Pittsburgh, Pa. – Duquesne University women's soccer head coach
Jessica Giegucz announced Monday that
Gabe Kleinert and
Bella DeFabbo have joined the coaching staff as assistant coaches.
"As we aim to carry forward a tradition of success both on and off the field for Duquesne soccer, Gabe and Bella will help the program grow and build on the foundation that was established by former coaches and players," Giegucz said. "I'm excited that both Gabe and Bella are joining the coaching staff, and I'm looking forward to both of them helping me continue a culture of pride and success."
Kleinert, a native of Lansdale, Pa., comes to the Bluff after spending the last three seasons as an assistant coach at the University at Albany. During his time with the Great Danes, Kleinert assisted in scouting and recruiting as well as served as the contact for travel, academic progress and community outreach. Kleinert spent three years at the University of Rochester prior to heading to UAlbany from 2019 to 2022, including two as an assistant coach before serving as interim head coach during the 2021 season.
During his stint as interim head coach of the Hornets, Kleinert guided Rochester to an overall record of 6-5-5 (.531). Each of the five ties during the season came against opponents that were ranked between No. 3 and No. 21 in the NCAA Division III ranks.
"I'm very thankful for the opportunity to serve as assistant coach at Duquesne," Kleinert said. "Being back in Pittsburgh and getting to coach here is a great honor. I'm looking forward to helping Jessica continue the growth of the program in the years to come."
Kleinert is a 2011 graduate of Geneva in Beaver Falls, Pa., where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business and sports management. A four-year starter for the Golden Tornadoes, he helped guide Geneva to 53 wins over his four years with the program, the third highest win total by a class in school history.
"Gabe is a highly respected coach and mentor," Giegucz said. "He has a tireless work ethic and has created relationships within the recruiting realm that will continue to attract the student-athletes who fit the Duquesne program. His knowledge of the game is going to help challenge the team to play to their highest potential, and he creates an environment of professionalism and creativity in which the players will thrive. Gabe has proven to be loyal within successful programs, and I'm thrilled to be able to work alongside him."
Beginning his coaching career as an assistant at Westminster in New Wilmington, Pa., Kleinert served eight seasons as an assistant coach from 2011 to 2019. During his stint, the Titans compiled an overall record of 73-37-10 (.650) and made two appearances in the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference (ECAC) Tournament. In 2014, Kleinert earned a Master of Education from Westminster.
DeFabbo returns to the Bluff as an assistant coach after a four-year playing career for the Dukes as a goalkeeper from 2018 to 2021. She will tutor the Duquesne goalkeepers and spent the last two years in goalkeeper training at the development stage for the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
"I'm thrilled to be a part of Duquesne women's soccer once again," DeFabbo said. "I'm incredibly grateful for the role Duquesne has played in my growth as both a player and a person. I look forward to joining this amazing coaching staff and helping coach the next generation of Dukes."
During her career with the Dukes, DeFabbo, a native of Cranberry Township, Pa., appeared in five matches, including two starts, and registered 10 saves. She is a 2022 graduate of the Duquesne University School of Nursing and is a registered nurse at UPMC.
"I'm excited to have Bella come back to the Bluff," Giegucz said. "She has knowledge of Duquesne women's soccer as a former successful member of the goalkeeper core during her collegiate career. Bella will work primarily with the goalkeepers and the backline and will work to elevate the success of the goalkeepers with her coaching background, relatability in that position and her IQ of the game from the defending side of the field. Most importantly, Bella has a great ability to create trust and professionalism within relationships and I am confident that our team will benefit from her experience."
Giegucz was
named head coach at Duquesne in December. The Dukes return seven starters from a 2024 squad that finished with an overall record of 9-7-1 (.559), including four of their five top scorers.
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