The U.S. Soccer Federation named April Heinrichs as the new head coach for the U.S. women’s national team. Heinrichs becomes just the fourth head coach in the 15-year history of the program and first female to hold the position. She will also hold the title of technical director, in charge of overseeing the women’s national teams on the under-16, under-18, under-21 and full national team levels. Heinrichs replaces Tony DiCicco who held the position from 1995-’99. Heinrichs captained the U.S. to the first-ever Women’s World Cup title in China in 1991. As part of the devastating front line dubbed “The Triple-Edge Sword,” Heinrichs along with Michelle Akers and Carin Gabarra carved up opposing defenses to kick-start a decade of world domination by the U.S. women. Heinrichs scored four goals in five matches during the 1991 Women’s World Cup, retiring after the tournament with 38 goals in 47 career games spanning 1886-91, her last international match coming in the 2-1 victory over Norway in the Women’s World Cup final. Heinrichs, 35, served as an assistant coach to DiCicco on both the 1995 Women’s World Cup team and during the 1996 Olympics, when the USA won the first-ever gold medal for women’s soccer. Heinrichs will leave her job as head coach at the University of Virginia where she compiled a 52-27-7 record and four NCAA tournament appearances in four seasons. Prior to moving to Virginia, she was the head coach at Maryland and at Princeton and holds a 116-73-15 overall college record. Heinrichs also coached the U.S. U-16 team for the past three years. “I am thrilled to be the U.S. women’s national team coach,” said Heinrichs. “It’s with great pride and pleasure that I take on this challenge. Being named the technical director for the U.S. women’s national teams programs will afford me the opportunity to build on the solid infrastructure already in place. I know there’s much to be done in the coming days and weeks and I’m looking forward to the first opportunity to get on the field with the players. That’s where I’m most at home.” Heinrichs becomes just the third woman to hold a head coaching job in elite women’s international soccer, joining Marika Domanski Lyfors of Sweden and Tina Theune-Meyer of Germany, who were the only female head coaches among the 16 teams at the 1999 Women’s World Cup. “There is no doubt that it was a difficult choice as we felt we had several very qualified candidates,” said U.S. Soccer President Dr. Robert Contiguglia. “But we also have no doubt that we made the right choice. April’s energy, leadership and commitment to the U.S. women’s national team programs are world class. We know she has the tools to help continue the tremendous success that our women have achieved in the international arena.” Heinrichs was the second woman and first female player to be inducted in the National Soccer Hall of Fame (1998). During her college career at the University of North Carolina, she guided the Tar Heels to three NCAA championships while scoring 81 goals with 57 assists, ending her career as the NCAA’s all-time leading scorer. That record has since been eclipsed by three of her national team players: Mia Hamm, Tiffeny Milbrett and Danielle Fotopoulos. She was a three-time first-team All-American and led UNC to an 85-3-2 record during her career. “The team is very excited to have April as our coach,” said U.S. co-captain Julie Foudy. “She is an unbelievable leader, motivator, and tactician. As a former captain and world champion with the national team, April is a proven winner. We look forward to training and working hard with her as we prepare for the Olympics.”