VERMILLION, S.D. — As South Dakota continues to make strides in collegiate athletics, a significant addition in the world of soccer elevates the University of South Dakota’s (USD) performance and aspirations. On March 24, 2026, Daniel Brizard was announced by Nate Margenthaler, Coordinator of Communications, as the new assistant soccer coach for the USD Coyotes’ women’s soccer program.
South Dakota, known for its vibrant landscapes and robust community spirit, now adds a touch of soccer brilliance to its athletic repertoire. Head women’s soccer coach Michael Thomas expressed his enthusiasm, highlighting Brizard’s extensive experience, which is expected to take the Coyotes to new heights in the 2026 season.
“We are so excited to have Daniel joining the staff. He brings so many experiences from varying levels of soccer that he stood out to our hiring committee immediately, but what really shone through was his desire to help the student athletes,” said Thomas. “I believe that Daniel is going to enhance the student-athlete experience at the University of South Dakota in multiple ways.”
Daniel Brizard, a veteran in the field, comes with a robust background in collegiate coaching, holding more than 20 years of experience at the NCAA Division I level. His rich history involves roles at prominent institutions such as Indiana University, the University of Rhode Island, and Louisiana State University, along with others. Notably, Brizard has garnered five years of experience in head coaching, particularly at Tennessee Tech University.
Underlining his career, he most recently spent six successful seasons (2019-2025) as an assistant women’s soccer coach at Fresno State University. Here, his focus was primarily on goalkeeping and defensive strategies—a specialty that USD believes will significantly benefit their team dynamics.
University of South Dakota
One of the standout aspects of Brizard’s career was his work at Fresno State, where he guided the defense to prominence by training two first-team all Mountain West Team defenders and mentoring the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year in 2021. It is experiences like these that USD aims to leverage to foster an improved defensive structure.
“I would like to thank Coach Thomas for giving me this opportunity to join the USD family,” stated Brizard. “I am excited to work with the staff and the players and looking forward to helping them reach their goals.”
This move is seen as a strategic step in bolstering South Dakota’s prominence in collegiate soccer. As the region grows in its soccer capabilities, the community benefits from enhanced visibility and engagement in sports.
Daniel Brizard hails from a strong sports performance background, having earned his Bachelor of Science in Sports Performance from Berry College in 1995. During his college years, he demonstrated leadership as a team captain and four-year starter. His military service with the United States Navy adds a layer of discipline and strategic thinking beneficial both on and off the field.
Accompanying Brizard on his move to Vermillion are his wife Julie and their daughter Izabella. The Brizard family’s arrival adds diversity and depth to the community fabric of South Dakota, intertwining personal bonds with professional ambitions.
South Dakota’s identity as a state of friendly people and scenic wonders enriches every Coyote’s story, making USD’s athletic narrative as compelling and resilient as its environment. With Coach Daniel Brizard on board, supporters of the Coyotes eagerly await a season that promises growth, strength, and many soccer victories.
Follow all things related to Coyotes athletics on social media to stay informed about upcoming games and thrilling victories. Engage and support the University of South Dakota as it paves the way for another promising season in women’s soccer and beyond.
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