Congratulations to DCG Girls Soccer Coach, Dan James, for receiving the 2024-2025 Section 4 Girls Soccer Coach of the Year Award from the NFHS Coaches Association! This award is presented to the most elite and deserving coaches, and is chosen by their ability to lead their sport, shape their athletes, and contribute to their community. Coach James has been doing this at DCG for more than 25 years.
“I’m extremely thankful to receive this award, and I’m excited for our program to be recognized. This award is a credit to the coaches and players I’m surrounded with every day; their hard work and dedication are what continuously push me to be the best coach I can be,” Coach James says. “The support of the DCG community has been a huge factor in our success over the years.”
DCG is incredibly fortunate to have a coach like Dan James as a part of the athletic program. James has led the Mustangs to four consecutive state championships and will be in search of #5 this spring. He has more than 300 career wins and has appeared in the state tournament 16 times.
He is beloved by his students, peers, and players for being a friendly face to all. Kenna Knief, a senior at DCG and a soccer player on his team, says, “Coach James is a great coach and has done a lot for the girls’ soccer team and program. He cares a lot about us and has put in a ton of time and effort into making us succeed. He pushes us to be our best and has grown my love for soccer, which is why I’m very grateful to have him as a coach.”
“Coach James brings the best out of his athletes, both on the field and in the classroom,” shares DCG CSD Activities Director Madison Melchert. “He is worthy of this recognition, and we are so excited to celebrate his accomplishments this season.”