Dane Brenner: Twins Staff Coach
Personal Info:
Born in High Point, NC. Played collegiately at the University of South Florida- 4 year starter, 3 year captain. Graduated in 2006, began coaching career after professional tryouts in the Fall of 2007. Favorite team's are Liverpool and Barcelona. Ambition in life is to be a Head Coach of a Division 1 program in the ACC or work with US Soccer. Favourite athletes are Gareth Bale and Lionel Messi. Twins Coach since 2011
Coaching Education:
NSCAA National Diploma Candidate- Summer 2012
Coaching Experience:
Wake Forest University- Assistant Coach (2011- present)
Twins Youth Soccer Association - Head Coach (2011- present)
University of Connecticut - Volunteer Assistant Coach (2007 - 2011)
Northeast United Premier Soccer Club - Director of Coaching (2009 - 2011)
Oakwood Soccer Club- Goalkeeper Coach (2008 - 2011)
Playing Experience:
University of South Florida, NCAA
Bradenton Academics, PDL
Carolina Dynamo, PDL
Awards:
Big East Regular Season Championship
Conference USA 2nd Team All Conference
Education:
BA: Sociology, minor in Business (graduated Magna Cum Laude)- University of South Florida
MA: Kinesiology, Focus in Sport Management (University of Connecticut)
Getting to know Wake Forest Assistant coach and Twins Staff Coach Dane Brenner.............................
How young/ old were you when you decided to coach?
I was 23 years old when I decided that I wanted to be a coach. I’ve been lucky to have many different coaches in my life, each with his own interpretation and view on the game and I tried to benefit from what each had to offer. I hope that taking those different experiences and approaches will help me become a better coach.
How did you get into coaching?
I decided to get into coaching after my playing days were over. I contacted my Head Coach from the college I went to (University of South Florida) and he made a few calls for me and got me the Volunteer Assistant position at the University of Connecticut. There I was able to work with the goalkeepers on a daily basis and gain a wealth of knowledge about how to run a collegiate program.
What do you like about coaching?
I enjoy the same things I think any coach enjoys, I like being involved in the development of a player and the person that they are as well. I believe you learn alot on the field, not just tactically and technically but also life lessons. I think there are lessons to be learned and I enjoy guiding players through that development. I enjoy being around a team and working with them to achieve their goals individually but more importantly I enjoy seeing what they can do together.
What has been your greatest coaching moment?
My greatest coaching moment was working with a goalkeeper that was drafted into the MLS. At the beginning when I worked with him he didn’t really have aspirations to play in the MLS and didn’t think he could make it, however he worked tirelessly and he reached his dream. I was very happy for him and had a great time working with him and pushing him to achieve his goal.
What was your greatest moment as an athlete?
My greatest moment as an athlete was probably winning the 2005 Big East Championship. I was in a program that had previously been in a different conference and it was our 1st year in the Big East. The Big East was a much better conference that the previous conference we were in and USF was a program that was building, growing, and getting better. However, no one truly expected us to make any real noise our 1st year in a stronger conference. Working with the guys on the team, seeing the dedication that it took and sacrifices that were made in order to win was something special to be around.
When you stop coaching one day, what will you most want to be remembered for by the athletes you have coached?
I want to be remembered as a good person, someone the players looked up to, want to be around, got along with, and enjoyed having as their coach. At the end of the day we’re coaching a game, however I hope that the impact I have on players goes further than that. I hope that I can be a mentor to them and teach them how to play the game and be successful on and off the field.
What aspects of sports have you learned to appreciate since you have been a coach rather than an athlete?
There’s alot more to the game than just stepping on the field and playing. As a coach you put in countless hours preparing, double checking, worrying over minor details, etc. I think as a player you spend the majority of your time preparing your body mentally and physically. As a coach though I think you have to take more into consideration, you have more to worry about. That’s not to discount the effort and time that players put into the game, I just think that coaches have to take a broader look at the game and be prepared for anything that could come their way.
