Tony DiCicco facts for kids
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DiCicco in October 2010
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Date of birth | August 5, 1948 | ||
| Place of birth | Hartford, Connecticut, U.S. | ||
| Date of death | June 19, 2017 (aged 68) | ||
| Place of death | Wethersfield, Connecticut, U.S. | ||
| Height | 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) | ||
| Playing position | Goalkeeper | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps† | (Gls)† |
| Connecticut Wildcats | |||
| Rhode Island Oceaneers | |||
| National team | |||
| 1973 | United States | 1 | (0) |
| Teams managed | |||
| 1991 | United States (women; GK coach) | ||
| 1993 | United States U20 (GK coach) | ||
| 1994–1999 | United States (women) | ||
| 2008 | United States U20 (women) | ||
| 2009–2011 | Boston Breakers (WPS) | ||
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Anthony "Tony" D. DiCicco Jr. (born August 5, 1948 – died June 19, 2017) was a famous American soccer player, coach, and TV commentator. He is best known for coaching the United States women's national soccer team from 1994 to 1999. During this time, the team won an Olympic gold medal in 1996 and the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. He also coached the USA team that won the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup.
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Early Life and Playing Career
Tony DiCicco was born in Wethersfield, Connecticut. He graduated from Wethersfield High School in 1966. There, he was a talented athlete, playing soccer, baseball, and basketball.
In 1970, DiCicco finished college at Springfield College. He was an amazing goalkeeper and was even named an All-American in his final year. After college, he played professional soccer for five years. He played for teams like the Connecticut Wildcats and the Rhode Island Oceaneers. In 1973, he even played one game for the United States men's national soccer team. Besides playing soccer, he also taught Physical Education at a middle school.
Coaching the US Women's Soccer Team
Tony DiCicco became a coach for the U.S. women's soccer team in 1991. He started as the goalkeeper coach. In 1993, he also coached goalkeepers for the U.S. men's under-20 team.
Leading the Women's National Team
In 1994, DiCicco became the head coach of the United States women's national soccer team. Under his leadership, the team had an amazing record. They won 105 games, lost only 8, and tied 8.
His biggest success was leading the team to victory in the 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup. They won a thrilling final against China. This win was a huge moment for women's sports in the United States.
Olympic Gold and Youth World Cup
Before the World Cup win, DiCicco also led the U.S. women's team to an Olympic gold medal. This happened at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta.
In 2008, DiCicco coached another U.S. women's team to a big win. He led the U.S. U-20 Women's national team to win the 2008 FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Chile.
Club Coaching and Other Roles
After his time with the national teams, DiCicco coached a professional club team. He was the head coach for the Boston Breakers. This team played in the Women's Professional Soccer league from 2009 to 2011.
DiCicco also helped start the Women's United Soccer Association (WUSA). This was a professional soccer league for women. He was the first commissioner of the WUSA from 2000 to 2003.
Broadcasting and Writing
Tony DiCicco also worked as a TV commentator. He shared his soccer knowledge on ESPN and Fox Sports. He helped explain women's soccer games, including the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup.
He also co-wrote a book called "Catch Them Being Good: Everything You Need to Know to Successfully Coach Girls." This book shared his coaching wisdom.
Awards and Recognition
Tony DiCicco received many honors for his contributions to soccer. He was chosen to be part of the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.
As a coach, his teams won:
- Women's Olympic Soccer (1): 1996
- FIFA Women's World Cup (1): 1999
- FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup (1): 2008
Personal Life
Tony DiCicco was married to Diane, and they had four sons: Anthony, Andrew, Alex, and Nicholas.
He passed away on June 19, 2017, at his home in Wethersfield, Connecticut. He was 68 years old and died from cancer.
