Flash Add Melanie Fitzgerald and Hubert Busby to Front Office, Coaching Staff
Published on April 12, 2012 under Women's Professional Soccer (WPS)
Western New York Flash News Release
Buffalo, NY-(April 12, 2012) The Western New York Flash are thrilled to announce the addition of Melanie Fitzgerald as theStrategy & Operations Director, and Hubert Busby as the Assistant Coach and Director of Coaching at Sahlen Sports Park.
Prior to joining Women's Professional Soccer (WPS) as their Manager of League operations, Fitzgerald oversaw the operations of the United Soccer League's national youth league(s) the Super Y-League and Super-20 League. Following a two year stint with the youth leagues she was promoted to Senior Director of the W-League, USL's pro-am national women's league. While at the W-League she not only ran the day-to-day business of the League but was the lead on all league growth initiatives both on and off the field.
While at Women's Professional Soccer, Fitzgerald was responsible for many key departments at the league related to on-field matters including day-of-game operations, player contracts & rights, league draft and championship(s), international relations, officiating and franchise compliance.
Fitzgerald graduated from Clearwater Christian College in 2006 with a BS in Physical Education. Her Sports Management track included a minor in Business. During her four-year career with the Cougars, she helped the women's soccer team capture two South Region Division titles. Fitzgerald's Clearwater Christian basketball team also won the 2002 South Region Division crown.
"Melanie is a driven, focused, and extremely sharp individual who can only make our organization better. Her passion for the women's game is contagious and her experience unrivaled. As the WNY Flash continues to be at the forefront of Women's Professional Soccer in the United States, we will look for her to help us lead the way for the future of the game," WNY Flash President Alex Sahlen states.
Hubert Busby, Jr, has been named Director of Coaching for the Sahlen's Sports Park and Assistant Coach of the Flash.
Busby brings a wealth of experience to the organization. As a player, Busby spent time with the Toronto Lynx, Montreal Impact,Vancouver Whitecaps, Oxford United, Crystal Palace(UK) and Caldas Sport Clube (Portugal) He has also spent time with the Jamaican National team (World Cup qualification in 2002).
Busby began his professional coaching career in 2003 with the Ottawa Wizards, where he led them to a CPSL title (Canadian Professional Soccer League). In 2004, he lead the team to the league championship again and an undefeated season. In 2005 Busby was named the Head Coach for the Toronto Lynx of the USL First Division.
Busby has coached at the highest level of the Women's side, playing an integral part in the Los Angeles Sol of the WPS, winning the Regular season title in the league's inaugural season. Prior to that he served as Technical Director for the NSSDC, and Mountain WFC in Vancouver.
More recently he was the Women's Director of Coaching for the Vancouver Whitecaps, and W-league head coach. In 2010 Busby lead the Whitecaps to the W-league final where they ironically lost to the Flash. That same year he was named W-league coach of the year.
Busby has a B.A. in sociology. He also holds a USSF "A" license and NSCAA Premier Diploma.
"Hubert and I have had a close relationship over the past few years. I am excited to not only have Hubie embark on the quest for our third championship in three years with us, but to work with him building an academy in the Western New York area. Hubert is an extremely qualified coach and will bring a wealth of experience to our organization. His addition will help grow and improve the standard of play in the WNY area," Head Coach Aaran Lines says.
Women's Professional Soccer Stories from April 12, 2012
- Flash Add Melanie Fitzgerald and Hubert Busby to Front Office, Coaching Staff - Western New York Flash
- Breakers Develop Partnership With South Shore Stingrays - Boston Breakers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
