Greg Dalby
Poway High School
Impact Statement
Dalby made an impact on each team at each level he’s been a part of from Poway, to Notre Dame, to MLS and now on the sidelines at Penn State.
Biography
“While it is often easier to notice the offensive accomplishments of the best soccer players in the nation, Greg Dalby made a name for himself playing some of the best defense in the country this year,” said NHSCA executive director Bob Ferraro. “The NHSCA is proud to recognize Greg Dalby as the National High School Senior Boys Soccer Athlete of the Year.”
Dalby earned a soccer scholarship to Notre Dame after closing out his senior season being named the California Player of the Year for the second time and being chosen for several national player of the year honors. A defensive specialist, Dalby still managed to score 15 goals and tally 16 assists in his career at Poway High. During his three years with Poway the team compiled a record of 50-16-9, and his teammates and the program honored his efforts by making him co-captain as a senior and retiring his jersey after the his final game.
Dalby, who already has made his presence known on the U.S. National Team, is expected to make and immediate contribution at Notre Dame despite being one of the nation’s youngest players due to graduating from Poway a year early.
Dalby played all four years while at Notre Dame and was a two year co-captain. The Fighting Irish won back-to-back Big East Championships in 2003 and 2004. He was named to First-team All-Big East honors twice.
After graduation, he played professional soccer for seven years starting in the Belgian Premiere League before moving to the Major League Soccer team in Colorado, the Rapids. He spent his final two years on the Charlotte Eagles.
Upon his retirement from professional soccer, Dalby began his coaching journey with a two year stint back at Notre Dame. He then went to be the assistant coach at Davidson College from 2015 until 2017. In 2018, he was hired as the assistant coach at Penn State University.
Photos
