NWSL Sky Blue FC

Sky Blue FC Expands Technical Staff with Hiring of Three Coaches

Published on February 21, 2019 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL)
Sky Blue FC News Release


Howell, N.J. - Sky Blue FC have hired assistant coaches Alex Mendolia and Christiane Less, as well as goalkeeper coach Hugo Macedo, to join the technical staff of Head Coach Denise Reddy ahead of the 2019 National Women's Soccer League season.

"We have put together a strong, experienced and diverse technical staff to ensure we get the best out of each individual player," Reddy said. "These coaches all bring international experience, expertise and are specifically knowledgeable of the women's game here in the States."

Mendolia joins Sky Blue from Unión Deportiva San Lorenzo del Flumen of the La Liga Division 3 in Spain where he served as the first assistant coach. Prior to that Mendolia served as an academy coach for Escuela de Futbol Huesca, where he oversaw the player residency program for domestic and international players and the Women's B team.

Before his time in Spain, Mendolia spent two years (2016-18) as the head coach for the men's soccer team at St. Joseph's College where he led the team to the 2017 Conference Finals.

Mendolia has also served as an assistant coach for Stony Brook University (2015-16), LIU Post (2012-15) and Farmingdale State College (2011-12).

He has earned his coaching degree and Nivel 1/UEFA B license from Técnico Deportivo Especialidad en Fútbol. In addition, Mendolia has garnered a Certificate in Psychology for High Performance Sports from FC Barcelona Innovation Hub Universitas. Mendolia also has his United States Soccer Federation D License and U.S. Youth Soccer - National Youth License.

A graduate of Farmingdale State College, Mendolia was a four-year collegiate athlete and finished with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management Technology and Sports Management. Most recently he earned his Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Science with an emphasis in Soccer Coaching Education from Ohio University.

Lessa joins Sky Blue from Shandong Province Federation of China where she has served as their head coach since September of 2018. Prior to that she spent time in Norway as the assistant coach for Avaldsnes I.L. who competed in the Champions League.

Prior to going overseas, Lessa served as the U-20 Washington Spirit's Head Coach. Additionally, she was the head coach for Young Harris College and Iowa Central Community College.

She has earned her United States Soccer Federation B License as well as Brazilian Football Confederation B License and she is currently pursuing her UEFA B coaching license.

Lessa received her MBA in Sports Management from Concordia University Irvine and her B.A. in Religious Studies from Saint Thomas University.

Macedo joins Sky Blue from Des Moines Menace of the Women's Professional Soccer League and Premier Development League where he served as the head coach. In addition, he has served as the assistant coach for Drake University. Macedo has also been a professional coach for Johnston Urbandale Soccer Club and Sporting Iowa Soccer. He has also been the Director of Goalkeeping for Altoona Youth Soccer Associations.

He has earned his United States Soccer Federation D License as well as his NSCAA Level 3 Goalkeeping license.

Macedo is currently pursuing his MBA in Sports Management from Grand View University. He has received his B.A. of Science in Business Administration from AIB College of Business.

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