Montmorency under-19 girls coach Celia Piesse was named the 2013 AFCA Victoria Female Coach of the Year at a gala dinner at the MCG on Friday.
It was fitting recognition for Piesse, who has been one of main drivers in the implementation Montmorency’s hugely successful female football program.
Just two years ago Montmorency had not one female player. In 2013 it had three teams competing in the NFL’s junior competition and next season it hopes to have four junior girls teams and a senior team in the VWFL.
Piesse – who in September also claimed the AFCA Northern Region Female Coach of the Year – was recognised for her drive, leadership, communication and people skills.
She coached Montmorency’s first female side in its inaugural season in 2012, with her first game in charge last year’s NFL season opener which attracted 2,500 attendees.
In 2013 she coached the Magpies’ under-19 side and oversaw the club’s entire female program, which included assisting with its under-16 and under-13 teams.
During her acceptance speech, Piesse expressed her gratitude to the entire Montmorency Football Club and her “cheer squad’ who attended the awards dinner, including her mother Susan, Gail Blythe, Dave Shultz, Sue Clarke and former Montmorency junior president Peter Gray.
Speaking after the awards night, Gray commended Piesse on the work she had done with Montmorency’s female football program.
“She’s done an outstanding job and she truly deserved to be recognised for what she has achieved,” Gray said.
“For the club to not have one female player a year ago and to be in the position we are today, it’s a credit to her.
“Her triumph was a magnificent reflection on the club and all we stand for.”
It is the second time in five seasons Montmorency has had a coach triumph in the AFCA Victoria State Coach of the Year awards, after Darren Boulton claimed the 2009 Youth Coach of the Year.
Eltham junior coach Paul Reid was nominated for the 2013 Youth Coach of the Year, which was eventually won by Phillip McIntyre of the Cobram Football Netball Club.
The 2013 AFCA Victoria Coach of the Year winners for each category were:
Auskick: Darrell Marr – Jackson School
Junior: David Foley – Deer Park Caroline Springs JFC
Youth: Phillip McIntyre – Cobram FNC
Female: Celia Piesse – Montmorency JFC
Umpire: Allan Grant – Geelong Umpires League / Michael O’Keeffe – Riddell Umpires
Senior: Daniel Donati – Balwyn FC
