Erin Sullivan Returns as Head Coach for NJ Copa FC’s Inaugural USL W League Season!

NJ Copa FC is thrilled to announce the return of Erin Sullivan as Head Coach for our first season in the USL W League. A former standout player at FC Copa Academy and an accomplished collegiate All-American, Erin brings a deep understanding of our club’s values and a passion for player development that aligns perfectly with our mission.

Erin took the reins of our women’s program in 2024, guiding the team through a successful season and showcasing her ability to lead at the highest levels of pre-professional soccer. Under her leadership, NJ Copa FC finished the season with a 5-3 record, demonstrating both strong tactical execution and a winning mentality.

Now, as NJ Copa FC steps into the USL W League, she is ready to elevate the program even further, bringing her experience and tactical acumen to the nation’s premier platform for top collegiate and aspiring professional players.

“Erin Sullivan is the ideal Head Coach for NJ Copa FC’s inaugural season in the USL W League," said Lori Berman, Vice President and UWS Sporting Director. “Erin has been successful as a youth player at FC Copa, a collegiate All-American, and head coach of our women’s team in 2024. We look forward to Erin building off the achievements of last season entering the nation’s premier pre-professional league this year, and we are especially proud to have an FC Copa alumna serving as such a fine role model to our youth players.”

Erin's connection with FC Copa Academy began as a player for FC Copa Real, which won the 2012 US Club National Championship. Throughout her time with the Academy, she was a key player in her team’s success, helping them earn a #1 national ranking during her junior year. Erin, a proud FC Copa Academy alumna from the Class of 2013, has been part of the Copa family for 12 years. She made her final appearance as a player with us during our inaugural UWS season in 2016.

After FC Copa, Erin played at Montclair State University, where she was a standout performer. She received All-American honors, multiple All-Conference and All-Region selections, and was named team captain. Under her leadership, Montclair State made two Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and won a conference championship. She holds the record for the most games played in school history and was named 1st Team All-Conference and All-Region in both her junior and senior years, earning Second Team All-American honors in 2017.

Following her playing career, Erin transitioned into coaching. She began as a Graduate Assistant at Montclair State after graduating in 2017, earning her Master’s in Teaching in 2018. She continued as a part-time assistant coach and was later promoted to full-time Assistant Coach, marking her eighth year with the program. Her coaching philosophy emphasizes hard work, dedication, and player growth, values that align with NJ Copa FC’s goals as the team enters this new chapter.

"I am honored and excited to return this year and continue being part of an incredible organization at NJ Copa FC. The success of our group last summer will be the foundation for even bigger goals we will be working toward this season. Joining the USL W is an exciting opportunity to compete against new opponents and set the bar even higher for our women’s program. I look forward to leading a very talented team that will feature both a solid core of returning players from last year’s squad and some top quality additions. I am eager to get started and to continue establishing a winning culture here!" - Erin Sullivan on returning for the 2025 season.

With Erin at the helm, NJ Copa FC is set to compete against some of the country’s most talented teams, providing an unparalleled pathway for players looking to advance to the professional ranks. Her leadership, dedication, and experience as both a player and a coach make her the perfect choice to guide this historic transition for our club.

Stay tuned for more updates as we prepare for our inaugural USL W League season. Welcome back, Coach Erin!