ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Director of Athletics Christy Malone Fleagle has appointed Rosie Famolaro as the next Head Soccer Coach.

"I am pleased to announce that Coach Rosabeth "Rosie" Famolaro is joining the Falcon family as our new Head Soccer Coach," said Fleagle. "Coach Rosie brings a wealth of experience and an impressive track record, having achieved remarkable success at Neumann University, SUNY Cobleskill, and Villanova University. We are incredibly fortunate to welcome her to Cedar Crest, where her dedication, passion, and proven coaching abilities align perfectly with our values and vision for the future of our soccer program."

Famolaro comes to Allentown after three seasons as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at Neumann University. During her time with the Knights, she led the program to at least the conference semifinals in each of her three seasons at the helm. This includes the 2022 Atlantic East Conference Championship appearance; this was the first appearance in this game for the program in 11 years. During her three seasons at the helm, Famolaro coached nine All-Conference players and one All-ECAC player. Additionally, she was recognized as the Atlantic East Conference Coach of the Year in 2022. 

Prior to her stint at Neumann, Famolaro spent four seasons as the Head Women's Soccer Coach at SUNY Cobleskill, where she guided the Fighting Tigers to the largest turnaround in NCAA Division III Women's Soccer during the 2018 season.

Famolaro got her start in collegiate athletics as the Director of Soccer Operations for the Villanova University Women's Soccer program in 2016. In her role, she managed all social media efforts, community outreach, and camps and clinics. She also assisted with film preparation, practice execution, and game day management. Furthermore, she helped coordinate the program's relationship and involvement with United States Women's National Team star, Christie Rampone.

"Throughout her illustrious career, Coach Rosie has been known for her strategic insight, leadership skills, and commitment to developing student-athletes both on and off the field," Fleagle continued. "Her tenure at Neumann University was marked by significant team improvements and numerous accolades. At SUNY Cobleskill, she played a key role in transforming the soccer program, and at Villanova, she started her collegiate career working firsthand with the Wildcats."

Prior to her role at Villanova, Famolaro served as a Graduate Assistant at Temple University. At Temple, Famolaro managed the marketing and promotional efforts for the university's Campus Recreation department, which included all intramural and club sports, fitness center, pool, and rock climbing wall. Famolaro obtained her Master's Degree from Temple in Sport Business.

Famolaro began her collegiate career at Neumann University, where she graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor's Degree in Sport and Entertainment Management. At Neumann, she was a four-year member of the women's soccer team, four-year conference All-Academic selection, and captained the program her senior year. In 2014, she was also selected as the Colonial States Athletic Conference Woman of the Year and was nominated for the NCAA Woman of the Year.

"I am thrilled to have the opportunity to join the Cedar Crest College family," said Famolaro. "I want to thank Christy Fleagle and all of the members of the search committee for believing in me and granting me the opportunity to lead this program. Cedar Crest is a leader in higher education, and has had continued success in moving the needle forward. I cannot wait to get started and to SOAR WITH THE FALCONS!"

Famolaro inherits a Falcons squad that went 4-5-7 overall and 4-1-4 in United East Conference-Skye Division play in 2023, advancing to the divisional semifinals in the conference tournament.

"We are confident that Rosie's leadership will inspire our student-athletes to achieve their fullest potential," said Fleagle. "Her commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and competitive environment aligns perfectly with Cedar Crest's mission and values. We are thrilled to see the exciting future ahead under her leadership."

Famolaro and Cedar Crest will kick off its 2024 season on Saturday, August 31 in a home match against Colby-Sawyer College beginning at noon.
 
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