Dan Donigan was named as the fifth head coach in Saint Louis University men's soccer history on Feb. 15, 2001. He resigned from the position in January 2010 to accept the same position at Rutgers University in his native New Jersey. Donigan posted a 118-42-23 (.708) record in nine seasons while leading the Billikens to the NCAA Tournament in seven of those campaigns. Under his leadership, the Billikens captured an Atlantic 10 Conference tournament title in 2009 and three regular-season championships since joining the league in 2005. In addition, Donigan's teams claimed three consecutive Conference USA championships from 2001 to 2003. Both his inaugural Billiken squad in 2001 and his 2003 side reached the NCAA quarterfinals, while his second edition in 2002 advanced to the NCAA Tournament's third round. During his tenure, Donigan's players earned All-America honors seven times. In addition, Donigan coached five Academic All-Americans and 65 players who have earned All-Conference accolades. Additionally, Donigan carried a reputation for sending players to the next level. Since 2001, Donigan's first year as head coach, 13 players have been drafted by Major League Soccer, while several others have continued their playing careers overseas. As of the beginning of the 2010 MLS season, seven of Donigan's former players were on MLS active rosters. COACHING HISTORY Donigan worked his way through the ranks to become the Bills' leader. He joined the Billiken coaching staff as an assistant under Bob Warming in 1997 after three seasons as the top assistant at his alma mater, the University of Connecticut, under legendary head coach Joe Morrone. As an assistant from 1997 to 2000, Donigan helped the Billikens to four NCAA Tournament bids - including a 1997 College Cup appearance - two Conference USA regular- season championships and two C-USA postseason crowns.
Donigan was named head coach prior to the 2001 spring season, a move that paid immediate dividends. The Billikens finished 18-2-0 in his debut campaign, the finest record posted by a Billiken first-year head coach. His 10-0-0 start is also tops by a first-year coach in the program's storied history. Two of Donigan's first four seasons resulted in coaching honors. He was Conference USA's 2001 Coach of the Year. The NSCAA named Donigan Midwest Region Coach of the Year in 2003. Donigan's fifth season featured a Billiken squad that made a successful transition to the Atlantic 10 Conference. Since joining the league in 2005, SLU has posted a 28-5-3 record in regular-season league games. The Billikens have captured three regular-season titles in the four years they have competed in the A-10. Donigan has vast experience as a coach at multiple levels. He holds a United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "A" coaching license as well as an NSCAA Advanced National Coaching Diploma. Donigan began his collegiate coaching career in 1994 when he returned to UConn, but he had been on the staff of camps and Olympic Development Programs for several years. Donigan is also the director of the Saint Louis Soccer Academy, a nationally renowned soccer skill camp that holds numerous sessions throughout the Billikens' off-season. A member of the USSF national staff of coaches, Donigan is certified to assist with coaching courses. He joined the national staff in 2002. In 2008, he hosted the Coach It Right Soccer Clinic, a free seminar offered to youth coaches and parents emphasizing the positives of the sport. PLAYING CAREER Donigan was one of the most heralded collegiate soccer players in the nation during his four-year career at UConn beginning in 1985. He was a three-time All-American and first-team All-New England forward. Donigan received the adidas Adi Dassler Award as the nation's "Most Outstanding Senior Soccer Player" in 1988. He also was one of 11 players selected as a 1988 Soccer America MVP, registering team highs of 11 goals and 11 assists while leading UConn to its third NCAA Tournament berth in four seasons. An All-America pick his final three seasons, Donigan was a finalist for Missouri Athletic Club Player of the Year honors as a junior and senior. He also was selected as the Big East Conference Northern Division Player of the Year in his final two seasons. As part of the Big East's 10-year anniversary in 1991, Donigan was further honored by his selection as the Big East Player of the Decade.
Donigan began playing professionally in 1990. His longest tenure was with the Milwaukee Wave of the National Professional Soccer League (NPSL), where he appeared in 92 matches over two stints from 1992-94, then again from 1996-97. He registered 100 goals with the Wave. Donigan got his start on the professional circuit playing for the Boston Bolts and Penn-Jersey Spirit. He also played outdoor soccer for the Tampa Rowdies, Washington Warthogs and Rockford Raptors. Donigan's indoor teams included the Wichita Wings, St. Louis Storm, St. Louis Ambush and St. Louis Steamers. Still in playing shape, Donigan's wealth of talent is evident every day. "The fact that I can still play the game at a reasonable level allows me to participate in the practice and training sessions," Donigan explained. "It's good for the players to see actual demonstrations on the field. I can get coaching principles across to the team. "Having played at both the college and pro levels, I've been exposed to a variety of strategies that can be implemented at this level," he said. "I've been exposed to all aspects of the game of soccer on every level." While playing for the Milwaukee Wave, Donigan served as a corporate sales representative, capitalizing upon the business administration degree he received at UConn in 1993. He earned his master's degree in higher education at Saint Louis University in 2005. In 2008, Donigan was married to the former Corey Stephens. The couple have a son, Kaden.
Donigan's Career Head Coaching Record
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