ST. BONIFACIUS, Minn. — The Crown Men's Soccer team and head coach Luke Herbert are excited to announce two new additions to the coaching staff for this coming fall. Former Martin Luther College captain Ryan Plath will serve as the program's first-ever graduate assistant, and former North Central University standout Danny Williams will also serve as an assistant having accepted a position with Crown's Office of Student Development.
Plath, a Courtland, Minnesota native, captained the Knights in 2016 and 2017, leading the team in minutes and leading a defense that set school records for consecutive clean sheets and scoreless minutes. The Knights qualified for the UMAC postseason in each of those seasons.
After earning a degree in Education with an emphasis in K-12 Physical Education, Plath has gained his United Soccer Coaches National Diploma and Goalkeeping Level 1 certification and holds an 'E' License from the United States Soccer Federation. He has gained valuable coaching experience at Mankato West High School, Wisconsin Lutheran High School, and with the New Ulm Youth Soccer Association.
"I've known Ryan for a number of years now, both as a competitor and a coach, and I'm extremely excited to welcome him to our staff," stated head coach Luke Herbert. "Ryan thinks the game at a very high level and has a wealth of experience on both sides of the touchline. He knows what it takes to be successful on and off the pitch and is very familiar with the UMAC. I think this is just the start of a career in coaching for Ryan!"
Another familiar face from the UMAC, Danny Williams will serve as a volunteer assistant after accepting a Graduate Intern role with Crown's Student Development team. Williams was a four-year starter for North Central College, earning a pair of NCCAA All-Region and All-American awards while leading the Rams to an NCCAA national championship this past season. The Coon Rapids, Minnesota native also earned a pair of All-UMAC awards.
Williams also brings unique experiences with him, having been involved with numerous NCAA programs including the Student Immersion Program, NCAA Next Steps Program, and the NCAA Career in Sports Forum. The Spring Lake Park High School grad has also begun work on his coaching resume, as he is pursuing his USSF 'D' License and has coached for Eden Prairie Soccer Club since the spring of 2018.
On Williams, Coach Herbert says, "Danny brings an energy that is contagious and he's also very familiar with the UMAC. His experience is unique and will provide another perspective for our student-athletes' development. Above all, Danny has an incredible desire to serve in the name of Christ and will have a big impact on campus and in our program."
Both newcomers to Crown are set to start on August 1st.
