The New York Fury announced that Phil Casella has signed with the Women's Premier Soccer League team to become its first coach.

Casella is well know in soccer circles both at the youth level (Albertson Fury) and collegiate level (stints at Fordham and Fairleigh Dickinson).

"Phil has enjoyed great success at both the youth and college levels. He is knowledgeable, reliable and a tremendous motivator. He will know how to blend the top players and formulate a team worth the price of admission," New York Fury Director of Football Paul Riley said.

Casella also has worked with ODP Regional and State staffs.

"It is a honor to become the first head coach of the New York Fury," he said. "It is exciting to bring so many talented players together and make a run for the WPSL national championship. With the World Cup this summer, women's soccer has an opportunity to further develop its fan base and I'm glad to be a part of womens high level soccer."

Casella's first signing is a familiar face to New York and Fury fans -- Kelly Henderson, the MVP of the Long Island Fury's 2006 national championship and captain of their championship run in 2009. Henderson is the former Albertson Fury '87 captain, Boston College standout and Philadelphia Independence midfielder. She will captain the New YorkFury.

"It is phenomenal for NY Fury to bring one of Fury's greatest ever talents back home," Riley said. "She is a brilliant leader, a powerful/professional mindset and an engine second to none."

Casella said signing Henderson was an easy decision.

"She has excelled at every level and she will be crucial in trying to mold the New York Fury into an immediate contender for the WPSL national championship," he said. "Her competitive spirit and love for the game will make the New YorkFury an exciting team to watch and support."

Riley believed that Henderson is the only player that could possibly be New York Fury's first signing,

"Henderson is regarded by many as the poster child for the Fury program and the last decade has seen her develop into a superb footballer," he said. "She will be a great role model for the future Fury generations"