Women's Soccer | 8/14/2025 3:03:00 PM

Saint Francis women's soccer head coach Brian Diaz has announced the addition of Claire Crossley as an assistant coach to his staff and the addition of Ioannis Giannikakis as a graduate assistant for the Red Flash.

Crossley comes to Loretto after serving as an assistant coach at fellow Northeast Conference member Mercyhurst last season. She also gained coaching experience as an assistant coach for the last two years with Erie FC at the high school level as an assistant coach and grades three to eight.

"We are very excited to have Clare joining our staff," said Diaz. "She is an enthusiastic young coach who is eager to develop into a top coach. Clare comes in with a variety of experience that will serve her well. She is familiar with the NEC having coached in the league last season as well. We know that Clare will be strong leader for our team."  

A 2023 graduate of Pennsylvania Western University, she served as team captain for her last two seasons. A scholar-athlete all four years, she was voted as the team's Rookie of the Year (2019), Hustler of the Year (2022) and Team and Defensive MVP (2023).

Crossley graduated with a business administration degree from Pennsylvania Western University in 2023 and earned her Masters from her alma mater in 2024, also in business administration and a finance concentration. 

Giannikakis, who will work with both men's and women's soccer as a graduate assistant, finished his collegiate career at Franklin Pierce for his last two seasons. He helped the team to the 2023 National Championship team and contributed to Franklin Pierce's 64 unbeaten streak, one of the longest in NCAA history. He started his career with Gannon. 

"Ioannis is another young up-and-coming coach who recently completed a stellar playing career which included winning a National Championship," said Diaz. "He has experience playing beyond college in the USL. Ioannis will be a great addition who can focus his attention on our goalkeepers to help them reach their full potential.:  

Giannikakis graduated from Franklin Pierce with a degree in finance in 2024. After graduating, he played for Pathfinder FC in 2024 and Delaware Osprey in 2025.