2013 USA Freedom Captain Announced

The USA Freedom coaching staff are extremely pleased to announce that Eileen Geoghegan of the Baltimore-Washington Eagles has been appointed as the new Captain of the USA Freedom women's national team.

At the 2012 49th Parallel Cup, it was announced that the reigning USA Freedom Captain, Judith Stein would be stepping down from the captaincy after 2 years at the reins. Judith was named 'Captain of the World' at the 2011 International Cup in Melbourne and her most recent efforts led the team to a momentous win over Canada at the 2012 49th Parallel Cup. Judith will continue to be a valued part of the playing squad with the Freedom in 2012.

Eileen comes from a soccer background, playing goal keeper for her Division 1 college team at Holy Cross in Worcester, Massachusetts. Eileen was first introduced to Footy through the local Ausball league in Baltimore in 2008 and played her first real game of Footy in 2009. "After one season of Ausball, I decided I wanted to try the next level." said Eileen, "With the help and encouragement of Judith Stein, I attended my first women's Footy tournament in Milwaukee and I was hooked!"

Eileen played an integral part of the Freedom team at the 2011 International Cup. She also participated in the AFL's Draft Combine for international team participants and acheived the second highest score for the Nathan Buckley Kicking Efficiency Test out of all the participants (men and women). Eileen was also named the DFAT Player of the Nation for the USA, the highlight of her career thus far. "I am excited and honored to have been named captain of the Freedom, but realize it is only possible through all the hard work of current and former leaders such as Kathryn Hogg, Wayne Kraska, Drea Casillas, Judith Stein, and many others." Eileen stated. "Women's footy has come so far and I'm really looking forward to helping take it to the next level and to returning to the International Cup in 2014!" she concluded.

"Eileen has impressed us all over the past 2 years with her football abilities and along with her undoubted passion to the game," said Head Coach, Leigh Barnes, "she brings a strong sense of commitment to the Freedom program and I believe that she will follow in Judith's footsteps and be a great leader for our team." he concluded.

Additionally, the Freedom have made changes to the coaching staff with Assistant Coach, Milli Bruce stepping down to concentrate on playing and a number of valuable additions to the staff. Minnesota Freeze women's coach, Dale Williams will join the ranks along with John Ironmonger, co-founder of the Santa Cruz/Golden Gate Roos and ex-VFL/AFL player for Fitzroy and the Sydney Swans. "Troy Anthony will continue to bring sanity and reason to the coaching panel, along with the cupcakes and Amy Bishop will once again steer us in the right direction as team manager as only she can," concluded Coach Barnes.

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