ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Danielle Fotopoulos is one of the most recognized names in women’s college soccer. And now she will be calling Eckerd College home.
The NCAA Division I all-time leading goal scorer and former U.S. national team member has been named the new women’s soccer coach at Eckerd, it was announced by Dr. Bob Fortosis, Eckerd College’s Director of Athletics.
Fotopoulos, a former All-America selection at Florida, comes to Eckerd after having most recently served on the U.S. U-14 national ID staff.
"We are delighted to welcome Danielle to the Eckerd College family,” Fortosis said. “She is a dynamic and proven coach who passionately embraces the notion of intense athletics competition on a campus where the highest priority is academic excellence.
"She will be a phenomenal role model for the women in our soccer program."
Fotopoulos brings an amazing resume. She was a two-time SEC Player of the Year at Florida and was the Soccer America Player of the Year in 1998 after leading the Gators to the national championship.
Fotopoulos continued her career with U.S. women’s soccer, and was a member of the 1999 FIFA World Cup championship squad. She continued her professional career in the Women’s United Soccer Association and was a two-time All-Star selection.
She began her college coaching career in 2003, serving as co-head coach at LSU. After spending two seasons in Baton Rouge, she later became an assistant coach at Florida in 2006.
“I am truly honored for the opportunity to be the head coach at Eckerd,” Fotopoulos said. “It is a school that will attract student-athletes, it is in a great soccer conference, and I am really excited to be a part of a program with high expectations.”
Fotopoulos was inducted into UF’s Hall of Fame in 2008. She graduated from UF with a bachelor’s degree in 1999.
“We will immediately start getting ready for the preseason,” Fotopoulos said. “I can’t wait to get to know these players. I am really looking forward to sharing my experiences.”