STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – After nine seasons at the helm,
Phil Casella has announced his resignation as head coach of the Wagner College women's soccer program to accept the women's soccer head coaching position at American University, a member of the Patriot League.
"I would like to thank Phil for all he has done for our program over the last nine years," said Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics Walt Hameline. "His leadership and hard work were integral to the success of Wagner women's soccer, including bringing an NEC Championship to Grymes Hill. We wish Phil the very best in his future endeavors."
Casella concludes his tenure as one of the most successful head coaches in program history. His 50 career wins rank second all-time at Wagner, highlighted by leading the Seahawks to the program's first NEC Championship in 2025.
"I want to take this time to say thank you to the Wagner College community, and of course, the women's soccer program," said Casella. "The past nine years on this campus, working with each and every one of you, have been truly remarkable.
"A special thank you to Walt Hameline and Brendan Fahey for trusting me with the women's soccer program and for giving me my first opportunity. Watching this program grow and develop over the years has been incredibly rewarding. The hard work and dedication from the support staff, assistant coaches, athletic trainers, strength coaches and, most importantly, the players has been nothing short of sensational.
"What I will cherish most are the memories and the relationships built along the way. This program is now positioned to continue doing great things—and you've proven that. I can't wait to see what the future holds for these Seahawks.
"Thank you to everyone for all that you've done. My heart will always be here at Wagner College, in Staten Island. My heart is with every former and current player. What you have accomplished and the role you've played in putting Wagner Soccer on the map is truly unforgettable.
"I will never forget those who helped us along the journey to being great. I love you all."
Under Casella's leadership, Wagner captured its first NEC Championship and made its first NCAA Tournament appearance in 2025. That season, the Seahawks set a program record with eight conference wins—breaking the previous mark of seven set the season prior—and tied the school record for overall victories in a season with 11.
Casella earned 27 of his 50 career victories over his final three seasons. Wagner advanced to its first NEC Championship match in 2023 as the No. 6 seed—the lowest seed to reach the title game in league history—before hosting its first NEC semifinal in 2024 as the No. 2 seed.
Ahead of the 2025 NCAA Tournament, Wagner ranked tied for 35th nationally in total goals (41), tied for 41st in goals allowed (17) and led the NEC with nine shutouts. Casella's tenure also produced 20 All-NEC selections.
A 1997 graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson, Casella joined Wagner in 2017 following coaching stops at Mississippi State, Fordham and Fairleigh Dickinson. In addition to his collegiate experience, he has coached extensively at the amateur and youth levels, including leading the New York Fury to a WPSL East–Mid Atlantic Conference regular-season championship in 2011 and coaching the Long Island Fury from 2012–13.
Casella will conclude his duties at Wagner on December 31, 2025.
A national search for the program's next head coach will begin immediately.
