NEWS: Gee-Gees women’s soccer hires Veronica Mazzella as full-time assistant coach

The University of Ottawa's women's soccer program is pleased to welcome Veronica Mazzella as the team's full-time assistant coach. 

Mazzella has worked with the program for the past four years as a part-time assistant coach. In her new role, Mazzella will oversee fundraising, camps, community outreach, and assist with the recruitment and development of future Gee-Gees.

"I have been fortunate to work with this team part-time over the past four years," said Mazzella, who recently completed a two-year education degree at the University of Ottawa. "I am excited to continue working with them as I transition into a full-time position with the Gee-Gees."

"We're thrilled to have Ronnie continue with the program in a full-time capacity," said Gee-Gees head coach Steve Johnson. "She will be heavily involved in the selection and coaching of the teams that travel to Mexico and China in the next two years as part of our title defence of the 2019 FISU University World Cup championship."

Mazzella's two-year contract is a newly created position partially funded by the Coaches Association of Ontario's Post-Secondary Institution Female Assistant Coach Salary Grant. The grant aims to increase the number of female coaches employed where they can learn new knowledge, apply their knowledge, lead a program, and prepare athletes for competition.

"We are grateful for the grant obtained from the Coaches Association of Ontario for making the hiring of Veronica in a full-time role a reality," said Roger Archambault, Assistant Director of Gee-Gees Varsity Athletics. "Our women's soccer program has a fantastic legacy, and this hire will allow us to grow our program even more, and the addition of another strong female coach to our Varsity Athletics full-time staff will also make us better." 

From 2011 through 2015, Mazzella enjoyed an outstanding playing career with the Carleton Ravens, being named to the OUA First All-Star team three times (2013-15) and the Second All-Star team once (2012).

"After having played soccer for as many years as I have, I am grateful to give back to the sport that I love," exclaimed Mazzella. "In a way, it feels like my soccer journey has finally come full circle. I'm both eager and proud to be able to play a part in helping these young women continue to grow their passion and skill with soccer!"

Mazzella will begin her role on June 1. The Gee-Gees women's soccer training camp opens August 20, and the OUA season is slated to start in early September.