Breakers President Joe Cummings Named NSCAA CEO and Executive Director

Joe Cummings, president and general manager of the Boston Breakers franchise of Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS), has been named as the new CEO and executive director for the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

His selection was announced today by NSCAA President Randy Waldrum, the women’s soccer coach at the University of Notre Dame.

“Joe Cummings is the face of the Boston Breakers,” said Breakers managing partner Michael Stoller. “He single-handedly brought the Breakers back, and his passion drove others to bring WPS into existence."

"I have enjoyed working with Joe these past two years, and we would not have gotten through the first kickoff without his drive and leadership. It is tough to see him go, but I am very happy for him as this a wonderful opportunity in an organization that he has also been equally passionate about."

Cummings will be presented to the NSCAA Board of Directors at its semi-annual meeting this weekend in Baltimore, Md., and will assume his new duties in early September after the conclusion of the WPS season.

"Joe Cummings is an experienced soccer executive with a wealth of knowledge and a talent for managing people," said WPS Commissioner Tonya Antonucci. "His successes are too many to mention and we wish him all the best and look forward to working with him in his new position, where he will be a top-notch leader for the NSCAA, one of the grassroots partners for WPS."

An NSCAA member since 1981, Cummings served as the Association’s president in 2004. His career has touched soccer at every level of the game, from youth club teams to the men’s and women’s professional ranks. He currently serves as president and general manager of the Boston Breakers of Women’s Professional Soccer.

He held the same position for the club’s tenure under the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) banner from 2000 to 2003, twice earning the league’s Executive of the Year award (2002, 2003). He also has had two stints with the New England Revolution of Major League Soccer, first as its assistant general manager (1996-99), then as technical director (2004-05).

“What Joe Cummings offers to the role of NSCAA CEO and executive director is unique in its tremendous diversity, its depth of experience and the passion that he has for the Association,” said Waldrum. “We couldn’t ask for someone more qualified to assume the responsibilities of leading the world’s largest coaches association.”

“I want to thank the Selection Committee and Board of Directors for the confidence they have shown in me with this appointment,” said Cummings. “As a member of the NSCAA for nearly three decades, I view this as a wonderful opportunity. I look forward to joining the national office staff and continuing the outstanding work of the NSCAA."

Cummings began his coaching career more than 30 years ago by founding the Northboro (Mass.) Youth Soccer Association. In 1976, he moved into the high school ranks at his alma mater, Algonquin Regional High School. He led his boys squad to a league and district championship and the state semifinals, earning New England Regional Coach of the Year honors in 1983.

In 1983, he began a two-year stint as the men’s coach at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester. The Crusaders posted 10 wins in his second season there, matching the school record for single-season victories. He also was president and director of coaching for SOCCER SCENE, a youth club that produced five state championship teams.

In addition to his coaching and professional soccer background, Cummings brings significant administrative experience to the NSCAA. It includes working as the director of operations for the Birmingham venue of the 1996 Olympic Games soccer tournament, the 1999 Women’s World Cup and as venue manager for the Boston and Philadelphia venues for the 2003 Women’s World Cup.

He spent two years as the CEO and executive director of the Amesbury (Mass.) Sports Park/New England Soccer School/Sports Turf International and served as COO of Women’s Professional Soccer, lending his experience and expertise prior to its launch.

Cummings holds a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Providence College and a master’s in education from Springfield College. He and his wife, Ann Marie, have two sons, Joseph and Paul.

What's News is the alternate profile of Todd Civin and is used to post press releases of the WPS, the AHL and the CanAm Baseball league. Todd Civin is a freelance writer for the Bleacher Report. His stories can be reprinted only with permission by writing to [e-mail]. Todd is also a supporter of A Glove of Their Own—the award winning children's story that is capturing the heart of the nation. Visit www.agloveoftheirown.com to support the book which teaches children to Pay it Forward through baseball.