Defiance Adds LaManna to Men's Soccer Staff

DEFIANCE, OHIO -- The Defiance College men's soccer team has added another experienced member to their coaching staff, as Frankie LaManna has been hired as a full-time assistant coach for the program.

"We are delighted to have Frankie join the coaching staff here at Defiance," said head coach Jordan Valentine. "He has a strong coaching pedigree along with vast experience across all three divisions. Frankie will bring a different dimension to our staff and will play a vital role in supporting the future success of the program." 

"I am excited and grateful for the opportunity to coach at Defiance," LaManna said of his opportunity. "The current staff has a great knowledge of the game and a true passion for soccer and I hope to add to that passion and provide the student athletes whatever they need for success on and off the field."

LaManna spent two seasons as a volunteer assistant coach at California (Pa.) University, where he primarily worked with the defense and the goal keepers as the only assistant coach on staff. In 2015, California held conference opponents to a 0.69 goals against average, ranking third in the Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference. Coach LaManna also spent a brief period this summer as a volunteer assistant coach at Duquesne (Pa.) University.

Not only does LaManna bring collegiate coaching experience, but he also provides club experience. Most recently, he spent four years working at the Pennsylvania West Olympic Development Program in Pittsburgh, Pa. 

LaManna is a 2013 graduate of Robert Morris (Pa.) University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is also expected to graduate in December with a Master of Science in Recreation and Sport Sciences from Ohio University.