In six months Lisa Cole had guided the Digicel Kula team to the recent Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) Women’s nation’s Cup final held in Suva.

Although they lost 2-1 to Papua New Guinea, the American is proud of her side.

Cole had joined the side in January and her contract was officially over a day af­ter the final, July 31st.

To be a football coach was always on her list; she was fortunate to have had coaches who inspired her to follow her dream.

“I have always wanted to be a coach,” Cole said.

“The football field is a safe space for me, I am able to find joy in the game and con­nect with teammates who became great friends, family.

“I started coaching actually at a young age; this started when I was assisting a parent who didn’t know the game well but wanted to help with his daughter’s team.

“I assisted in demonstrating moves, as­sisted them in their kicking and pacing skills. I fell in love with coaching. It’s really fun to watch people grow in the game and see their confidence grow.”

Fiji Football Association chief execu­tive officer said they will have to review reports at the end of the month during the board meeting to decide on Cole’s fate whether to extend or contract or not.

Cole flies out tomorrow.

10 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT LISA COLE

1. She is 49 years-old and single.
2. Originally from Kent, Washington, United States of America, she grew up there.
3. She holds a US Soccer Federation (USSF) A License and a UEFA International License
4. She was an assistant and then head coach of the Boston Breakers, an Americal professional club based in Boston.
5. She was an assistant coach at the Houston Dash, Washington Spirit and also an assistant at Florida State
6. Cole has worked with youth national teams in the US.
7. She coached the Papua New Guinea’s U20’s in 2016 when they hosted the World Cup,
8. Before coaching the Fiji women’s team she was in charge of all women’s football in Antigua and Barbuda.
9. In the college game she started her career at Ole Miss, then went to University of Connecticut.
10. She coached semi pro with the SoccerPLUS CT Reds and have worked with numerous youth organisations most currently with Center Soccer Association and Mountain District Union.

Feedback: sereana.salalo@fijisun.com.fj