Women's Soccer
- Title:
- Women's Soccer Volunteer Assistant Coach
- Email:
- ajames@athletics.pitt.edu
- Phone:
- 412-648-2095
After five seasons serving as a volunteer assistant coach, Anthony James has been promoted to assistant coach. Prior to accepting this role, James has gained familiarity with Pitt women’s soccer in his five years with the program. The Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago native has a combined 22 years of women’s soccer coaching experience, including 14 years at the collegiate level.
“Promoting Anthony from our volunteer position was a no-brainer,” said head coach Greg Miller. “Anthony has been loyal and dedicated to both me and our program since my start here, and I have relied on his knowledge and experience the last four years, albeit on a limited basis. The fact he is now full-time allows me to utilize him in a greater, more impactful capacity. The players and I really enjoy him already and are ecstatic he will be around all of the time now.”
James previously served as the head coach of Youngstown State (2004-08) and West Virginia Wesleyan (2000-04). In 2008, the Penguins experienced the most successful season at the Division I level so far, grabbing their first ever Horizon League playoff victory.
As head coach at West Virginia Wesleyan, he helped lead the Bobcats to a 55-25-3 record, including two West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference titles. James was the recipient of the WVIAC Coach of the Year award in both 2001 and 2003.
James spent time with Wheeling Jesuit, his alma mater, as a graduate assistant in 1994. He also built a prolific high school program in Wheeling Park High School. After joining the school in 1997, he led the team to two state titles in 1998 and 1999, the latter one an undefeated season. He was named the West Virginia High School Coach of the Year both seasons.
James has a strong prowess in the internationally. He was a former assistant coach with the Under-14 United States National Team. James has enhanced his coaching credentials with trips to Spain and Brazil, studying youth academies of programs such as Real Madrid, Athletico Madrid and Getafe in Spain and Flamengo, Botafogo, Fluminense and Tigres FC in Brazil.
Beyond the Bio
Favorite sports moment at Pitt?
Running onto the field to celebrate with the team after our overtime win against Wake Forest in 2015.
What is your favorite aspect of working in Pitt’s athletic department?
You get to work with extremely talented people every day, who are extremely passionate about what they do.
What do you love most about working in athletics?
The opportunity to affect the lives of young women.
If you could have dinner with three people, who would it be and why?
President Obama – just to get an idea of what it was like being president of such a powerful nation. Ronaldinho – to discuss what it was like growing up in Brazil, playing for the national team and for Barcelona. Andrea James – because she was one of the most intelligent women I have ever known.
Favorite quote?
Success is a journey.
