COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio Dominican University women's soccer program will have a new leader as the athletic department announced a new head coach on Friday (May 19).

Tony Daniels has been appointed head coach, as announced by Jeff Blair, Athletic Director. Daniels comes to Columbus as the sixth head coach in program history after many years in Rio Grande, Ohio.

Reilee DuPratt has stepped down as head coach after three seasons at the helm of the Panthers. DuPratt moved on in a different coaching capacity.

"We are excited to welcome Tony Daniels to Ohio Dominican as our new women's soccer head coach," said Blair. "With Tony as head coach, we are looking forward to seeing what the future holds for our program."

Daniels spent the last seven seasons as the women's soccer head coach of the Rio Grande RedStorm. In seven seasons, Daniels has led the RedStorm to three appearances in the River States Conference Championship Final (2017, Fall 2021 and 2022).

Under the tutelage of Daniels, he has developed two NAIA All-Americans, 10 River States Conference First Team players and 21 River States Conference Scholar-Athletes. For the seasons of 2018 and 2022, Daniels coached the RSC's Player of the Year and Offensive Player of the Year. After taking over the women's soccer head coaching duties, Daniels put an emphasis on academics, and the RedStorm program now has a 3.5 cumulative GPA

"I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to become the next head coach at Ohio Dominican," added Daniels. "I am excited to get to work in Columbus and begin working with our program. Thank you to Jeff [Blair], Sandy [Rowley], President Connie Gallaher and the entire hiring committee for this honor."

The area of Rio Grande is no stranger to Daniels as he was an assistant coach for the men's soccer team for 25 years. During his stint as an assistant, the RedStorm made the NAIA National Tournament in 16 straight years – dating back to 2001. Rio Grande won the NAIA National Championship in 2003 and 2015 while being the runner-up in 2008. The team made the Final Four in 2001 and 2009. 

He is a Rio Grande alumnus as he graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Sport and Exercise with a minor in Business Management in 1995. He returned for his Master's in Classroom Education in 2006, with a concentration in Athletic Coaching Leadership.