Women's Soccer 8/1/2023 12:00:00 AM

Ylber Mezani Named Interim Women’s Soccer Head Coach

Abington, Pa. – Penn State Abington Director of Athletics, Intramurals and Recreation Erin Foley has named Ylber Mezani the Interim Head Women's Soccer Coach for the upcoming 2023 season. Mezani replaces former head coach Daniel Mannella who stepped down from the position to pursue other opportunities.

"We are excited to see Ylber take over the reins of the women's soccer program here at Abington," said Foley. "As an assistant for the men's soccer team, Ylber has been an essential piece to the team's success and has played a key role in recruiting, fundraising and alumni relations with the program. Ylber is a great teacher of the game, and our players will benefit from his development and leadership. We look forward to him leading the team this fall."

Foley continues, "I'd also like to thank Dan for his six years of service helping develop and grow our women's soccer program. I wish him the best in his future endeavors."

Mezani has been an assistant coach for the men's soccer program since 2020 and has helped guide the team to back-to-back United East semifinal appearances. He has been in charge of recruiting highly competitive student-athletes to Abington that fit the team's program academically and athletically. He's also helped develop game day strategies, analyzing the strength and weaknesses of opposing teams while also working alongside head coach Pat Morris on creating competitive training sessions throughout the season. In addition, Mezani is also tasked with collecting and distributing team scouting and film breakdown of games as well as help coordinate and attend alumni events and fundraising activities.

"I am very excited and looking forward to start this new journey," said Mezani. "I want to thank Erin Foley for the opportunity to take the lead as the head coach of the women's soccer program. I have been part of the Penn State Abington athletics department for a few years and I am looking forward to this next chapter in my career."

Prior to Abington, Mezani coached at Manor College and Springside Chestnut Hill High School. He has been involved in youth club coaching for over a decade and currently coaches multiple teams at United Philly Soccer Club.

A native of Albania, Mezani moved to the United States at the age of 17 and attended Kensington High School for his senior year. He then attended and player soccer at the collegiate level at Manor College for two seasons before transferring to Arcadia University to finish his studies in Communication in 2005.

While at Arcadia, Mezani was a member of the Hall of Fame team that played in consecutive NCAA Division III Tournaments and made it to the round of 16 and national quarterfinals.

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