VERMILLION, S.D. — Head women's soccer coach Michael Thomas announced the addition of Daniel Brizard as an assistant coach for the Coyotes soccer program, heading into the 2026 season.
"We are so excited to have Daniel joining the staff. He brings so many experiences from varying levels of soccer that he stood out to our hiring committee immediately, but what really shone through was his desire to help the student athletes," said Thomas. "I believe that Daniel is going to enhance the student-athlete experience at the University of South Dakota in multiple ways."
Brizard brings more than two decades of collegiate coaching experience to Vermillion, including four years as a head coach and 24 years as an assistant at the NCAA Division I level. Most recently, he spent the past six seasons as an assistant women's soccer coach at Fresno State (2019–2025).
At Fresno State, Brizard served as the program's goalkeeping and defensive specialist, working with the Bulldogs goalkeepers while organizing the defensive structure and coordinating defensive set pieces. Brizard also coached two first team all Mountain West Team defenders and in 2021 the Mountain West Defensive Player of the year.
"I would like to thank Coach Thomas for giving me this opportunity to join the USD family," said Brizard. "I am excited to work with the staff and the players and looking forward to helping them reach their goals."
In addition to his time at Fresno State, Brizard has extensive experience across several Division I programs. His coaching stops include Indiana University, the University of Rhode Island, Tennessee Tech University, Louisiana State University, Florida International University, the University of South Alabama, and the University of Missouri St. Louis.
During his career, he has worked primarily with goalkeepers and defensive units while contributing heavily to recruiting, player development, and program operations. Brizard also served as head women's soccer coach at Tennessee Tech, gaining valuable experience leading a Division I program.
Brizard earned a Bachelor of Science in Sports Performance from Berry College (Ga.) in 1995. He was a four-year starter and a team captain at Berry during his playing days. He is also a veteran of the United States Navy.
Brizard and his wife, Julie, have one daughter, Izabella.
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