Quaranta named Spirit Academy – Baltimore Armour technical director

Boyds, MD (Via Washington Spirit) – Former U.S. Men’s National Team and Major League Soccer player Santino Quaranta has been appointed as the new Technical Director of Washington Spirit Academy – Baltimore Armour.

Quaranta, who is also the co-founder of Pipeline Soccer Club in Maryland, has served as assistant coach of the Spirit Academy – Baltimore Armour U-15 team throughout the inaugural U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy season.

He will now take on an expanded role in the Spirit Academy program, taking over for Denise Reddy, who has been named the new head coach of National Women’s Soccer League club Sky Blue FC.

“I’m very excited to be involved with the Spirit brand and help create a world class environment,” Quaranta said. “The opportunity to work in the Girls’ DA helping players develop with a clear pathway to youth national teams and college is fantastic.”

Quaranta was drafted No. 8 overall in the 2001 MLS SuperDraft at age 16, becoming the youngest player at the time to enter the league. He scored 25 goals during his MLS career with D.C. United, LA Galaxy and the New York Red Bulls. He also earned 15 caps with the U.S. National Team, scoring a goal in the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Honduras.

While coaching at Pipeline, Quaranta’s youth teams have risen to national prominence in recent years, winning titles in the Maryland State Cup, Disney Soccer Showcase, US Youth Soccer National Championships and other prestigious events. He also coaches with the Baltimore Armour boys’ academy, which has grown into one of the strongest U.S. Soccer Development Academy programs on the East Coast since its launch in 2015.

Spirit Academy teams will close out the first half of the 2017-2018 season by traveling to Lakewood Ranch, Florida to compete in the U.S. Soccer Girls’ Development Academy Winter Showcase from December 6-10.