THROGGS NECK, N.Y. (August 7, 2014) – Maritime third-year Director of Athletics Heather MacCulloch announced on Thursday that Daniel Gwyther will be taking over as the head coach of the men's soccer program. Gwyther served as an assistant for the Privateers during the 2013 season and will enter his first collegiate head coaching position at Maritime.
 
        "We are thrilled to welcome Daniel back to the Maritime Athletics family in the Head Coach capacity" said MacCulloch. "During his previous time here as an assistant, Dan's passion for teaching the sport of soccer was evident and showed that he had great potential as a head coach. His knowledge of the game from an international perspective really gives a twist to his coaching style which is one that our athletes really respond to."
 
        During his first season with the Privateers last year, Gwyther helped the squad to an 8-11-2 overall record, including a 5-3-1 mark in Skyline Conference play, en route to the team clinching the fourth overall seed in the Skyline Conference Tournament. The Privateers placed three players on the All-Skyline Second Team and six players on the Skyline Academic Honor Roll.
 
        As a player, Gwyther played collegiately at the University at Buffalo, where he was twice named team Most Valuable Player and was an All-MAC Conference selection in 2007 and 2008. A two-year captain, Gwyther led the Bulls to two MAC conference finals and the team's first national ranking in program history. On completion of his collegiate career, Gwyther was entered in to the 2009 MLS Draft and was invited to train with D.C. United of Major League Soccer and the Rochester Rhinos of the United Soccer Leagues (USL).
 
        Professionally, Gwyther has represented English sides Watford F.C. & Barnet F.C. and prior to his return to the U.S., played two years for Metropolitan P.F.C., helping the team to win the Ryman League Championship. Gwyther is currently a player for the Long Island Rough Riders of the USL and also coaches various youth teams on Long Island as well as the Rough Riders Junior Academy sides. He also plays for the NY Greek Americans of the CSL and has helped lead the club to the 2014 New York State Cup, three consecutive National Final appearances in 2012, 2013 and 2014, as well as reaching the 2014 U.S Open Cup Third round.
 
        "I would like to thank Ms. MacCulloch for presenting me with this wonderful opportunity and Laura Mooney and the rest of the administration for their ultimate professionalism during this process," commented Gwyther. "The vision for success and development within the College and positive energy in the Athletic Department is infectious and I can't wait to get back into preseason with the team. Coach Clayes was an excellent mentor and I intend to build on last season's efforts and continue the program's upward trajectory. We have a great group of student-athletes who make Maritime a special place and I am delighted to continuing my coaching career at this fantastic institution."
 
        "Dan's awareness of SUNY Maritime's unique academic programs, our competition profile, importance of our recruiting efforts and connecting back to our alums made him the standout choice for me," added MacCulloch. "I am sure he will be a great asset to both the student-athletes and myself as we continue to pursue our goals both academically and athletically."
 
        A native of London, England, Gwyther graduated Buffalo in 2009 with a B.A. in Economics and earned his Master's Degree from the University of Cambridge. He holds a FA Level II coaching license, an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma, and the NSCAA Director of Coaching Diploma. Gwyther is currently an Associate in the Financial Management practice at KPMG and resides in Bellmore, N.Y with his wife Melissa.