Former Golden Knight standout Dan Howell begins his fifth season as an assistant coach on the Gannon coaching staff in 2017. He began his coaching career under longtime head coach Rob van Rheenen before remaining in the same capacity under Dale White, who assumed the head coaching duties in 2015.
Four years after concluding one of the best collegiate careers in a Golden Knight uniform, Howell returned to Gannon as a coach in 2013. The former forward was a four-year starter at Gannon from 2005-09. He ranks sixth all-time at Gannon in assists (29), ninth in points (103) and 10th in goals (37).
“Dan brings great knowledge and a solid soccer background to our program,” said van Rheenen upon Howell's hiring. “He has played collegiately and professionally. Plus, he knows our program well from his playing days. Dan will be a great addition to the staff and a beneficial resource for our student-athletes.”
Howell was a five-time all-region selection, being named to the National Soccer Coaches Association (NSCAA) All-Atlantic Region second team as a true freshman and Daktronics All-Atlantic Region second team as a sophomore. He landed a spot on the NSCAA All-Region third team his final three seasons. Named the 2005 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Freshman of the Year, Howell was a three-time all-conference selection. He was selected to the All-GLIAC first team as a freshman and second team as a sophomore, before earning first-team accolades in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) as a senior.
“I am excited to transition into coaching after years of playing,” said Howell upon his hiring. “I have a love for the University and the game of soccer. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning during the first practice. I’m very excited to be back and I am very grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Gannon coaching staff.”
Howell played in 70 career matches, starting 69. The Erie, Pa., native and Iroquois (Pa.) High School graduate led Gannon to a 24-3-3 record when he scored a goal. Howell was also superb in the classroom, being named either a GLIAC or PSAC Scholar Athlete every year.
Following a stellar collegiate career, Howell played professionally in Iceland for two seasons. He later played for the Erie Admirals (Pa.) Soccer Club and helped coach the Erie Admirals youth programs at Family First Sports Park. Howell served as the head coach for the Erie Admirals for two seasons in 2014 and 2015, before becoming a minority owner in the team.
