Allen Duda has been named the new women’s soccer coach at Carlow University.
| Marketing and Communications | For Immediate Release |
| Drew Wilson, Director, Media Relatiosn | December 08, 2017 |
| 412.578.2095 (phone) | |
| 412.260.6807 (cell) | |
| 412.578.2080 (fax) | |
| agwilson@carlow.edu |
Allen Duda, Former Standout at Westminster and Peters Twp., Will Lead Celtics
Pittsburgh, Pa. – The Carlow University Department of Athletics is pleased to announce that Allen Duda has been hired as the new head coach of its women’s soccer program.
Duda has more than 20 years of coaching experience, including four current positions. In 2017, he guided the Baldwin High School varsity boys’ soccer team and was named the WPIAL AAAA Section 2 Co-Coach of the Year. He also works as the Director of Elite Development Academy at Pittsburgh Football Club, trains athletes at Next Level Soccer Training, and owns and directs Duda Enterprises, Inc.
“I was very happy coaching high school soccer, but sometimes an opportunity comes along that you simply can’t refuse,” Duda said. “Carlow University is one of the few places that could have enticed me to leave high school coaching. It has a fantastic atmosphere and a reputation as a great place to teach. I’ve been very impressed with the school leadership. I am very excited and grateful for the opportunity to coach soccer at Carlow University.”
Duda, a graduate of Slippery Rock University with a bachelor’s degree in physical education and sports management, was a volunteer assistant coach with Celtics in 2017.
“Coach Duda will be an excellent addition to our soccer program,” Carlow Director of Athletics George Sliman said. “He has worked with the team in the offseason, so there is already a comfort level between him and our current student-athletes and coaches.”
Duda takes over for Marcus Pollidore, who has guided the Celtics to one KIAC Championship and several of the program’s all-time best seasons in his 10 years as head coach. Since Carlow started its men’s program in 2016, Pollidore has been serving as the head coach of both the men’s and the women’s teams. Beginning in 2018, Pollidore will continue as the men’s head coach, while Duda will take over the women’s team. Each will be an assistant coach on the other’s staff.
Duda has also coached at Westmoreland County Community College, Bethel Park Middle School, High School, and Soccer Association; Peters Township High School and Soccer Association; Beadling Soccer Club, and Penn Hills Forest Football Club.
As a player, Duda was named a Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference All-Star as a center midfielder at Westminster College and a Parade All-American as a striker at Peters Township High School.
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About Carlow University
Carlow is a private, co-educational, Catholic university located in the heart of Pittsburgh’s “Eds, Meds, and Tech” district. Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Carlow’s graduates, curricula, and partnerships reflect its strong commitment to social justice; ethical, forward-thinking and responsible leadership; and service to the community that has a meaningful impact. Undergraduate and graduate degrees are offered in three colleges: Health and Wellness, Leadership and Social Change, and Learning and Innovation. Carlow graduates are in demand for their professional expertise, in fields ranging from nursing, the sciences, and perfusion technology to counseling, education, and forensic accounting; their entrepreneurial spirit and creative mindset; and their ability to manage change. Carlow’s eleven athletic teams are known as the Celtics, a reflection of the university’s Irish heritage and roots.