team recently announced the addition of a new assistant coach to its staff, Tania Armellino. DaytonFlyers.com sat down with Armellino to ask her a few questions about how she got to Dayton and what she's looking forward to most in her new position.

Armellino joined the women's soccer staff as an assistant coach in April 2008. Previous to UD, she spent two seasons at Kenyon College where she helped lead the 2006 team to its first ever NCAC regular season title, NCAA Tournament berth, and first ever NCAA Tournament win. In addition, with her help the 2006 squad tied the school record for the most wins in a season (14) and the most shutouts with 10. In 2007, she led Kenyon's team to its first ever national ranking at No. 23.

A 2001 graduate of Rutgers University, Armellino played four seasons at Rutgers where she served as team captain and was a three-time Big East All-Academic honoree. In addition, in 1999 she received both the team's Scholar-Athlete Award and President's Award.

She began her collegiate coaching career at Rutgers in 2001 as an intern. While there, she helped direct the team to a 14-8-1, 4-1-1 record, and a Sweet Sixteen berth in the NCAA Tournament for the first time in the program's history.

Armellino also served as assistant coach for the West Haven High School women's soccer team during the 2005-2006 season.

In addition to her bachelor's degree in English, she earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law in 2005.

Tell us little bit about how you got here? What were you doing before coming to Dayton?
For the last two years I have been the assistant women's soccer coach at Kenyon College in Gambier, Ohio. While there, I was a part of every aspect of the women's program. In the spring of 2007 I was also the interim intramural and club sports coordinator for the College.

What did you know about Flyer soccer before you came to Dayton?
I first learned of Flyer Soccer while I was a student assistant for the Rutgers University women's soccer team in the fall of 2001. Rutgers and Dayton both went to the Sweet Sixteen that year, and I remember first seeing the Dayton Flyers in that bracket and learning a little bit about the program!

Why UD? What interests you most about this new job?
UD seems like such a wonderful place. The campus is beautiful, the facilities are amazing, and there really seems to be a very friendly and warm atmosphere. With the assistant position I am very excited to work with head coach Mike Tucker, Sergio Gonzalez, and Coach "D." The women's program has been very successful in the past and I am truly eager to be a part of the continuation of that success.

What are you most looking forward heading into next season?
For the fall, I am most looking forward to getting to know the team and getting the chance to work with each one of the girls.

What are your interests off the field? How do you like to spend your free time?
Off the field I like to spend time with family and friends, to travel, and to read.

What has been your biggest achievement in soccer? Overall?
My biggest achievement in soccer was being a part of the Rutgers University women's soccer team when the program transitioned under head coach Glenn Crooks and associate head coach Mike O'Neill. It was truly amazing to be a part of one of the program's most successful years in 2001. My biggest achievement overall is when I graduated from the University of Miami School of Law in 2005.

What is your favorite place to go recruiting? Why?
Of the places I have been to so far, my favorite place to go recruiting is south Florida. Not only because of the absolutely beautiful weather, but also because I have family and friends there and I love to get the chance to visit with them.

Favorite...
Quote: Do what you can, where you are, with what you have!" - Teddy Roosevelt
Food: Zuppa Di Pesce
TV Show: The Office
Athlete: Fabio Cannavaro
Song: "Up Around the Bend" - Creedence Clearwater Revival
Athletics Team: The Azzurri
Season: Fall