Washington Adventist University Men's Soccer

Daniel Carroll comes to WAU after serving as an educator and soccer coach in New Orleans, Louisiana. He is a native of Liverpool, England, and he grew up playing soccer for the world-renowned Manchester United Academy before venturing to the United States to play collegiate soccer in 2014. "We hit a home run with the hire of Coach Carroll," Lyons said. "Daniel came highly recommended by two of the industry's top coaches within the NAIA. In addition, he brings with him a strong recruiting network. He was a decorated player at Rio Grande, where he won an NAIA National Championship, and upon graduating, worked at TOP 25 William Carey as an assistant. Coach Carroll will elevate our department, and his passion for relationships will help in our efforts to recruit more student-athletes across the board. I know he will make an impact in Athletic Recruiting & the Men's Soccer Program." Carroll has led the program to new heights and was named the Continental Athletics Conference 2023-2024 Coach of the Year. Under his leadership, the team has consistently excelled on and off the field. Known for his tactical expertise, commitment to player development, and dedication to the success of the program, Carroll continues to elevate WAUs mens soccer team to prominence within the conference. His coaching style emphasizes discipline, teamwork, and a passion for the game. Before Carrolls time in Louisiana, he ran his own private soccer training business and was an Assistant Coach for the Men's soccer program at William Carey University, a Top 25 NAIA program. During his two years in Mississippi, he helped lead William Carey to a record-winning season and to the Semi-Finals of the National Tournament (2018), and to the Quarter-Finals of the National Tournament (2019). In addition, his staff was recognized as Coaching Staff of the Year by the United Soccer Coaches in 2018. Daniel is a 2018 Graduate of the University of Rio Grande in Ohio, where he won an NAIA National Championship (2015). He also led his team back to the NAIA National Championship game in 2016 while claiming the River States Conference Tournament Championship and the River States Conference League championship from 2014-2018. Carroll was also named Defensive Player of the Tournament (2015), All-Tournament Team Selection (2015), and River States Conference Scholar-Athlete (2014-18). Carroll earned his bachelor's degree in English and Philosophy from the University of Rio Grande in 2018 and received his master's degree in English literature from William Carey in 2020. He holds his USSF National C License and United Soccer Coaches Advanced National Diploma. Daniel resides with his wife, Arielle, and their cat, Waffles, in Rockville, MD.

Giovani Batista is a dynamic and highly motivated individual who brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his role as a Graduate Assistant at Washington Adventist University. With a passion for both athletics and academia, Giovani is committed to making a positive impact on the university's soccer program and the growth and development of its student-athletes. Giovani's journey in the United States began at Union College in Kentucky, where he spent four years as an integral part of the Soccer Program. During this time, he not only demonstrated exceptional skills on the field but also excelled in the classroom. Giovani's dedication to his studies culminated in successfully completing Business Management and Marketing degrees, underscoring his commitment to personal and academic excellence. Beyond his accomplishments at Union College, Giovani further honed his talents by serving as an Assistant Soccer Coach and Student Life Manager at Coffeyville Community College in Kansas. Through these roles, he gained invaluable experience guiding and mentoring student-athletes, fostering a positive and supportive environment, and promoting holistic development both on and off the field. Giovani's multifaceted background in athletics, business, marketing, coaching, and student affairs makes him an exceptional fit for the Graduate Assistant position at Washington Adventist University. His diverse skill set enables him to contribute significantly to the university's soccer program, creating a nurturing and high-performing environment for student-athletes. Driven by a strong desire to make a meaningful difference, Giovani is enthusiastic about embracing the challenges and opportunities that come with his role as a Graduate Assistant. He is eager to collaborate with the coaching staff and administration to enhance the team's performance, build a culture of excellence, and cultivate the personal and athletic growth of each student-athlete under his care. With a winning combination of passion, dedication, and a commitment to continuous improvement, Giovani Batista is poised to be a driving force behind the success of Washington Adventist University's soccer program. As a true advocate for student-athletes, he looks forward to contributing to the university's mission of academic excellence and athletic achievement.