Raso hired as DYSA's U13-19 Director of Coaching
Durango, Colorado - June 29, 2017 - The Durango Youth Soccer Association (DYSA) has hired Amanda Raso as its new Director of Coaching (DOC) for the U13-19 age groups. Raso, who is the current Fort Lewis College Women’s Soccer Assistant Coach, has been serving as Interim DOC since May of 2017, and as the DYSA Director of Goalkeepers since spring of 2016. She will join Joanna Tucker, DYSA’s U9-U12 Director of Coaching, in supporting DYSA’s coaches, players and families. DYSA Technical Director Kate Stahlin said, "Raso brings dedication, hard work, passion, college and youth coaching experience, and formal education to DYSA.”
Raso is a former Fort Lewis College women's soccer standout and returned to coach the Skyhawks in 2015. She has earned the NSCAA National Diploma, NSCAA Level 1 and 2 Goalkeeper Diploma, and the USSF D License. Raso works primarily with the goalkeepers as the top assistant for head coach Jimmy Hall. She is also involved in the Durango High School soccer program, as an assistant coach, working closely with DHS head coach Dalon Parker. Raso’s connections to FLC and DHS are a benefit to DYSA players and she provides another source for advice about both high school and college playing opportunities, along with DYSA Board members Hall, Parker and FLC Head Men’s Coach Dave Oberholtzer.
“Amanda has everything that we are looking for in a DOC,” said DYSA Board President Charlie Milliet. She is tenacious, a straight shooter and has fantastic experience. Amanda is also a very driven individual. We are very happy to have her on our team. “
DYSA strives for continual growth and improvement within the club to better the experience for its members. With the addition of Raso, the club is again heading in a positive direction in the strengthening of its club culture, values, and coach and player development. As a four-year letter winner and a two-year starter for the Skyhawks, Raso earned Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference Academic Honor Roll accolades in 2011, 2012 and 2013. She played in 43 games between the posts, the seventh most all-time in program history. Raso ranks second in the career record books in best winning percentage (.744), third in most wins (26), fifth in most shutouts (11) and best goals against average (.971), and seventh in most minutes played (3,614) and saves (126). She graduated from Fort Lewis College in 2014 with a degree in Psychology, earning Dean's List honors four times.
DYSA takes pride in being a positive influence in the community with its direct impact on its membership, with the club’s community service initiative the GOAL (Go Out And Lead) program, and with the Durango Shootout Soccer Tournament. In 2017 the city of Durango welcomed 138 youth soccer teams from across the western United States to the Shootout. Teams from Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona, and Utah, along with their families and friends, travel annually to Durango to enjoy the soccer festival atmosphere and a getaway vacation. The three-day tournament provides a strong boost to our local economy and our ever-growing soccer community. DYSA is excited for the upcoming Fall 2017 - Spring 2018 soccer season, including another great Durango Shootout (May 11-13, 2018). “I am very excited to continue to work with Joanna and Amanda“ said Stahlin, “I want to thank our members for all their support and we look forward to creating a stronger club.”