West Geauga was happy to announce the hiring of former star and graduate Kori Chapic as its new girls soccer coach.
Athletic director Joe Leonette confirmed the hiring as one of the best athletes in the history of West G, boys or girls, will be back on the sideline.
Chapic had moved back to the area after graduating from Penn State in the spring with a degree in engineering. Chapic was a four-year starter for the Nittany Lions and played in a national championship game during her sophomore season. Chapic was also a member of the U20 Women’s National Team.
She had been coaching with the West Geauga Soccer Club, leading the 13U girls program when Leonette reached out to her to gauge her interest.
“She was the first name that popped into my head,” Leonette said. “She’s one of the best athletes to ever come out of West G. I reached out to her. I was happy when she said she was interested. She’s everything we want.
“I’m extremely excited. She’s an alum, but also has a very meaningful resume. It’s a great opportunity for the community and the program.”
Chapic also works for Turner Construction as she puts her engineering degree to good use.
Chapic replaces Joe DiLalla, who Leonette said would be non-renewed at the end of the school year.
It should be a smooth transition for Chapic, not just because of being a graduate and a star for the Wolverines during her playing days, but because of the support system also in place.
In January, West G announced the hiring of Mario Gerhardt for the boys program. Gerhardt has the most wins of any high school soccer coach in Ohio history. Also, Chapic’s former coach, Bill Bryan, helps run the West Geauga Soccer Club. Both Gerhardt and Bryan have agreed to provide Chapic with any help she may need.
“I spoke with Mario and Bill,” Leonette said. “They both plan on helping her out.”