Legendary U.S. Women’s soccer coach Tony DiCicco passed away on Monday at the age of 68.
DiCicco is best known for leading the U.S. Women’s National Team to a gold medal in the 1996 Olympic Games and a first place finish in the 1999 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement on Twitter from his son, Anthony, DiCicco had been battling “health challenges.”
A statement from the DiCicco Family. pic.twitter.com/kBLKhdrWdH
— Anthony DiCicco (@DiCiccoMethod) June 20, 2017
Many of his former players posted tributes to the coach on social media.
Such sad news,Tony was great for the our game, we’re so fortunate. Thank you for taking a chance on me. My thoughts & prayers to the family💙 https://t.co/ndTwxvRrNq
— Christie Rampone (@christierampone) June 20, 2017
U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati spoke about the influential coach as well.
“Tony’s passion for the game as a coach, administrator and broadcaster was always evident, and his relationships with everyone in the soccer community distinguished him as a compassionate and much-loved man,” Gulati said. “U.S. Soccer will forever be thankful to Tony for his vast contributions to the game.” (ESPN)
It’s because of this team, led by this man, that future generations of American girls believed that they, too, could come out on top.
And that’s a life worth celebrating for a long time.
