Philadelphia – Head field hockey coach at the University of Pennsylvania Colleen Finkannounced the addition of Charlotte Basili as an assistant coach.
Basili, who graduated from Northwestern University in 2019 and also played for the U.S. U-19 and U-17 national teams, came to Penn State after coaching at the high school and club levels.
“After a thorough review of incredibly talented candidates, Charlotte emerged as the clear top choice,” said Fink, who will begin his 15th season as Quakers coach in 2024. “She represents many of the team’s core values of teamwork, and what set Charlotte apart is her love of the game (and all sports), her attention to detail, and her love for learning and growing. It was passion, the knowledge to run a successful program, and the ability to connect with others in a meaningful way.
“The Penn State women's field hockey team will be fortunate to have Charlotte as a resource, mentor, and coach. Her experience playing on Northwestern University's Elite 8 team makes her a valuable addition to the program. It will be.”
An Ohio native and Hill School graduate, Basili has coached at Columbus Academy as well as the Coyotes (Columbus), Windy City (Chicago) and Rise (Chicago) club teams. She was also a private coach for multiple college athletes and helped guide them through their recruiting process.
“Penn has always had a special place in my heart. I have three sisters who have called it home as students. After meeting Colleen, Sydney, and the rest of the staff, I know this is home for me. It felt like,” Vaziri said. “They have built a culture that is rare, and as a former student-athlete, it fills me with respect and pride. This group is very much a part of my Northwestern team when it was on the verge of breakthrough success in the NCAA. “It's very similar. These players are knocking on the door. “I'm excited to help them maximize it and maximize their potential. It's an honor to join such an exciting program and I look forward to seeing what next season holds.”
Vaziri was a member of the Wildcats' leadership committee, a member of the NFHCA All-American Academic Team, a Big Ten Distinguished Scholar, and an Academic All-Big Ten honoree. As a senior, she received the Tara Pulla Award. This award is given to an athlete who has demonstrated her strong work ethic, her determination to keep fighting, her positive attitude and belief in herself, her teammates, and her coaches.
Vaziri played in all 82 games over four seasons at Northwestern, starting all 62 games as an offensive defender the last three seasons. During his junior year, the Wildcats went 15-7 and advanced to the NCAA Championship Elite 8 round for the first time in 23 years. Vaziri was selected to all Big Ten tournament play that season.
Vaziri's international experience also includes time with the U.S. U-17 and U-19 outdoor teams that toured Europe. She was also a member of the USA U-19 indoor team.
Vaziri graduated from Northwestern University in 2019 with a major in history, a minor in law, and a certificate in leadership. She then received his master's degree from the university's prestigious Kellogg School of Management.
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