For Immediate Release: December 8, 2003

Contact: Chris Gondek, SUNYAC Publicist

Oneonta’s Ranieri Named New York Regional Coach of the Year

FREDONIA, N.Y. – Oneonta State women’s soccer coach Tracey Ranieri has been named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) New York Regional Coach of the Year after guiding her team to the NCAA Championship. It is the first time the 14-year head coach has been recognized by the NSCAA. Ranieri, along with eight other coaches around the country, will now be on the ballot for national coach of the year, which will be announced later this month.
In 2003, Ranieri’s Red Dragons enjoyed their most successful season in school history finishing 21-1-3. They captured their fifth consecutive SUNYAC title and are currently riding a 60-game unbeaten streak against conference opposition dating back to 1999. In the national tournament, the Red Dragons tied Ithaca 0-0 before advancing 3-2 in penalty kicks and defeated host Union 1-0 to win the New York Region Championship. In the national quarterfinals, they handed previously-unbeaten Scranton a 1-0 overtime defeat. Oneonta then served as host of the NCAA Final Four and pulled out come-from-behind victories over The College of New Jersey (2-1) and the University of Chicago (2-1 OT) to earn the first national title in Oneonta history.
Ranieri, over her coaching career, has compiled a record of 176-74-20. She has led her team to six conference titles, including five in a row, and six appearances in the NCAA Tournament. She has been named SUNYAC Coach of the Year four times and last week, was named Co-New York State Women’s Collegiate Athletic Association (NYSWCAA) Coach of the Year.