Ahead of this summer’s Women’s Premier Soccer League campaign, STA has appointed Katie Quinlan as head coach for the 2024 season. She brings years of professional coaching experience from across England and the United States with her and is an exciting step forward for the future of STA’s WPSL program.
With the completion of her Sports Development studies in England, Quinlan began her coaching career in the female youth setup at Everton. After nearly three years on Merseyside, she moved to London as a youth coach for Chelsea FC Women in what would be her penultimate stint in coaching outside senior football.
After two years in a youth role at Blackburn Rovers, she was appointed head coach of the women’s first team in 2018. In her three year tenure, Blackburn captured four major domestic honors, including the FA Women’s National League title.
It’s an unprecedented C.V. for many clubs in the WPSL, and it’s anticipated to be one that will set the STA program apart for years to come.
“I’m really looking forward to establishing a clear identity and professionalizing the women’s program,” Quinlan says, who began work with the girls this past week ahead of Saturday’s home opener. “We [must be] in a position to enjoy our style of play, win games, and attract more players for long term success.”
The team is coming off a 2023 campaign which saw them finish second in the league’s East Metropolitan Division with one of the most dangerous attacks in the entire WPSL. Seven of last season’s 22 goals came against New York Dutch Lions, the same opponent STA faces this weekend.
“Everyone’s [still] a new face to me, so I’m enjoying getting to know the group and uncover their true potential,” Quinlan added. “The players have come in good shape and ready to work, and that’s all I can ask for.”
Having spent 2023 as an assistant coach of National Women’s Soccer League powerhouse Portland Thorns, Quinlan has all the understanding to build a division-winning team this summer in Morris County.
“[STA] has done a great job of retaining players from the academy,” she said, “and I wish to provide them with an environment where they continue to feel welcomed and challenged.”
Whether it’s been with some of the best players on the planet from her time at Portland or the start of her career here at STA, Quinlan is made to work with the most talented athletes on offer. This summer’s WPSL squad is built with some of the county’s strongest collegiate players, and the girls buying in to the new coach’s philosophy is an exciting prospect for the future of New Jersey soccer.
