Durham Lords Media Release

Monday, August 31, 2009

Dave Staley named Durham College women's soccer head coach

OSHAWA, Ont. - Durham College Athletic Director Ken Babcock is pleased to announce that Dave Staley, former DC soccer great, has been named head coach of the Durham College women's soccer program.

"After a highly competitive selection process, we are pleased to be able to bring in a coach of David's caliber and enthusiasm," said Babcock. "He knows the OCAA. As one could appreciate, these are awfully big shoes to fill in replacing an OCAA college legend. However, we expect David to continue our steep tradition of success in women's soccer."

Staley is one of the most successful athletes in Durham College history. In four seasons with the Lords, Staley won three OCAA provincial medals and was named an OCAA All-Star three times. In 1997 behind Staley's leadership as team captain, the Lords won the provincial title and went on to finish fourth at the CCAA national championship. That year, Staley was named the Durham College men's soccer MVP and an OCAA All-Star. The following year, Staley continued his dominance on the pitch as he was named a CCAA All-Canadian, the Durham College men's soccer MVP and the Durham College overall Athlete of the Year.

In 1999, Durham College officially retired Staley's jersey for his success and contribution to the college and sport.

"My experiences during my playing career at Durham has given me the opportunity to understand what it takes to be a champion, both on the field and in the classroom," said Staley. "I know the honour and pride of playing for the Lords and I am excited for the opportunity to coach and lead the women's soccer program."

Following graduation, Staley immediately joined the coaching ranks and had instant success working with the Darlington Soccer Club in the youth rep system. In 2000, his U16 boys team advanced to the prestigious Newcastle Millennium Cup (England) finals. In women's soccer, his U14 girls team were bronze medalists at the Dana Cup in Denmark as well as the Gothia World Youth Cup in Sweden in 2005. This summer has also been very successful for his squad as his U12 girls team is provincially ranked. Staley has plenty of experience teaching technical and tactical skills as the Darlington Soccer Club goalkeeper coach and at Durham Indoor Soccer Centre Camps.

"Coaching over the past 11 years has allowed me to gain valuable experience necessary to lead the Lords program," said Staley. "I would like to think that I not only develop good players, but also good people. I have the passion and drive to succeed and would like to continue on from the legacy Vaso has left."

Staley becomes the fourth head coach in Durham College women's soccer history as he replaces Vaso Vujanovic, who left the program to become the men's soccer head coach at UOIT. The DC women's soccer team has been dominant in the OCAA having won five provincial titles (2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, & 2007) over the past seven seasons.

"As a player, I won numerous awards through hard work, commitment and sacrifice," said Staley. "Unfortunately although close on several occasions, one trophy eluded my playing career and that was the CCAA National Championship. I would love the opportunity to guide the women's team to that championship."

The Durham Lords women's soccer program tryouts will begin on Tuesday, September 1 at 6 p.m. The Lords first regular season home game will be on Saturday, September 12 as they will host the St. Lawrence Vikings at 12 p.m.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Scott Dennis

Sports Information and Marketing Coordinator Durham College and UOIT Athletics 905.721.2000 Ext. 2784 (P)

905.721.3117 (F)