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LOWELL, Mass. – UMass Lowell Senior Associate Athletic Director Sandra Niedergall announced the appointment of Francesco D'Agostino as the new head coach of the River Hawks' women's soccer program on Wednesday, becoming the sixth coach in program history.
 
"Coach D'Agostino's passion for the players and the sport itself along with his successful record on the field proved to the committee that he was the coach for this position," explained Senior Associate Athletic Director Sandra Niedergall. "We look forward to the growth and success this program will have under his leadership."
 
D'Agostino recently concluded his third season as the head coach for the Boston Breakers Reserve Team of the Women's Professional Soccer League. In his tenure as head coach, the squad has produced three consecutive undefeated regular seasons, 2014-2016, and is coming off an undefeated National Championship Season. The Boston Breakers finished as National Semifinalists in 2015 and were crowned Regional Champions for the first time in D'Agostino's reign. In addition to his three consecutive New England Championship seasons, D'Agostino has coached 20 WPSL All-Star selections and has seen 12 players sign professional contracts around the world, including five in the National Women's Soccer League.
 
"I am very excited for this opportunity and I can't wait to get started," said D'Agostino. "This has been something I have wanted for a while, to be a collegiate Head Coach and start something with some of the people I have always talked about beginning a program with. I have to thank Christian (Figueroa) and Bob (Thompson) for the experience and success we had in the men's program that got me to this point. I would also like to thank the hiring committee, as they were very clear with what they expected and provided me with an opportunity to showcase what I can do. I am excited to get it going."
 
The Longmeadow, Mass. native first joined the UMass Lowell staff in 2014 as the assistant soccer coach and head recruiter for the men's soccer team. This past season, D'Agostino helped guide The River Hawks to their best finish in program history with a 13-1-2 clip. Additionally, the squad finished the season ranked No. 11 in the NCAA Poll and #3 in the RPI after winning the university's first America East Regular Season Championship. Following the successful campaign, he and his fellow coaches were named the America East Coaching Staff of the Year. As part of his recruiting duties, D'Agostino recruits wrapped up their freshman campaign receiving one Rookie of the Year honor, two First Team All-Region selections, one Second Team All-Region Honor and three America East All-Rookie Team selections.
 
In the summer of 2015, D'Agostino paired with the New England Football Club as both a coach and technical consultant, where he helped write the U-12 Academy Playing Curriculum which was accepted by US Soccer.
 
A four-year member of the James Madison University men's soccer team and a co-captain in 2008, D'Agostino played on highly competitive teams that were consistently in the DI Top-25 polls and ranked as high as No. 6 in 2004. His playing experience continued after college where he reached the semi-professional level in Italy, suiting up for Virtus Bitritto (2013), Melphicta Calcio (2012) and Molfetta Sportiva (2010-12). Continued playing ASL with Western MA Pioneers and Mass United FC.
 
He also ran Track at Longmeadow High School and holds 4x800m Longmeadow Track and Field Record.

His father, Thomas D'Agostino, and brother, Giancarlo, are youth soccer coaches. His father serves as the director of Farmington Soccer Academy, while his brother is coaching in Los Angeles. His sister, Bianca, was named the Connecticut Gatorade Player of the Year and was tabbed a two-time All-American at Wake Forest, where she captained the team to an ACC Championship. His brother, Tommaso, is currently playing professionally overseas.
 
He graduated from JMU with a Bachelor of Science degree in kinesiology and sports management in 2007. D'Agostino is working to obtain his UEFA A license in March.