LMU SOCCER NEWS

LINCOLN MEMORIAL UNIVERSITY

OFFICE OF SPORTS INFORMATION

Sports Release                                                                                                                            August 8, 2007

Head Soccer Coach Helio D’Anna Announces Changes In Staff

HARROGATE, TN – Lincoln Memorial University Head Soccer Coach Helio D’Anna has been busier than usual this Summer. Aside from camps and recruiting, D’Anna has been putting the final touches on his coaching staff for 2007.

Recently, two time Assistant Coach Matt Akins accepted the position of Head Men’s Soccer Coach at Barton College, NC. “It’s always good to see assistant coaches progress in the ranks” - commented D’Anna. “Matt has worked very hard and was a big part of our success in the past two years with the men and the women. He will be my sixth assistant to become a head coach and I am humbled by and proud of this record. I wish him the best and have no doubts that Matt will excel.”

To replace Akins, Helio D’Anna  has chosen Ana Paula Fantini, of Campinas, Brazil. She is a former star from Union College, KY. At Union, she obtained her degree with a double major in physical education and sports management and minors in health and general business. Fantini also completed her master's in health and physical education at the same school. She will also start her master's in business at Lincoln Memorial.

As a student at Union, Fantini excelled on and off the field. A Dean’s List student in all her semesters, she was also a three time Academic All Conference, and a two time All American Scholar Athlete. No less impressive, she was also a four time All Conference, a three time All Region, and a two time All American star.

Fantini also has strong coaching background both in club (Impact USA Nike) and in college (University of Campinas).

“Paula’s resume speaks for itself” - states D’Anna. “She was and still is a phenomenal player and has already proved to have tremendous coaching skills. More importantly, she is a person of excellence, and that is what we always associate our program with. We are thrilled to have her come on board.”

That is not all of the changes for the 2007 staff. Having graduated two graduate assistant Coaches, Helio D’Anna also announce his two new GA’s: Adriano de Moraes, of Jacarei, Brazil and Jon Williams, of Memphis, TN. Both completed the most successful season in school history as players and now start their tenure as assistants.

“Bob and CP will be missed and served as greatly. It’s exciting to see them enter the work force with their degrees in hand and I wish them all the best. Adriano and Jon now start their tenure and they have all the tools to maintain our high standards and contribute with their experiences. We are so excited to welcome them to the staff.”

Coach D’Anna and his new Railsplitter soccer staff will start action soon. The pre-season kicks off on August 12.

-LMU-  

For additional comments please contact,
Head Coach:  Helio D'Anna
Phone:  (423) 869-6245