Sports have long been plagued with a double standard when it comes to coaching positions for men and women.
In recent years the culture has begun to shift around the world and on campus as more women are given the opportunity to coach men’s sports.
Charliana Criscuolo, a senior nursing major, was unsure whether or not football would still be a part of her life after she graduated high school. Her earliest memories came from childhood watching New York Jets games and analyzing box scores in the newspaper the next day with her dad.
It was when she joined the football team at North Branford High School as team manager when her passion truly began to grow. Unfortunately, for a time it was uncertain if she would get the chance to continue.
“I reached out to all the schools I was applying to and none of the coaches got back to me”, says Criscuolo.
She was preparing for her senior prom when she got a call from an unknown Massachusetts number and all her questions were answered.
It was head football coach Tom Godek who had seen a video Charliana created with highlights of her career as manager and he instantly knew she’d be an addition to the team.
“We’re always looking for student help. I did a google search and found a YouTube video with some if things she did in high school and being an athlete herself it just seemed like a great fit,” says Godek.
Charliana was brought on the team as an Operations Manager and made history as the first female football coach in program history.
She was a little nervous but nonetheless thrilled to find a team and school to call home. At first the idea of her being several years younger than some of the players was a bit intimidating but she quickly realized she had nothing to fear.
“This team is the most respectful and helpful I’ve ever worked with,” says Criscuolo.
Ryan Soules, wide receiver, a business administration major met Charliana when they both arrived to the team in 2021. Before arriving, Soules had never thought about the possibility of having a female coach. It was something he had not experienced in his high school career or seen much as a fan of the NFL and college football.
Regardless, he was more than open to the opportunity and understood that they were both entering a situation they had not been in before.
“It was a little different, but not in a negative way. We just made sure we did everything to make her feel accepted and comfortable,” says Soules.
Work ethic, organization, and keeping an open mind are a few of the qualities that ascended her from Operations Manager to Assistant Wide Receivers Coach in a short amount of time. As an Operations Manager she was only required to attend training camp for two hours a day, but she elected to stay for the entire duration.
“I think a lot of it had to with her sitting in on our meetings, watching film on her own and listening to our primary receivers coach, Devonte Jenkins.” says Soules.
Charliana’s college experience has been quite unique juggling between being a full time student and Assistant Wide Receivers Coach. She was able to be so disciplined and prepared as a coach when you look at her academic accomplishments.
“It took me having a mindset that nothing could be pushed off and sometimes that means staying up late or studying in the weight room,” says Criscuolo.
Her devotion to excellence and tremendous work ethic will carry on to her life as she plans to go back to her high school in North Branford to coach or even look for an opportunity at a larger program.
For now, she intends to return to her position as the Assistant Wide Receivers Coach next fall while she continues her studies. The football program at the university truly feels like home to her now.
“Football has given so much and it is my outlet. As crazy as it is or how it sounds it is truly my happy place,” says Criscuolo.
Charliana made history as the first female football coach at the university. She is an inspiration for all women to chase after your dreams even if society tells you they are unrealistic.
“Put your head down and work as hard as possible. Stay true to yourself and be confident,” says Criscuolo.
