Natalia Chi
The University of Chicago men’s soccer team is made up of All-Americans and veteran coaches. But it’s the rookie head coach who’s making history.
Julian Sich led college to an undefeated record and top seed NCAA Division III Final Fourshe became the first woman to coach a men’s soccer team to a championship tournament.
Sitch could make more history on Saturday. If the University of Chicago Maroons win the Division III national championship game, she will become the first woman to lead a men’s soccer team to a national championship.
“It gives young girls something to aspire to,” she told CBS News. can do.”
Sitch’s journey began when the 5-year-old girl was playing for the boys’ team and continued as a professional player in Australia, Sweden and the United States. She took over the Maroons in her April, making her one of only two women to coach the NCAA Division III men’s soccer team.
“I’ve coached a lot of young girls, but I’ve also worked with a lot of young boys. At the end of the day, I think you’re coaching athletes.
It’s a first for most teams, but they’re quick to tell us that gender has nothing to do with winning. It was by no means a big, pressing matter.
“She is a gentle being,” he said.
“When you step onto the field, our play speaks for itself and speaks to her coaching abilities,” said junior goalkeeper Will Boyes.
For Sitch, gender has little to do with coaching.
“Each coach has different offerings,” she said.
Charlie de Mar
