CHARLOTTE, N.C. (April 27^th, 2022) - The Charlotte Independence Soccer Club today promoted Daniel Ridenhour as Head Coach to the Men’s USL League Two team. Previously, he was a Head Coach for the Boys Pre-Academy Program. Ridenhour also serves as the Head Coach at Winthrop University for the Men’s Soccer team. His character as a coach and the commitment to develop talent proved the club did not have to look far.

“I appreciate Thomas and Dave believing in me to help move the USL League Two team forward this summer. Thrilled to continue with the Independence in a different role than I have had the past three years. Working with senior players at the League Two level will be a new challenge”, said Daniel Ridenhour. “Just as players should grow, I firmly believe coaches have to grow and learn as well. I do appreciate my wife, Emily, with her support in taking on this new endeavor. She is a rock behind everything our family does. Very eager to get with the rest of our staff to help chart the course together collectively”.

It is evident that Ridenhour did not waste time at Winthrop University. He coached players to ANSCAA/Adidas all-South Atlantic team, NSCAA/Adidas All-South Atlantic team, Big South Player of the Year, MAC Herman Watch List, All Big South team, All Big South Freshmen team, and Big South Tournament MVP. He has also coached 27 players who have gone onto play in MLS, USL Championship, USL League 1, as well as 6 other leagues around the world.

“The most important part will be getting on the field with the players and being able to continue to develop them as players and as young men within the 5 C’s of the club. Hopefully, the USL League Two team continues to be a bridge for our top players to the pro ranks and for our younger players as a view to see what is possible”.

Everywhere that Ridenhour has gone, the trail of success followed. He was the Director of Winthrop Soccer Camps, Head Coach for Discoveries Soccer Club, Coached for Charlotte United FC, and Coached for USYS Region III ODP. 

“Daniel is a proven coach at the youth and collegiate level. He is a perfect fit for these young men looking to improve their game and get to the next stage”, said Chief Executive Officer Thomas Finlay. “Daniel has played a significant role in the pre-academy age groups for us these past few years and it will be great to see him on the other end of the player development ladder at the club. He truly captures the clubs’ values and vision perfectly. I’ve known Daniel for close to 20 years now and I’m excited to see the impact he has on our USL League Two program. 

Ridenhour extensive knowledge in soccer stems to his college days where he played for on the men’s soccer team at Old Dominion University where in 2000, he was named team captain. He also played for the U.S. Youth Soccer Region III team where he was a team member for three seasons and was a pool member for five. 

Ridenhour earned a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education with the emphasis in Sport Management upon graduation. He later committed to further his education as he earned a Master of Science in Sport Administration from Georgia State University. Ridenhour is married to his wife Emily for 15 years where they have four children: Phoebe, Winnie, Paco and Captain. They currently reside in Rock Hill.