LANSDOWNE - ALDAN HIGH SCHOOL
GOLDEN FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY REUNION 2006

Class of 1956
"Lords & Ladies"

www.lansdownealdan.com
Lansdowne, PA

092   Betty Novino D’Anjolell

 Betty Novino D’Anjolell

I have many fond memories of my years at LAHS. Two of the most memorable were being selected as Flora in “The Divine Flora” and Azuri in “The Desert Song”.

Following graduation, I chose to enter the work force immediately rather than continue my education. My first job was as an Assistant to the Advertising Director of three major newspapers. After working there for 6 years, I decided to spend time raising my family. Between 1959 and 1971, I had four children, Joseph, Cheryl, Michele and Danielle.

While working as a Financial Aid Officer for a local Beauty School in the early 70’s, I became very active in the Lansdowne Girls Club and eventually became the President of the Club. Both of my younger girls, Michele and Danielle were playing all of the sports offered and asked why they could not play soccer like the boys. During that time, I coached all of the sports and introduced the sport of soccer for the girls. The girls wanted to play at levels higher than intra-mural, so, along with four other people from surrounding towns, we formed the Tri-County Girls Soccer League. I became very active at the local, state, regional and national levels of the sport. In the early 80’s I became the Chairwoman of the Women and Girls National Teams for the US Soccer Federation. I also introduced the sport of girl’s soccer to Cardinal O’Hara High School and coached the team for 2 years.

During the next 15 years, I traveled with the Regional and National teams to Iceland, France, England, Italy, Austria, Denmark, Holland, Sweden and Germany. The highlight of my travels was a 3-week trip to China. By this time, my two older children were married and my two younger daughters, Michele and Danielle traveled with me. Most of the time, one of the girls was on the team. Michele went to George Mason University on a soccer scholarship.

During the same period, I worked as the Vice President of Operations for the marketing arm of the Federation. I was responsible (with Federation officials) for all US Men’s National Team Games. This position allowed me to travel to many of our own states. During the 1994 World Cup, I spent 3 months in Los Angles setting up all hospitality for the US National Team sponsors. The firm was located in New York City so I spent a lot of time on Amtrak.

In 1995, I was offered the position of Executive Vice President of one of the Major League Soccer Teams, DC United. I was also offered the position of General Manager of the Women’s National Team Program. I decided to take the offer to join Major League Soccer and became the first female Vice President of the League. In 1998, I accepted the position of Chief Operating Officer for the Miami Fusion. During the year 2000, I worked as a consultant. I spent many months in Las Vegas, Los Angles, San Diego and Louisville. After those travels, I decided to retire.

I was married twice, the first time for several years, the second time for 40 years. I have 4 children, 14 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. My husband and soul mate passed away in 2003.

Most of my time now is spent reading approximately 30 books a month, visiting friends and playing with my grandchildren.