Tony DiCicco
Tony DiCicco
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Full Name and Common Aliases
Tony DiCicco is often referred to as the "Father of American Soccer." His full name was Anthony Joseph DiCicco.
Birth and Death Dates
Born on September 15, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York. Passed away on October 8, 2017, at the age of 77 due to complications from pancreatic cancer.
Nationality and Profession(s)
DiCicco was an American soccer coach, player, and sports executive. His contributions to the sport spanned over five decades.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in a family of Italian descent, Tony DiCicco developed a passion for soccer at a young age. He began playing the game as a child and went on to attend Brooklyn Technical High School. After high school, DiCicco attended New York University, where he played college soccer.
Early Career
DiCicco's coaching career began in 1968 when he started working with local youth teams in New York City. He eventually moved into professional soccer as an assistant coach for the US national team under the leadership of General Manager Phil Woosnam and Head Coach Al Miller.
Major Accomplishments
Tony DiCicco is perhaps best known for his work as a head coach, particularly when leading the US women's national team to their first World Cup title in 1991. This achievement marked a turning point in American soccer, demonstrating the country's potential on the international stage.
Notable Works or Actions
Some of DiCicco's other notable accomplishments include:
Coaching the Portland Timbers in the Western Soccer League
Serving as an assistant coach for the US men's national team during the 1994 FIFA World Cup
* Playing a key role in developing the US women's national team program, including overseeing their first-ever World Cup victory
Impact and Legacy
Tony DiCicco left an indelible mark on American soccer. His dedication to growing the sport and his passion for developing talented players made him a beloved figure within the soccer community.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
DiCicco's quotes are widely sought after due to their insight into the world of soccer and the lessons he learned throughout his career. He was known for his straightforward, no-nonsense approach to coaching, as well as his ability to motivate players and inspire teams.
As a pioneer in American soccer, Tony DiCicco will always be remembered as a trailblazer who helped shape the sport into what it is today. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of coaches, players, and sports enthusiasts alike.
Quotes by Tony DiCicco
If you put good people around you, I guess you’re smart. You learn from them and that makes you a better coach.
Chemistry is a contribution that teammates make to each other, but it’s also something a coach can create or facilitate.
Coaching soccer, like disciplines including journalism, you’ll always learn if you’re open to it, you’ll learn from your players. If that’s being smart, fair enough.
I put myself around good people, including my assistant coaches. A lot of head coaches are intimidated by their assistant coaches, they’d rather get people that are far less talented than them because it’s not threatening.
Youth soccer is big business. If I don’t win, it doesn’t matter if I’m developing players, my business is going to hell.
I don’t know how smart I am, but I was a student of the game and I still watch games and still pick up things. If you watch individual players you will see genius.
You can’t have assistant coaches who aren’t loyal – but you can learn a lot from your assistant coaches.
I don’t blame the players, I don’t blame the parents, I blame programs and I blame the coaches.
The smartest thing is knowing that I don’t know it all and that there’s more to learn.