ST. LOUIS, MO (October 28, 2009) – Kia McNeill is never far from a soccer field. The Athletica defender just won’t stay away from the game she loves, and this fall is no different. Even before this past WPS season ended McNeill knew she would be returning to her alma mater, and she would be returning as a coach.

This fall McNeill is working as the assistant coach for the Boston College Women’s team, a team that she played for just two years ago.

“I can really relate and connect with the players on a level that the other coaches may not be able to,” said McNeill. “It wasn't too long ago that I was in the shoes of these girls, and I still know what it is like to be a player.”

McNeill’s Boston College squad is currently ranked 8th in the nation. To date they have posted a record of 14-2-1 as they enjoy one of the best seasons in the program’s history. Boston College opened the year with a ten game unbeaten streak in which they scored 37 goals while only allowing one.

McNeill is adjusting to life in the coaching world. The long hours of preparation and the inability to be in the game are something she is learning to deal with.

“You don't realize how much work goes on behind the scenes until you are actually a part of it,” stated McNeill. “So far I am loving being on the coaching side of things, although it is tough sitting on the sidelines from time to time.”

Sitting is not something that Kia McNeill will ever get used to, but seeing soccer through the eyes of a coach will help her on the WPS playing field.

“Obviously watching the game from the sidelines gives you a different perspective,” reflected McNeill. “Coaching is teaching me to become more of a student of the game, which becomes especially important at the professional level. I really think this experience will help my game progress next year with Athletica.”

McNeill also deals with the day-to-day realities of coaching, which means handling all the details whether big or small. Coach McNeill’s duties include; field set up, individual workout sessions, warm-ups, post-game workouts, monitoring weight room workouts, and jumping into scrimmages during practice when needed. McNeill has one duty though that is close to her heart.

“The most meaningful responsibility I have is the games we play in accordance with a community outreach program,” said McNeill. “We have a player on our team whose father passed away from ALS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, this past summer. We wanted to have a game that was played in his honor. Earlier this year we had a game called "The Gold Game" that was played in his honor and we raised over $2,000 towards the cause. We played in gold uniforms, and auctioned off various items, including a Hope Solo national team jersey. To this day donation checks keep coming in, which is very exciting.”

Kia McNeill’s Boston College Eagles finish up play in the ACC with games against Duke on October 29, and Wake Forest on November 1. Next up for McNeill’s Eagles will be the ACC Tournament followed by the NCAA Women’s Soccer Championships.