PRESS RELEASE: NEW DIRECTOR OF PLAYER DEVELOPMENT

Gulf Coast Soccer Welcomes Katie Quinlan as Director of Player Development!

January 17, 2022, Port Arthur, TX. - Gulf Coast Soccer, a leading youth soccer club in Southeast Texas, is excited to announce that Katie Quinlan is joining the club as Director of Player Development. As Director of Player Development, Katie’s responsibilities will include the role of COE Academy Director, assisting the club with various club-wide player and coaching development initiatives. Katie will report to Roy Lassiter, Director of Coaching.

Katie comes to Gulf Coast from Blackburn Rovers Ladies professional club in the UK. She has served as Head Coach for the ladies first team and Academy Director for the Rovers U10-U16 Academy. Prior to joining Blackburn, Katie has served as Assistant Coach for Chelsea FC ladies U15s, Youth Foundation Phase and Youth Development Phase coach for Everton FC Ladies and was Head of Football for Leeds City College. In addition, Katie was selected by the English FA for the Elite Coach Mentee program from 2017-2018 where she participated in the coaching and competition analysis delivery for the England Women’s National youth development teams for U16-U19 as well as delivering coaching education courses. She also participated in FA research studies including those aimed at developing women’s and girl’s football across England. Katie played semi-professionally for the Reading FC Ladies from 2008-2010.

Katie earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sports Development from Edge Hill University in 2012. She holds a UEFA A-License, FA Level 2 in Talent ID, FA Level 2 in Futsal, FA Goalkeeping Level 1, FA Level 3 Education and Training licenses and was awarded the English FA Youth Award in 2016.

"Katie will be a good addition to our coaching staff. She brings a wealth of experience and knowledge that will only enhance what we already have in motion here at Gulf Coast. She is full of energy in addition to her great personality and still looks to learn all she can for the betterment of the players. We welcome Katie and look forward to her contribution to helping the Gulf Coast Soccer reach its maximum potential." says Roy Lassiter, Director of Coaching, Gulf Coast Youth Soccer. 

"I am delighted to join Gulf Coast Youth Soccer and the community. I am eager to grow the club and work closely with Roy, the board and staff to elevate soccer in this area. The club is ambitous and has huge potential, I am excited to learn and share with everyone here. I am here to drive the club forward and ensure our players and staff have every opportunity to succeed." says Katie Quinlan, Director of Player Development, Gulf Coast Soccer.

"We could not be more excited to have Katie join our team here at Gulf Coast. As a former Head Coach in the FA Women's Championship, Katie brings a tremendous amount of knowledge and experience with her that will benefit all Gulf Coast players from 4 year olds to 19 year olds. I believe bringing in another A-License coach shows the commitment Gulf Coast Youth Soccer Club has to player development and we look forward to the impact Katie will have on our players and our local soccer community" says Darren Foust, VP Gulf Coast Soccer 

“We are excited to bring Katie on board. Having someone with her knowledge and experience on staff and leading our COE Academy and assisting Roy with player and coach development is a big boost for our club and I hope shows our commitment to developing players at all ages.” says Daryl Miller, Executive Director, Gulf Coast Soccer.

Gulf Coast Youth Soccer Club is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 1981. The club is dedicated to providing quality programming across all age groups and playing levels and for consistently developing highly skillful and intelligent players capable of competing at the highest level of the game and in life. For any further questions or inquiries about this press release or Gulf Coast Soccer, please contact Daryl Miller at communications@gcysc.com.