Sky Blue FC President & General Manager Tony Novo and newly promoted head coach Christy Holly.

Holly Worked as Assistant for Club Over Past Three Seasons

Morristown, N.J. (Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2016) – Sky Blue FC of the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) officially announced on Wednesday that it has promoted Christy Holly to the position of head coach. A native of Ireland, Holly takes over as Sky Blue FC head coach after spending the past three years as a top assistant for the club.

“We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Christy Holly to head coach of Sky Blue FC,” stated team co-owner Steven Temares. “Christy’s character, leadership and experience with our team and the league, together with his inter-personal skills and training capabilities, make him the right coach for Sky Blue FC.”

Holly brings over 16 years of coaching experience to his new position as head coach of Sky Blue FC, spanning across various levels in both the United States and his native Ireland. Prior to serving as an assistant coach for Sky Blue FC, he served for two years as an assistant at Georgian Court University (Lakewood, N.J.), as well as previously coaching in the same capacity for the Sky Blue FC Reserve Team. The Derry native has a longstanding reputation as a great talent evaluator and game strategist, and his involvement with Sky Blue FC since the foundation of the NWSL has thoroughly prepared him for this promotion.

“I am excited to lead this exceptional group of players, on and off the field,” Holly remarked. “Through my years with Sky Blue FC, I have come to know our current players and the amazing talent and heart they possess. As a team, we will be looking to build on this tremendous foundation and supplement it with new talent to help us reach the next level. “

In addition to his coaching background, Holly earned his Bachelors Degree in Sports Science with Honors in Sports Psychology. He also worked previously as a coach and evaluator for the Bayern Munich National ID program, which is run in conjunction with Global Premier Soccer (GPS). Additionally, he played collegiately for John Moores University in Liverpool before joining the professional ranks with Limavady United in the top-level Irish Premier Division.

“As a team, we know we can, and will, provide the level of play and success that our fans yearn for and deserve,” Holly continued. “I could not ask for a better group of players, and I know all who watch Sky Blue FC will always leave impressed with our style of play and inspired by our hard work and commitment. That is my promise, and that is what I will bring as coach to our players, our amazing fans and the entire Sky Blue FC family.”

Sky Blue FC President & General Manager Tony Novo also expressed his enthusiasm in the promotion of Holly.

“Christy Holly has truly earned this promotion with our club,” Novo stated. “Over the past three seasons, he has shown a tremendous dedication to Sky Blue FC, and he has always brought great energy and passion to everything he does. Christy has continually elevated himself both as a coach and a communicator, and we are beyond excited to enter this next chapter with him as our head coach.”

As previously announced, Holly has also assumed player personnel responsibilities and will serve as the chief league liaison for the club when the 2016 NWSL Draft takes place this Friday in Baltimore.

2016 season tickets for Sky Blue FC are now on sale! Season ticket packages start as low as $130 and can be purchased online today. For any questions regarding season tickets, call the Sky Blue FC tickets department at 888-SBFC-TIX (888-723-2849), and a team representative will be happy to assist you.

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