WALTHAM, Mass. – Brandeis University women's soccer coach Denise Dallamora has announced her retirement after four decades as one of the pioneers in women's athletics at the Division III level. Dallamora, who took over in 1980 and has been the only coach in Brandeis women's soccer history, will officially retire on May 31, 2020.
Dallamora will conclude her career ranked ninth among active Division III coaches in total victories and 13th all-time in Division III history. She is 23rd on the NCAA's all-time list of career wins, regardless of Division. Dallamora retires as one of only three NCAA women's soccer coaches with 40 years or more of tenure at their school.
"I have beyond enjoyed my 40 years here at Brandeis University," Dallamora said. "I would not have traded my experiences for the world. I have been so lucky to be able to do what I love to do at a place that is dear to my heart. Working with these amazing young women has been extremely gratifying. I'm leaving here honored that I was able to be a part of such an incredible program and university."
Director of Athletics Lauren Haynie recognized Dallamora's contributions to her sport.
"Denise Dallamora is one of the most respected coaches in Division III soccer for good reason," said Haynie. "What she has meant to the game of women's soccer, and to Brandeis, is immeasurable. I am pleased to have gotten the opportunity to work with her, even for a short time."
Associate director of Athletics Lynne Dempsey '93, who played for Dallamora from 1989 to 1992, also praised her former coach.
"Hired as a female coach in the early 1980s, Denise fought for equality for women's athletics," said Dempsey. "She has been an advocate for women coaches and women administrators, and I'm thankful that she helped blaze the trail for all of us in the profession today."
Dallamora led Brandeis to the postseason in 20 of her 40 seasons on the sidelines, reaching eight NCAA tournaments and 12 ECAC Division III New England tournaments. The Judges' 1988 squad was the first women's team in school history to make the NCAAs, while the 2012 Judges reached the national quarterfinals. The Judges made the NCAAs five years in a row from 2014 through 2018, including a run to the program's only Final Four in 2016. Brandeis also won back-to-back ECAC crowns in 2007 and 2008.
Dallamora is just one of three NCAA women's soccer coaches to have coached for four decades, along with Anson Dorrance of North Carolina and Aliceann Wilber of William Smith. She departs Brandeis with a career record of 378 wins, 284 losses and 72 ties for a .564 winning percentage. The Judges have won at least 10 games in each of the last eight seasons, 13 of the last 14 and 15 of the last 17. She was University Athletic Association, New England Intercollegiate Women's Soccer Association and New England Women's Eight Coach of the Year in 1988 and earned the NEWISA Service Award in 1991. Dallamora has coached six All-Americans and four Brandeis Hall of Famers.
Dallamora has been honored a number of times by the United Soccer Coaches. In 1994, she was presented with a letter of commendation proclaiming a career of exceptional service to the sport of soccer. She received their Women's Committee Award of Excellence in 2014, one of only three Division III coaches to receive the honor since the turn of the century. In 2016, after leading the Judges to the Division III Final Four, she was named the Division III National Coach of the Year. In 2017, a scholarship was named in her honor, granting one female coach free tuition to a United Soccer Coaches' coaching course or to the national convention in January.
In addition to her soccer duties, Dallamora has held many roles in the department - from athletic trainer, physical education instructor and at one point, the chair of physical education. A Framingham, Mass., native, Dallamora is a 1978 graduate of Northeastern University.
Brandeis will begin a national search for a successor immediately.
Denise Dallamora Through The Years
