Daniel Clitnovici is entering his first season as an assistant coach at Ohio State in 2016. Clitnovici previously spent the 2015 season as an assistant coach with the Western New York Flash of the National Women’s Soccer League.
“Daniel’s experience working with women at the highest level brings an expectation of excellence while his knowledge of youth development as an academy director presents a vast diversity of perspective,” Lori Walker, Ohio State head coach, said. “Daniel has an organized professional approach that will match the chemistry and culture of our staff. His domestic and international networks will add to the depth of our recruiting base and we can’t wait to integrate Daniel into the framework of our future.”
Clitnovici brings more than 15 years of coaching experience with him to Columbus. He began his coaching career as head coach of the Colorado Rapids W-League Women, tallying a 25-10-3 record. During that time, he also was head coach of the Rapids’ U-20 girls, leading them to the 2012 USL U-20 national championship.
In 2014, Clitnovici was head coach of the Colorado Pride Women, where he led the team to a Western Conference championship game appearance while earning 2014 USL W-League Coach of the Year laurels. Last year, Clitnovici served as the main assistant with the Western New York Flash while leading the Flash’s Academy as Director of Coaching.
Before getting in to coaching, Clitnovici spent 10 years playing professional, including time withGold Coast United FC in Australia, Universitatea Craiova in Romania, Barnsley FC in England and Apollon Athinon in Greece. In his final professional season in 2008-09, Clitnovici played in Spain for Elche CF and CF Illicitano.
Clitnovici holds a US Soccer Federation “A” License, NSCAA Advanced National License, NSCAA Advanced National GK License, NSCAA Director of Coaching License, FFA National Youth License, FFA Goal Keeping Level 1 License and an FFA Grass Roots Diploma.
