Emma Firenze was hired in July 2018 and begins her first coaching role after a standout collegiate career that included seasons at Syracuse (2) and Ohio State (1) and concluded as a graduate student last year at Villanova.
 "I am very pleased to be adding Emma along to our staff," head coach Neel Bhattacharjee said. "She has played at a high level which includes tournament postseason play and will be able to relate to all of current players though her experiences. I was fortunate to have previously worked with Emma and I know she will be very positive role models for our student-athletes, and will bring an attacking and possession mindset to our group this fall."Â
A team captain for the Wildcats last fall, Firenze started all 18 games at midfield, leading Villanova through its BIG EAST schedule. In 2016, she played for the Big Ten member Buckeyes, starting 17 of 21 games in the midfield and helping the team advance to the second round of the NCAA tournament. At Syracuse, she played in 25 games during two college seasons, alongside older sister Jackie (2014, 2015).Â
Firenze starred at C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, graduating as the school's all-time scoring leader with 78 goals. During her tenure, Baker won five league titles, two sectional and regional crowns and reached the state semifinals two times. She was the three-time Central New York Player of the Year and a three-time all-state and NSCAA all-region selection. She was a six-time ODP Region 1 member and three-time ODP international team selection.Â
She earned her bachelor's degree in education, sport industry, from Ohio State in 2017. Â
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