Austin Daniels, CC’s Women’s Assistant Soccer Coach from 1986 to 1988, passed away on July 15 at the age of 64 after a long battle with cancer. He is remembered fondly by those within the Tiger community as well as those he touched throughout his coaching career in Colorado.
Daniels was committed to developing the sport of soccer, coaching youth to professional players. He had a passion for creating programs for young players from underserved communities as well as mentoring and teaching coaches throughout the U.S.
Daniels served as a high school soccer coach for five years before coming to CC to begin his college coaching career. He helped lead the Tigers as an assistant coach from 1986-88 before moving on to the University of Hartford as the head women’s coach. He compiled a 103-35-6 record at Hartford and led the Hawks to six NCAA Tournament appearances. He recruited and developed seven All-Americans during his coaching career and was named the 1989 National Soccer Coaches Association of America Coach of the Year. Following his tenure at Hartford, Daniels launched the Women’s Soccer program at the University of Colorado and went 36-53-5 during his tenure as coach. The 1999 Buffs were the first team to win 10 games, finishing 11-8-1. In its second season, the program went 5-5-0 and advanced to the Big 12 tournament.
Daniels moved into the professional ranks serving as head coach of the New England Mutiny and later coaching at the USL level with Phoenix Rising in Arizona. In 2004, he was named the league’s Coach of the Year as the Mutiny advanced to the national finals.
Daniels served as Director of Coaching for Connecticut Junior Soccer and the Arizona Youth Soccer Association and he coached the U16 Boys and U20 Women’s US National teams. He became the technical director for the United States Soccer Federation, and Director of Coaching Education for the Ballistic United Soccer Club in Pleasanton, CA.
Daniels was inducted into numerous halls of fame, including Hartford Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame, Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame, Connecticut Girls Soccer Hall of Fame, Women’s Premier Soccer League Hall of Fame, and the Watkinson School Hall of Fame. Earlier this year, he received the Lifetime Achievement award from the Black Coaches Community Association and Arizona Soccer Association named the U19 State Cup Girl division in his honor.