Hall of Fame
Daniel Whelan was a standout midfielder for Embry-Riddle men’s soccer from 2003-06. The program endured one of its most successful stretches while Whelan was on the pitch as he helped the to Eagles four-straight Florida Sun Conference championships, three-consecutive regional titles, and four trips to the NAIA National Tournament.
Over four years, Whelan competed in 74 contests, making 72 starts. Whelan produced 102 points, becoming just the fourth member of the program’s 100-point club at the time. That total includes 28 goals and 46 assists, which rank second on the program’s all-time list.
His outstanding production led to Whelan receiving All-American honors on three occasions. He was also a three-time All-Region selection and earned All-Conference honors in each of his four seasons. Academically, Whelan was named to the Academic All-District team in 2005.
Whelan’s most notable season occurred in 2005 when he was named the NAIA Region XIV and Florida Sun Conference Player of the Year. Whelan was the only Eagle to start all 19 matches and led the squad with a team-high 41 points and 17 assists. Then in 2006, Whelan assisted the Eagles in reaching the top spot in the national poll for the first and only time in program history.
Whelan graduated from Embry-Riddle with a degree in Business in 2007 and is in his 11th season as the head coach of the University of Mobile’s men’s soccer program. While with the Rams, Whelan has amassed an overall record of 145-43-15, has led the program to six regular season conference championships and as many appearances in the NAIA National Tournament. He has been named the Southern States Athletic Conference Coach of the Year on four occasions.
“Daniel is very humble and was always there if anyone needed help or advice. The big quality he had was that he was able to read his teammates and decide what type of feedback they needed, whether it was an arm around the shoulder or a sterner conversation. ‘Bestie’ is a true leader, and this was shown in 2005 when he was voted team captain.”
Liam McIlhatton
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer, 2003-06
Embry-Riddle Women's Soccer Head Coach, 2022-Present
“Daniel has all the traits of being successful in all that he does. He is very hard working,
determined, and laser focused. But above all, he is a fantastic person. He fills the room with energy and humor and people gravitate towards his personality.”
John Haworth
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer (1997-01)
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer Assistant Coach, 2002-04, 2008-21
“As a coach, I noticed the admiration he had for his teammates and how he adopted traits of others in his own life. Daniel is someone who never lets you down. He is reliable, honest, sees the best in people, and makes himself available when you need him most.”
Philip Jones
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer, 1999-02
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer Assistant Coach, 2004-07
“Daniel has always been someone that people want to be around and trust that he is going to be honest, fair and driven. He was that way as a player and has taken that in his career as head coach at the University of Mobile.”
Paul Buckley
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer, 2000-03
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer Assistant Coach, 2005-06
“The base of Daniel’s personality is intrinsic motivation. He is achievement oriented and driven to succeed. There is that fire in his personality that allows him to be a self-starter. No
one has to tell him the importance of effective performance or admonish him to work. He does not climb the mountain for fortune or fame; he climbs because it is there to be climbed. The rewards are ancillary to the accomplishment itself. Daniel is a man of character and integrity. He holds the highest moral standards and does the right
thing for the right reason. I would trust Daniel in any situation to uphold the highest standards of personal conduct and demeanor.”
David Gregson
Embry-Riddle Men's Soccer Head Coach, 1994-Present
