Bethlehem Catholic wasted little time in selecting their new girls' soccer coach by naming assistant Rebecca Gonzalez as head coach.

Gonzalez takes over the reigns of the program following the departure of Chris Bastidas, who took the boys' head coaching job at Whitehall earlier this spring.

Gonzalez, a 2006 graduate of Bethlehem Catholic, has coached in the Lehigh Valley Conference since 2012 with a stint at Nazareth before coming over to Becahi.

The 25-year-old is excited for the opportunity to lead the Golden Hawks once camp opens in August.

"Coaching started because I love the game of soccer and wanted to bring that joy to other people," said Gonzalez. "Not only do I love soccer, and teaching, I love the connections I make with the girls and can help them grow as individuals."

After playing field hockey and soccer for four years at Becahi, Gonzalez played at the University of Scranton until a knee injury ended her soccer career. She then took over the junior varsity program at Nazareth in 2011, before coming to Becahi in 2012 in the same capacity, as well as serving as a varsity assistant coach for the past two seasons.

Gonzalez thinks her youth can help provide a vital link to helping the girls team continue success, following a one year absence from the District 11 playoffs.

"I believe it helps me connect with the girls," said Gonzalez of her age. "We are a close group, I'd do anything for these girls.

"I have high expectations with these girls coming up. We have five seniors that will be leading our girls. I expect the team to finish this season with a winning record. I will be developing year round training with the girls that will not only hone their soccer skills, but form them as a strong team unit with Christian values. These girls have so much potential. I can't wait to see what they will accomplish."