Chicago, Ill. (April 20, 2022) – The Chicago Red Stars today announced the departure of assistant coach Julianne Sitch who will be joining the University of Chicago as the head coach of their men’s soccer team.
“Sitch has done an enormous amount to advance the women’s game, especially with her time at the Red Stars as a key player on the field and a quality professional coach. Her work ethic, passion and knowledge of the game has been fundamental to the team's success the past few seasons. Sitch will be missed but we wish her the best in this incredible opportunity. She is a trailblazer of the sport, both on and off the pitch. I’m personally grateful to have shared the field with her and I’m excited to see what she accomplishes in the future with the sport,” said Michelle Lomnicki, the Red Star’s Associate General Manager.
Sitch joined the Red Stars coaching staff in 2019 serving as an assistant coach for the first team and head coach for the Red Stars Reserves. In Sitch’s first year coaching the Red Stars Reserves, the team finished in first place in the Women’s premiere Soccer League Lake Michigan Conference with seven wins, one loss and two draws for a total of 23 points for the 2021 season.
“The Red Stars has always been a special place to me. I feel very fortunate to not only have represented the crest as a player but as a coach too. I have enjoyed my time working with the players and staff over the past seasons. They inspired and encouraged me to be at my best daily and for that I am thankful. I am going to miss being a part of this team, and I am excited to watch them crush it this season bringing home that championship!!! #MKOT,” said Sitch.
Sitch started her career with the Red Stars as a player during the 2010 Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) season and rejoined the team in the inaugural NWSL season in 2013. As a defender, Sitch played 31 games for the club totaling 2,329 minutes where she scored one goal and earned four assists. In 2013 she led the team in assists (4) and in minutes (1,567).
This will be Sitch’s second stint with the University of Chicago Maroons. She was the assistant coach for the women’s soccer team from 2015 to 2017 and again in 2019. Sitch helped lead the Maroons to back-to-back NCAA Final Fours (2016 and 2017). In 2016 the team tied the school record for wins with an 18-4-1 record, tied the school record for shutouts (14), set a new mark for lowest goals-against average (0.43).
A native of Oswego, Illinois, Sitch compiled record-setting numbers at DePaul University from 2002-05. Sitch broke the school's career records in points (90), goals (32) and assists (26). Her collegiate honors included Second Team NSCAA All-American (2003), Conference USA Player of the Year (2003) and First Team All-Big East (2005). She also was part of the U-21 USWNT that won the Nordic Cup in 2004.
The Chicago Red Stars thank Sitch for her years of service to the club as a player and coach, and wish her the best of luck with the Maroons.
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