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Former US women’s national team head coach Tony DiCicco passed away yesterday due to an unnamed illness, as announced by his son Anthony DiCicco on twitter.
Of course he is often remembered for coaching the USWNT during their historic 1999 World Cup win, but he was heavily involved at almost every level of American soccer throughout his life, and his devotion to the game shows in how many players and coaches from different eras and areas expressed their condolences.
@DiCiccoMethod Great coach, amazing man! We were so fortunate to have him be our teacher/leader. His lessons and love will never leave us.
— Mia Hamm (@MiaHamm) June 20, 2017
Love and prayers to your family! What an amazing man and mentor. So thankful I had the opportunity to play for him. https://t.co/wjCKoo01E8
— Leslie Osborne (@LeslieOsborne12) June 20, 2017
Tony was an amazing coach,mentor,and friend. Even more,he was an amazing man and father.I will miss him. Im so sorry to the DiCicco family❤️ https://t.co/pzRpTGBDHm
— cat whitehill (@catwhitehill4) June 20, 2017
Tony was one of the finest to grace this planet. His spirit will indeed live in us all Anthony. I smile thru the tears. His impact, immense. https://t.co/HYIbvwbSrV
— Julie Foudy (@JulieFoudy) June 20, 2017
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
An absolute pioneer of the game. Today is a very sad day. Integrity. Passion. Love. Everyday. We owe it to Tony. https://t.co/993EuuYSEX
— Heather O'Reilly (@HeatherOReilly) June 20, 2017
So sad to hear such terrible news. A wonderful, kind man who gave everything to the women's game. I enjoyed working with him. A huge loss https://t.co/V9MOO3ReJk
— Emma Hayes MBE (@emmahayes1) June 20, 2017
I almost quit soccer until Tony and his staff convinced me to give it one more try... so happy I listened and played for the legend #RIP pic.twitter.com/BVYcl1gtXW
— Katie Schoepfer (@KatieShep12) June 20, 2017
American soccer lost a true original. RIP Tony DiCicco. https://t.co/vyFfYhfFBF
— Alexi Lalas (@AlexiLalas) June 20, 2017
Sending lots of love to you and your family. Your Dad was an incredible person and coach. His mark will always remain in this world.
— Aly Wagner (@alywagner) June 20, 2017
So sad to hear about coach #TonyDiCicco. A LEGEND for the game. Every time we saw each other we had great conversations about the game & GKs https://t.co/euzYI5XSPS
— Karina LeBlanc (@karinaleblanc) June 20, 2017
Tony DiCicco played an integral role in getting our program to where it is now. I am very appreciative of him and his contribution. Sad day.
— Becky Sauerbrunn (@beckysauerbrunn) June 20, 2017
DiCicco was involved in all three professional women’s leagues in the United States, whether it was as commissioner of WUSA, head coach of the Boston Breakers in WPS, or as an adviser to the Houston Dash in NWSL. He coached the U20 USWNT to a World Cup victory in 2008 and coached in WPSL, as well as serving on US Soccer’s Technical Advisory Board. On top of his multiple accolades, he was a constant advocate for the women’s game who helped make it what it is today in the United States.