WATERBURY, Conn. -- After four years as the assistant coach under former Post University Women's Soccer Head Coach Stephanie Demake, Renato Topalli has taken over the reins of the program heading into the 2023 season.

The announcement comes after Demake's departure to join Jason Lowe's staff as an assistant coach in the Boston College Women's Soccer program in June. 

Topalli will look to build off the gradual improvement the Eagles have made over the past three seasons which culminated in their highest single-season win total since 2015 last year with a 9-9-1 finish and the third seed in the Central Atlantic Collegiate Conference Tournament. 

"I am thrilled and honored to be announced as the new women's soccer coach at Post University. As we embark on this journey together, my goal is to foster a culture of excellence, teamwork, and determination. I am committed to guiding our talented athletes to achieve their full potential on and off the field. With the unwavering support of the school, the players, and our dedicated fans, I am confident that we will create a legacy of success. Together, we will strive for greatness and make our mark," said Topalli. 

"I would also like to thank Ronnie Palmer and the entire Post Athletic Administration team for their trust, support, and belief in my vision for the women's soccer program. Go Eagles!"

While working as an assistant coach at Post, Topalli spent six years as the head coach of the Girl's Soccer team at Wilton High School, helping lead the Warriors to the FCIAC Finals in 2021 before a remarkable CIAC Class LL State Championship run saw 10-seeded Wilton go all the way to the championship match where they would tie nine-seeded Staples for the state title, 0-0. 

Before coming to Post as an assistant, Topalli also spent three seasons with conference rival Bridgeport University as an assistant coach from 2015-2017. 

Since 2013, Topalli has been involved in a number of roles with CT Rush Soccer, spending four years as the General Manager (2017-2021) and four years prior to that as the Director of Coaching (2013-2017) as well as Tournament Director, a position he has held since 2015. 

Topalli is a 2012 graduate of Central Connecticut State University with a bachelors in Business Management and earned his masters in general business education from Sacred Heart University in 2013.