Women’s Soccer Head Coach Alex Mendolia secured the opportunity of a lifetime during the summer of 2024 as he joined the support staff of the United States Women’s National Team.  Specializing in scouting, Mendolia analyzed the opponents faced by the USWNT and presented the information he gathered in a manner that allowed both the staff and players to best implement it on gameday.  Joining The Dolphin Pod, Mendolia shared some of the details of his journey as a player, coach, and finally, as a member of the support staff on the USWNT.  His journey in Paris culminated with a one-in-a-lifetime experience as the team won a gold medal, and alongside podcast host Joseph Foreman, the duo also explored what might be next for Mendolia and the CSI Women’s Soccer program.

Mendolia’s journey with the USWNT began when he was connected with the team through the help of some of his mentors that remain closely affiliated with the professional game.  “There’s so much detail that goes into preparing for games,” Mendolia said.  “The methods behind that preparation are so valuable to performance, and implementing the principles needed to compete at a high level was our primary focus heading into Paris.”  Though the Olympics began in July, a busy year for the USWNT began long before that, all in the midst of preparation for a run at a gold medal.  When asked about the mentality of the players and staff entering the Olympics, Mendolia recounted the storied history of US Women’s Soccer and the expectations that come along with being a part of such an endeavor.  “With the history of World Cup wins and a history of gold medals, the mindset surrounding the team was centered around going into the Olympics and seeing how far the team could go under what was a new staff.”

The USWNT opened the Olympics with the team securing an early lead against Zambia before Mallory Swanson scored twice in a 90-second window.  Describing what is was like to be a part of a moment like that, Mendolia recalled what he described as a “surreal feeling.”  Despite this, he and the rest of the staff remained focused on the reality that the team “needs to take care of business in the group stages in order to have a chance at a medal.”  Following another decisive victory over Germany in the team’s second outing, Mendolia and the rest of the analytical staff continued to remain committed to what he described as a “growth mindset.”  “As much as it was a great win, there is always room to improve and areas to grow,” he continued.  “It’s something that for me as a coach that is so enjoyable to be around.”

With a chance to win the group stage, the team once again never trailed in a victory against Australia.  This was followed by a pair of tense wins over Japan and Germany, two games that were admittedly unlike anything Mendolia had ever gone through as a coach.  “When you’re in a knockout round stage, there’s always the possibility that you can be the better team and not get the result you want,” he said.  “There’s a lot of anxiety that comes with that which is never easy, but we were very fortunate to have players come into position to score and end those games the way they did.”  Finally, the team went on to face Brazil in the gold medal game which ended in their third consecutive 1-0 victory.  Describing the exhilaration that comes with winning a gold medal, the Mendolia had a tough time putting it into words.  “Brazil is a fantastic team with World Cup potential, and picking up a win against a team of that caliber was special,” he said.  “Experiencing the thrill of a win like that one around people who have gone through the same experience alongside you from the beginning is really difficult to describe.”

Mendolia not only returns home as part of a gold medal-winning team, but he finally returns home after a lengthy time away from his family.  “It’s hard being away, but my family is very supportive of me,” he said.  However, he also viewed the experience and time away as an opportunity for growth.  “I always look for ways to grow and contribute in some capacity,” he continued.  “Where I would like to go next is anywhere that keeps me growing in the game.”  Also waiting for him back home is a CSI Women’s Soccer program that is hoping to make their debut in the conference playoffs next season, but the team graduated a senior class filled with key contributors in 2024.  Looking at the level of competition in the ECC, Mendolia was “thrilled to embrace the challenge” that lies ahead.  “Taking over a Division II program takes time, and I’m excited to see the new players contribute in the way I envision as we continue to become more competitive and build our brand within the community.”

Mendolia will enter his third season as head coach when the CSI Women’s Soccer program begins the 2025 season later this year.  For the latest on the program, monitor the team’s landing page here throughout the summer.  The team’s 2025 schedule will be added to the schedule page here as soon as it becomes available.  Those interested can also sign up for the 2025 Women’s Soccer Skills Clinic now!  View the graphic below for more information.

– Story courtesy of CSI Athletics