Super Y-League News Release
Friday, May 10, 2013
TAMPA, Fla. – The Super Y-League announced today that former Florida State University star Cindy Schofield has joined its management team as Manager, Super Y-League and ODP. It was also announced that Jason Arnold and Natalie Akula have earned promotion within the organization. Arnold becomes Executive Director, Youth Leagues while Akula becomes Senior Director, Super Y-League & ODP.
Arnold will continue to oversee all USL youth league properties and staff, leading the way as USL’s youth leagues continue to grow and develop. Akula oversees all operational aspects of the Super Y-League & ODP.
“Both Jason and Natalie have demonstrated strong leadership skills and are primarily responsible for the improvements in the operation of the league and service of its member clubs during the past year,” USL President Tim Holt said. “Our clubs can rely on their leadership and experience as we look forward to the continued growth our league is experiencing because of their efforts.”
A USSF “D” Licensed coach, Schofield brings with her a strong knowledge of the youth game and youth landscape in North America. She will work with Super Y-League and Super-20 League club administrators on all operational issues, overseeing competitive and disciplinary matters and coordinating the ODP scouting and evaluation network. She will also manage league events such as the Super Y-League and Super-20 League championships and the Boys and Girls ODP National Camps at IMG Academy.
“Cindy’s extensive background and pedigree in youth, high school and college soccer makes her a perfect fit for our youth leagues management team,” Holt said. “Her experience and contacts will be vital as we continue to reshape the role of the Super Y-League and its supporting events in North America’s elite youth soccer club landscape.”
Schofield received a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Florida State in 2004 after starring for the Seminoles from 1999-2003. She set more than 30 career, single-season and post-season records at FSU and was recently selected to be inducted into the FSU Athletic Hall of Fame.
A two-time All-American, ACC First Team selection and NSCAA Southeast Region First Team selection, Schofield began her coaching career in 2004 and has led girls teams for RSL Florida, Tampa Bay United and the VSI West Florida Flames for the past 10 years. She served as director of coaching for RSL Florida’s recreational program from 2006-08, starting the program and creating training plans for coaches.
Schofield has also served as the head coach for Tampa Preparatory School since 2009, leading the Terrapins to three state final fours and five consecutive district championships. She co-founded Elite Soccer Performance, Inc. in 2012, developing a soccer and speed training program to prepare players for college soccer.