MIAMI (Feb. 27, 2023) – Men's Soccer associate head coach Dannie Merida had been named a 2022 College Soccer News Top Assistant Coach.
 
Merida is one of only 12 assistants chosen by College Soccer News this year. Success on the field this season and consistent success throughout a coach's tenure at their current program are the barometers used to choose the CSN Top Assistants.
 
"I'm very excited about the national recognition this year for our staff and specifically for Dannie," said head coach Kyle Russell. "He is a blessing to work with and I am thrilled people are starting to see what we've known all along. He is one of the best, hands down."
 
In 2022, Merida helped lead the Panthers to one of the best seasons in program history. FIU finished with a 14-5-1, five wins against ranked teams, the American Athletic Conference regular season championship, The American Championship Tournament and a run to the Sweet 16 as the 10-seed in the NCAA Tournament.
 
Merida joined Russell's staff at the start of the 2020 season as an assistant coach. Since then, the Panthers have accumulated a 30-13-4 overall record, made two NCAA tournament appearances and won two regular season conference championships.
 
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