Newly-hired New York University women's soccer head coach Michele Canning has added a pair of former standouts to her staff.
Nicole Pasciolla, a four-time All-Big East honoree under Canning's tutelage at St. John's University , and Kim Wyant, one of the original members of the United States Women's National Soccer Team, have been hired as assistant coaches for the NYU women's soccer program.
Pasciolla will assist with team training, scouting, video breakdown, and recruiting, while Wyant will be responsible for goalkeeper training and recruiting.
Pasciolla arrives on the Washington Square campus after a stellar career with St. John's. A four-year starter in the midfield, she was named Second Team All-Big East as a senior, Third Team All-Big East as a junior and freshman, as well as Honorable Mention All-Big East as a sophomore. Pasciolla was also named Fourth Team Freshman All-America in her rookie campaign and twice earned Second Team All-Northeast Region accolades from Soccer Buzz.
“I am very excited to be working at such a prestigious and professional school as NYU,” said Pasciolla. “Working with someone like Michele, who not only is an excellent coach but is someone who holds high standards in all areas of her life, is an honor. I cannot wait to get involved with the players and contribute to the team's growth and success.”
Pasciolla shined in the classroom at St. John's, as well. She received Scholar All-East Region honors from the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) three times and earned CoSIDA/ESPN Third Team Academic All-America accolades as a senior.
Pasciolla served as the President of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) her junior and senior years and was a finalist for the Lowe's Senior Class Award, which is presented annually to the outstanding senior NCAA Division I Student-Athlete of the Year in 10 different sports.
“We are very lucky to have Nicole as part of our staff at NYU,” said Canning. “She knows exactly what it takes to achieve success at the highest levels of the college game, both on the field and in the classroom. Her enthusiasm for soccer and her pursuit of excellence in everything she does is contagious. She is a tremendous role model for our players.”
A 2010 graduate of St. John's with a Bachelor of Science degree in economics, Pasciolla was a member of the school's prestigious President's Society as an undergraduate. She is currently a candidate for a Master of Arts in government and politics at St. John's.
Pasciolla is a native and resident of Park Ridge, NJ.
Wyant comes to NYU with a remarkable playing and coaching resume. As a player, she was the first goalkeeper in the history of the U.S. Women's National Soccer Team, appearing in the squad's inaugural game in Italy in 1985. In all, Wyant played 16 games as the U.S. goalkeeper, recording the team's first-ever win and shutout. In 2008, she received the Special Recognition Award from the National Soccer Hall of Fame for her contributions to the National Team.
“I am elated to be joining Michele at such a prestigious university,” commented Wyant. “She is a coach I have admired for many years.”
On the professional level, Wyant played for the Long Island Lady Riders of the W-League for nine years, ending her career as the squad's all-time leader in minutes played between the pipes (8,636) and second in games played (99). She helped lead the Lady Riders to W-League Championships in 1995 and 1997, as well as to a victory over the Brazilian Women's National Team in 1999. Wyant won W-League Goalkeeper of the Year honors in four consecutive seasons (1995-98), was honored as the Most Valuable Player of the 1997 Championship Series and was twice named an All-Star.
After retiring from the pitch, Wyant was named General Manger of the Lady Riders. Under her direction, the team twice received W-League Organization of the Year honors. During the 2002 season, Wyant served as Lady Riders' interim head coach, leading the team to the playoffs and an 11-1-1 overall record. In 2004, she was inducted into the United Soccer League's Hall of Fame.
Wyant also has significant coaching experience at the collegiate level. She was the head coach of the Florida Atlantic University women's soccer program from 1995-98, and the head coach of Dowling College from 2003-06.
Wyant has also served on the Region I U.S. National Team's goalkeeping staff, as a FIFA staff coach and as the head coach for the Long Island Girls' Select Program.
“I am so excited to have Kim on board as part of our staff,” said Canning. “She brings a wealth of experience to NYU that is invaluable. She has been involved in the U.S. women's game at every level as a successful player, coach and general manager. She will contribute not only to goalkeeper training but in her tactical knowledge and eye for talent.”
A 1986 graduate of the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology, Wyant had a stellar four-year career for the Knights. As a freshman, she was named the team's Rookie of the Year and started at goalkeeper in the first-ever NCAA Women's National Championship Game. Though UCF fell 2-0 to the University of North Carolina, Wyant was named the tournament's Most Valuable Player. A First Team All-American as a senior, Wyant was inducted into the UCF Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
A native of Miami, FL, and a resident of East Meadow, NY, Wyant is a licensed U.S. soccer coach and holds a National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Advanced National Diploma. She is the creator and founder of Above-All Goalkeeping camps.
