Blayney Named Head Coach to lead Young Matildas Youth Programs
Blayney was named a three-time all-conference pick and the 2009 NEC Player of the Year.
Former Central Connecticut women's soccer standout Leah Blayney was recently appointed as the head coach of both the Young Matildas and Future Matildas youth programs of the Australia national women's soccer federation. Blayney was a three-time All-Northeast Conference First Team selection and the 2009 NEC Player of the Year during her career with the Blue Devils from 2007-09.
Blayney takes over the position after serving as an assistant coach with the Young Matildas during the past three years. Her past coaching experience includes spending time as an assistant coach with the Westfield Matildas as part of the FFA Female Coach Mentor Program and serving as a lead scout for Australia at the Rio Olympics and the recent Women's World Cup in France. Blayney has also been Head Coach of Football New South Wales' NTC Team and guided an Australia under-23 selection at last year's AFF Women's Championship held in Palembang, Indonesia.
Following her playing career at CCSU, Blayney played professionally for the Boston Breakers in the National Women's Soccer League, as well as spending time in Australia and Sweden. She was part of the Australia national team at the youth level in addition to earning 16 caps at the senior level.
Blayney recorded a total of 21 goals and 20 assists in three seasons with the Blue Devils. Her 62 points ranks fourth all-time in program history, while tying for third in assists. As a senior, she totaled 11 goals and 13 assists for 35 points, marks that all rank among the top five in CCSU single-season totals. Blayney helped Central to the NCAA Tournament in 2008 and a NEC regular season championship in 2009.
