Nowhere to go but up for Jeannette girls soccer under new coach

By: Andrew John
Wednesday, August 21, 2019 | 8:56 PM

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The Jeannette girls soccer program will have a new coach this season, but it will be a familiar name as Delaney Cortazzo takes over.

Cortazzo, a 2013 Jeannette graduate, played soccer, basketball and softball for the Jayhawks. Cortazzo was named coach in late July after Brian Snively resigned.

In college, Cortazzo played softball at Fairmont State before transferring to Seton Hill, where she had a productive career.

“I’ve always wanted to be a coach, especially somewhere where I was a player. I know what it was like to be both an athlete and now a coach, as well. I think I was what the kids needed,” Cortazzo said.

“Once a Jayhawk, always a Jayhawk.”

Cortazzo will be joined by another Jayhawks alum as Sydney Pecoraro was named an assistant coach. Pecoraro played soccer at Waynesburg.

In high school, Cortazzo was a three-time recipient of the hustle award for the soccer team. She wants to make sure her players bring the same effort in every practice and game.

“For the seniors, I want them to be good leaders and role models for the incoming freshmen, sophomores and juniors. I want them to be disciplined, so I want them to come to every practice,” Cortazzo said.

“I want them to give me 110% no matter what. I don’t care if you’re the best player on this team, if you’re not giving me 110% like the other girls, then I’m not going to play you. That’s all I ask: for them to give me 110%.”

Last season, the Jayhawks finished 1-12-1 overall and went winless in Section 1-A. They only scored 14 goals. Jeannette defeated McKeesport, 3-2, and tied Monessen, 1-1, in the final game of the season.

Jeannette has five seniors and will be led by senior midfielder Hannah Streussnig, senior defender Abbie Pohl, junior goalkeeper Aubree Etling and junior defender Alora Dunmire.

The Jayhawks will look for an immediate impact from freshman midfielder Zoey Vincent.

Cortazzo is excited for her program’s continuity.

“It’s very beneficial since most teams have those seniors that are leaving. We will have these kids for a couple of years and get to train them the way we want for at least two more years,” Cortazzo said.

Jeannette opens the season at 11 a.m. Aug. 31 at home against Mt. Pleasant in nonsection play. The Jayhawks open Section 1-A action at 7 p.m. Sept. 4 at home against Shady Side Academy.

“We got a very late start since I got hired late,” Cortazzo said. “These kids are getting better every practice, but we might need a couple more weeks and I think we’re going to be great.”

Tags: Jeannette