Bediako Swan Named Head Men's Soccer Coach

Daemen Goes To Division I Level To Find Successor For Departed Bobby McColl

2/26/2019 12:00:00 PM

By: By Mike Miranto, Sr. Associate A.D. for External Operations & Communications

AMHERST, N.Y. - University of Saint Francis (Pa.) assistant coach Bediako Swan has been named the next head men's soccer coach at Daemen College, director of athletics Traci Murphy announced today. Swan, who holds five years of experience as an assistant at the collegiate level, becomes the sixth head coach in team history. He takes over for Bobby McColl who left last fall to accept the head coaching position at Houghton College.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome Bediako Swan to the Daemen family, and introduce him to Western New York's Division II team," said Murphy. "The search process produced a plethora of qualified candidates, and I am confident that we've identified a rising star in Bediako. It was easily apparent just how much passion he has for the game, and I'm looking forward to seeing that passion put to work with our student-athletes."

Swan comes to Daemen after spending the 2018 season assisting the Division I program at St. Francis where he worked primarily with the team's goalkeepers. Swan contributed to the Red Flash's 9-5-3 campaign that included a 5-1-2 mark in Northeast Conference play. SFU goalkeepers posted a 1.18 goals-against average and compiled six shutouts last fall under Swan's tutelage. In addition, Swan assisted with various aspects of the program including recruiting, game-planning and scouting of opponents.

Before going to SFU, Swan spent four seasons (2014-17) assisting the men's soccer program at Division II Davis and Elkins College. The Senators averaged 10 wins per season in his tenure, which also included a run to the Great Midwest Athletic Conference Championship finals and an NCAA Championships berth in 2017. Swan's time at D&E also included two seasons serving in a dual role as an assistant coach with the Senators' women's soccer program.

Also in 2017, Swan was selected to be part of the United Soccer Coaches 30 Under 30 Program, a year-long education and mentorship opportunity for young coaches.

"I would like to express my gratitude to Traci Murphy along with the hiring committee for giving me the opportunity to be the new head men's soccer coach at Daemen College," said Swan. "I must acknowledge Aron Bassoff, Dr. Greg Myers and Frank Olszewski, as these men have been responsible for my holistic growth as a coach and whether they know it or not, have been mentors to me. This is truly an exhilarating time for me and my family as I am gifted with the opportunity to work with these young men, and in a program that has been steadily improving over the years. I am eager for this program to continue building on its success, both on the field and off, and to build relationships on campus and in the surrounding communities."

A native of Grenada, Swan is a 2012 graduate of Davis & Elkins where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History. He is also presently pursuing a Masters degree in Sport Coaching from West Virginia University.

Swan had a successful playing career at D&E. He was a two-time first-team All-West Virginia Intercollegiate Athletic Conference selection as a striker, and he earned All-Atlantic Region honors as a senior. He also played internationally as a member of the Grenada Under-20 National Team.

Swan inherits a Daemen team that has won 12 games over the last two seasons, the team's most successful span since posting 14 wins from 2005-06. The 2017 season saw the Wildcats match the program record for wins in a season (7) while also posting a 3-6-0 mark in East Coast Conference play. In 2018, the Wildcats were hit hard by the injury bug, but still managed to record five wins, including three in conference play. Five of the team's 12 losses were by a single goal.

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What people are saying about Bediako Swan...

"It has been a pleasure working with Bedi these past three years and watching his growth. Daemen has made a great choice. He will work hard to bring success to the men's soccer program. Your student-athletes will benefit immensely, as will the campus community. It will be exciting to watch the progress."
- Frank Olszewski, head men's soccer coach, St. Francis University (Pa.)

"Bediako is a tireless worker, and has a great rapport with the student-athletes that cannot be taught. His desire to be successful funnels into his players on the pitch and the classroom. Daemen got this hire right."
- Scott Phipps, head men's soccer coach, Alderson Broaddus University

"Bedi is one of the finest young coaches available today. His knowledge of the game is outstanding. He is excellent at placing players where they can succeed. He has a great eye for talent. He varies practices that keep the players motivated. He will do well as a head coach."
- Dr. Greg Myers, retired head men's soccer coach, Davis & Elkins College, U.S. Naval Academy, Florida International University, West Virginia University

"Bediako Swan is a very talented and promising collegiate soccer coach. I am very excited for him to have this opportunity at Daemen College, and I am confident that he will be very successful. It's a great fit for him."
- Bud Lewis, retired head men's soccer coach, Wilmington College (Del.)

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