Reading time: 3 minutes

The Maryville University Department of Athletics has announced Lori Chalupny, World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist, as head coach-designate for the Saints women’s soccer program. She will succeed head coach Eric Delabar following the 2017 season, when Delabar plans to transition to the assistant coach role.

Chalupny is one of the most decorated women’s soccer players from St. Louis, and earlier announced her retirement as a player. Most recently, she played professionally with the Chicago Red Stars of the NWSL. Chalupny was a member of the United States Women’s National Team which won the 2015 World Cup in Canada, and earned 106 caps for the USWNT. Chalupny played in the USA’s contest against Colombia during the World Cup, and scored a goal in a 2015 exhibition game versus New Zealand played at Busch Stadium. She also earned a gold medal in the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games as part of the U.S. women’s soccer team.

“We are thrilled to have a coach of Lori’s ability and character commit to the Maryville women’s soccer program,” President Mark Lombardi, PhD, said. “Working with Eric, she will lead our program to great success in the Great Lakes Valley Conference and beyond.”

“I have such a passion for soccer, and I am excited to share that passion with the next generation of players here in my hometown.”
~ Lori Chalupny, Head Coach-Designate

“I have really enjoyed my last three seasons coaching at Maryville, and I am very thankful for the opportunity to continue to build the program,” Chalupny said. “I believe strongly in the mission that the athletics programs and university present to student-athletes. As a player, it was tough to say goodbye to the sport that has given me so much but I always knew I wouldn’t be far from the soccer field. I have such a passion for soccer, and I am excited to share that passion with the next generation of players here in my hometown.”

Read about the longtime soccer teamwork between Delabar and Chalupny.

Chalupny first joined the University as an assistant coach for the Saints women’s soccer team in August 2013. Previously, she served as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Washington University in St. Louis from 2010-12.

As a student-athlete at Nerinx Hall High School in Webster Groves, Mo., Chalupny was ranked by Soccer America as the No. 2 player in the nation. She was a two-time Parade Magazine High School All-America and twice earned All-State honors for the Markers.

Chalupny went on to a standout college career at the University of North Carolina, completing her eligibility in 2006. For the Tar Heels, she was a three-time All-American, and helped the team win the 2003 National Championship. A three-time All-Atlantic Coast Conference selection, she scored 30 goals and had 32 assists during her career with the Tar Heels. Chalupny earned her BA in sociology from UNC in 2013.

Chalupny played two seasons with the St. Louis Athletica of the WPS, served as team captain, and was a WPS All-Star. She also spent two years with the WPS’s Atlanta Beat. Chalupny signed with AIK Fotboll Dam, and played one season in the Swedish professional league.

As a member of the 2002 United States Under-19 World Championship team, Chalupny scored eight goals in competition with the U.S. Women’s National Team. She played in four games in the 2008 Summer Olympics, and scored a goal in a 4-2 victory over Japan in the semifinals.