NJ Copa FC is delighted to welcome Erin Sullivan as the new Head Coach of our UWS Womens' First Team UWS for the upcoming 2024 summer season! As the first female head coach of the UWS program, Erin brings a unique perspective and a wealth of experience to the role.
Erin's roots with FC Copa Academy run deep, starting as a standout player for the FC Copa Real, which went on to win the 2012 US Club National Championship, a testament to her skill and dedication even at a young age. During her time with FC Copa Academy, Erin's leadership qualities shone through as she led her team to numerous victories, earning recognition as a top player in the state. Her exceptional talent and dedication to the sport did not go unnoticed, as she led her team to the #1 ranking in the country during her junior year, showcasing her ability to elevate her team to the highest levels of success.
After her time with FC Copa Academy, Erin's soccer journey took her to Montclair State University, where she continued to make waves in the soccer world. As a pivotal player for Montclair State, Erin's impact was felt both on and off the field. Her stellar performances earned her numerous accolades, including All-American honors and multiple All-Conference and All-Region selections. Erin's leadership qualities were further recognized when she was named team captain, a role she embraced with grace and determination. Under her leadership, Montclair State achieved unprecedented success, including two Sweet 16 appearances in the NCAA Tournament and a conference championship win. Erin's ability to inspire and lead by example was evident throughout her collegiate career, making her a natural choice to lead our UWS program to new heights of success.
"We are thrilled to welcome Erin back to FC Copa, this time as the first female head coach of the UWS program," said Lori Berman, Vice President and UWS Sporting Director. "Erin's appointment is a historic moment for our academy, and we are incredibly proud to have her as an alumna leading our UWS team. Her impressive resume, both as a player and a coach, speaks volumes about her commitment to excellence. Erin's journey from a youth player at FC Copa to a collegiate All-American and now a head coach is a testament to her dedication and passion for the game. We believe she will be a great role model for all the girls playing within our academy, inspiring them to dream big and achieve their goals. We are excited to see her lead our team to new heights of success and look forward to a fantastic season ahead under her guidance."
During her college years, Erin amassed numerous accolades, including playing the most games in school history over four years, being named 1st Team All-Conference and All-Region in both her junior and senior years, and earning Second Team All-American honors in 2017. Her passion for the game and drive for success have been evident throughout her career.
Erin's coaching journey began as a Graduate Assistant at Montclair State after graduating in 2017. Her passion for the game and commitment to player development were immediately apparent, and she quickly rose through the ranks to become a key member of the coaching staff. She completed her Master's in Teaching in 2018 and continued her coaching career as a part-time assistant coach at Montclair. In August, Erin was appointed as the full-time Assistant Coach at Montclair, marking her eighth year in the program. Erin's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that success comes from hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Her ability to motivate and inspire players to reach their full potential has been a driving force behind her success as a coach.
Reflecting on her new role, Erin Sullivan expressed, "Coaching the NJ Copa FC UWS team is a full-circle moment for me. As an FC Copa Youth Team alumna and a former player for the UWS team, I understand the significance of these teams. I had the privilege of playing alongside some of the best players and people I've ever known while on the UWS Team, competing at the highest level every training session and game. I am excited to coach a diverse group of elite players from different college programs and hope to provide them with the same positive experiences and growth that I had."
Her journey from player to coach is a testament to her dedication to the sport and her commitment to helping others succeed. NJ Copa FC is proud to have Erin Sullivan leading our UWS program, and we look forward to seeing her impact both on and off the field in the upcoming season.
"We are proud to have Erin as the new Head Coach of the NJ Copa FC UWS Women's First team. Erin's appointment represents a significant step forward for our organization as we continue to promote diversity and inclusion in soccer. We are thrilled to have a former youth player, who I coached at FC Copa Academy, come full circle to lead our top women's team. Erin's passion for the game, coupled with her coaching experience and dedication, make her the ideal candidate for this role. We are confident that Erin will lead our team to great success and inspire our current and future players to reach their full potential." stated Roberto Aguas, NJ Copa FC President and Owner
NJ Copa FC returns to UWS action this May! Players interested in joining the team can register for tryouts on May 4th & 9th and contact Head Coach Erin Sullivan at erin.sullivan@fccopa.com.
Join us in welcoming Erin back to the Copa family, and let's make this season one to remember! #FCCopa #UWS #SoccerNews