A tip from Yuriy Chulskiy, a former student of hers at McDowell High School near Erie, has paid off for Danielle Baginski.

She was hired as head coach of the varsity girls' soccer program at Norwin High School Monday night, succeeding Dana Ferry, who was not retained.

Mr. Chulskiy is now the trainer for the Norwin girls' team and saw a career opportunity for one of his former teachers.

"He knew I'm going to get married," said Ms. Baginski, the head coach at McDowell from 2005-08. "He texted me that he heard the coach [at Norwin] wasn't coming back. He suggested I apply online. Norwin's a great job, so I took a shot."

She was somewhat familiar with the Knights. On Nov. 4, her McDowell squad edged Norwin, 1-0, in the first round of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association Class AAA playoffs.

"I'm thrilled to get the job," Ms. Baginski said over the phone from Millcreek Township. "Norwin is one of the premier girls' soccer programs in the state.

"I will turn 36 next week. It's like I got an early birthday present."

She is a physical education instructor at McDowell Intermediate High School, but does not have a new teaching job as yet. Norwin does not have an opening in physical education.

Both McDowell schools are in the Millcreek Township district.

Reflecting on that November matchup, she said: "Norwin came out flat. Probably it was a result of the three-hour bus ride to Erie.

"They really brought it to us in the second half. We hung on to win. I'd call it an upset."

Norwin will have 29 players back from a 16-6-0 team that finished second to Penn-Trafford in Section 1.

"I'm excited about the team's prospects for next season," Ms. Baginski said. "There's plenty of talent, pride and toughness there."

Marisa Czapor, a junior defender, is likewise "very excited about next season. I think we have great chance of winning it all."

Last month, school directors were in position to reappoint Mr. Ferry, the top-rated candidate among the eight recommended by theadministration. His name was on the Feb. 16 meeting agenda for board action.

More than 50 people showed up to oppose the reappointment of Mr. Ferry. Following pleas from parents and players, current and past, directors decided to reopen the position that night.

"I really didn't know much about the circumstances when I applied for the job," Ms. Baginski said.

Mr. Ferry said: "I wish the team nothing but the best. It's time for everybody to put the angst aside, to be positive so the program can move forward.

"I feel Norwin has the talent and experience [to make] a run for the WPIAL championship next season."

Mr. Ferry was Norwin's head coach for nine years. His teams posted a 164-39-7 record, won four section titles and qualified for the WPIAL playoffs nine times.

In four years as McDowell's head coach, Ms. Baginski had a 77-14-1 record. Her Lady Trojans won District 10 championships in 2005, 2007 and 2008, and in her first season, they reached the PIAA semifinals, where they lost to Pine-Richland, 1-0.

She had the dual jobs of junior varsity head coach and varsity assistant for five seasons before that.

"Norwin is getting a quality coach," said Brian Fuller, associate ahletic director at McDowell. "We're losing not only a great teacher, coach and person, but an excellent role model."

Bob Perkins, president of the Norwin school board, said: "Our priority is to keep the girls' soccer program from sliding downward. It appears coach Baginski will be a great communicator. Her coaching record is impressive. She is the catalyst the girls need to move the program to the next level."

An Erie native, Ms. Baginski attended Mercyhurst Prep, where she excelled in soccer and basketball. She and her twin, Denise, were guards on Mercyhurst Prep's 1991 PIAA Class AAAA championship basketball team.

Ms. Baginski attended Mercyhurst College, where she played soccer for one season and received a bachelor's degree in sports medicine.

She then earned a teaching degree in health and physical education from Edinboro University of Pennsylvania.

"Coach Baginski brings impressive credentials to Norwin," said Randy Rovesti, director of student activities and transportation. "She displayed lots of enthusiasm during the interview process."

The school directors appointed Ms. Baginski by a 7-2 vote, with Tom Sturm and Casey Harper dissenting. She received a three-year contract calling for a $3,745 salary for the 2009-10 school year.

The board unanimously appointed Ashley Weimer, a Norwin graduate and former West Virginia University standout, as assistant coach. She also received a three-year pact with a $2,439.50 salary in 2009-10.

"Ashley Weimer was an outstanding player who has remained close to the Norwin program," Mr. Rovesti said. "She will complement coach Baginski."