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Former UMPI Alumni, John Ala, Takes the Helm as Head Women's Soccer Coach

PRESQUE ISLE, ME - The University of Maine at Presque Isle is excited to welcome John Ala, as the new head coach for the women's soccer team. Coach Ala will resume all coaching duties immediately. 

A proud UMPI alumnus from the class of 2002, Ala brings a wealth of coaching experience and a strong connection to the university and the community. With an impressive 20 years of high school soccer coaching under his belt, Ala has honed his skills and expertise in the game. His dedication to soccer is reflected in his coaching journey, which led him to the position of Assistant Coach for the UMPI women's team in 2019, where he served as the interim coach during the 2022 playoffs. 

Ala's commitment to professional development is evident through his attainment of various coaching diplomas. Holding both the NSCAA National Soccer Diploma and the NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, Ala has demonstrated his dedication to staying at the forefront of coaching techniques. Additionally, he proudly holds the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma, recently obtained in 2023, showcasing his commitment to excellence in the field. 

One of Ala's recent coaching triumphs came last year when he guided the Fort Fairfield High School varsity boys soccer team to the northern Maine runner-up position in the Class D state championship. This success not only underscores Ala's coaching prowess but also serves as a testament to his ability to lead teams to competitive heights.

As UMPI welcomes John Ala back to his alma mater, the anticipation is high for the positive impact he will bring to the women's soccer program. His combination of alma mater pride, extensive coaching experience, and connections in the recruiting realm both in and outside of the county make him a valuable asset to the UMPI athletic community. The university eagerly looks forward to the upcoming season under Coach Ala's guidance

"I am excited to take the next step in my coaching career with the UMPI Women's Team." Said Coach Ala, "Coaching college has always been a goal of mine, and I am so fortunate that I can do that at my Alma Mater. Playing 4 seasons for Coach Gordon, I loved the comradery, the team chemistry, tactics of the game and appreciated all that I learned playing soccer at the next level. My hope is to create a supportive and competitive culture where players leave with a rewarding collegiate soccer experience." 

Executive Director of Athletics and Recreation, Dan Kane spoke about the Owls new hire.  "We couldn't be more excited about Coach Ala moving into this head role for our women's soccer program. He has a proven track record of running successful programs and was instrumental to the success UMPI has seen in recent history. Coach Ala's strong history of coaching, love for UMPI, and ability to connect with his players make him a perfect fit to lead our program."

If you are interested in playing women's soccer for the University of Maine at Presque Isle please reach out to Coach Ala at John.Ala@maine.edu or Senior Admissions Specialist & Athletics Liaison, Kristijan Gavrilovski at kristijan.gavrilovskie@maine.edu.
 
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