DETROIT – Detroit City FC has announced the appointment of Danielle “Dani” Evans as the new head coach of the club’s USL W League side. Evans becomes the third head coach in the history of the Detroit City FC women’s team, following Sam Piraine and David Dwaihy.
Evans has already established herself as an elite tactical mind and highly effective manager within the club. Since November 2023, she has served as the head coach of the DCFC Women’s Arena team (MASLW), transforming the program into a national powerhouse. Under her guidance, the team has earned a berth in the national playoff in all three seasons, most recently reaching the MASLW National Semifinals back in March.
She brings an unparalleled playing resume to the touchline. A former standout and co-captain at Oakland University, she led the Golden Grizzlies to an undefeated conference season in 2010 while leading the league in goals, assists, and points. Her success continued at the semi-pro level, where she was named the United Women’s Soccer (UWS) Midwest Offensive Player of the Year in 2018 and led the league in assists.
Chief of Soccer Development David Dwaihy is beyond excited about Dani’s upcoming role as W League head coach: “I simply cannot overstate my high regard for Dani Evans. She is a beautiful human being, a brilliant player and coach, and a true ambassador for the sport. She has an extensive knowledge of the current squad and a tactical approach that I believe is a perfect fit for our group of players and the league they are playing in. Our women and our club are in very good hands with Dani Evans at the helm.”
Evans is poised to take charge of a squad she knows intimately, and will be backed by a talented support staff that includes Makenna Mascaro, Becky Ansell, Justin Hunter, Adam Spinks, Scottie Wloszek, and David Dwaihy. Her appointment ensures that the tactical foundation and community-first culture of Detroit City FC will continue to thrive in the seasons to come.
Her deep connection to the club’s mission is shared by her family; her husband, Jon, played for DCFC during its foundational years, and together they have been pillars of the local soccer community through DCFC Downriver, where she serves as a Club Administrator, Staff Coach, and Director of Coaching for high school girls.
Beyond her professional accolades, Evans is a cornerstone of the Michigan soccer landscape, having coached at Lincoln Park High School and Riverview Community High School. When away from the pitch, she is the proud mother of three beautiful children: Liam, Drew, and Ellenor.
Detroit City FC will open its 2026 W League season on the road Saturday, May 16, vs AFC Ann Arbor, with their home opener scheduled for Saturday May 23 against Kalamazoo FC, at Keyworth Stadium. Tickets are still available.
For more information about Detroit City FC, visit detcityfc.com and follow @DetroitCityFC on X, Facebook, and @detroitcityfootballclub on Instagram.
Please send all media inquiries to media@detcityfc.com.
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