July 23, 2004

COLLEGE PARK, Md. - Ali Wolff-Toole, a former standout Maryland goalkeeper, and Emily Janss, a three-time All-ACC selection for the Terrapins and former WUSA player for the New York Power, have been named assistant coaches at the University of Maryland, head coach Shannon Higgins-Cirovski announced Friday.

"Hiring two alumni who are as experienced and committed as these two women are says a lot about our program and the level of loyalty there is here," Higgins-Cirovski said. "I have no doubt that Ali and Emily will help take this team to the next level."

Wolff-Toole joins the Terrapins after serving as an assistant coach at Loyola College since May 2002, where she was responsible for training the Greyhound goalkeepers. She has also coached at Loyola and Maryland women's soccer camps.

"Ali was a tremendous leader for our program on and off the field while she was here," Higgins-Cirovski said. "She has been able to gain valuable coaching experience after her college career ended."

Wolff-Toole was a goalkeeper for Maryland from 1997-2001 and finished her career among the all-time leaders in shutouts (first, 20.5), games played (second, 68), games started (second, 63), minutes played (second, 5,513), saves (third, 254) and goals against average (fourth, 1.57). An All-ACC honoree during her senior campaign in 2001, Wolff-Toole led all conference keepers in shutouts against conference opponents (three) and was among the ACC leaders with nine total shutouts.. Her save percentage that season, .765, was also among the best in the conference.

Wolff-Toole graduated from Maryland in 2001 with a bachelor's of science degree in kinesiology.

Janss, a professional soccer player most recently with the WUSA's New York Power, comes to the Terps after serving as an assistant coach at the University of Arkansas since 2002. She was the recruiting coordinator for the Lady Razorbacks in addition to her coaching responsibilities. Janss has also worked as a youth club soccer coach in Arkansas.

"Emily brings a great deal of experience to Maryland, including three years in the WUSA," Higgins-Cirovski said. "She will be a tremendous asset to our program on and off the field."

A star under Higgins-Cirovski from 1996-99 at Maryland, Janss was selected as a member of the Atlantic Coast Conference's 50th Anniversary Team in 2002, one of five Terps on the prestigious squad. Janss, an All-ACC first team selection in 1999 and a second-team honoree in 1997 and 1998, led the Terps to NCAA bids between '96 and '99 while tallying 42 points on 17 goals and eight assists during her career. She is second all-time at Maryland in games played with 95 and earned All-America honors from Soccer Buzz in 1997. She was also a two-time ACC All-Tournament selection and four-time Soccer America Team of the Week honoree.

"I have never had a season that I've looked forward to more," Higgins-Cirovski said. "We have focused, determined veterans as well as newcomers who are ready to step up their play. It is a tremendous feeling to have everyone back and ready to work hard, and now we also have two assistant coaches to help us go to the next level."

The Maryland women's soccer team begins its season on Aug. 27 at Towson, following two home scrimmages vs. Richmond (Aug. 20) and George Washington (Aug. 22).