BOULDER, Colo. — Austin Daniels, the first-ever head coach of the University of Colorado soccer team, has died at 64.
CU said Daniels died Monday after a 13-year battle with cancer.
Daniels spent five seasons leading the Buffaloes soccer team from 1996 to 2000, compiling a 36-53-5 record.
Daniels was the university's second African American head coach. He was hired to lead the Buffaloes soccer team by then-CU Athletic Director Bill Marlot on Feb. 16, 1996.
Daniels came to Colorado from the University of Hartford, where he had a 103-35-6 record in seven seasons as head coach. He led Hartford to six NCAA tournament appearances in his seven years, including a berth in the national semifinals in 1992.
"Playing for Austin was a privilege," said former CU goalkeeper Sloane Cox. "I went to the University of Hartford from Canada in part because of Austin and followed him to Colorado to continue that legacy. Those of us who were lucky enough to spend the entirety of our college careers under his leadership are better because of him.
"Austin believed in people when they didn't believe in themselves. He pushed you to be the very best version of yourself - every day. He taught you how to be a great player on the field and a great person outside the lines. He gave his life to this sport. Watching the players he recruited flourish as college athletes and later in life as wives, mothers and leaders brought him the greatest joy. There will never be another Austin Daniels. 'You'll never walk alone.'"
Daniels's career earned him multiple Hall of Fame inductions, including the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame, the Hartford Alumni Athletics Hall of Fame, the Connecticut Girls' Soccer HOF, the Women's Premier Soccer League Hall of Fame and the Black Soccer Coaches Hall of Fame.