Niagara University Athletics

Niagara University Associate VP for Athletics Simon Gray has announced that Eric Dade will serve as Interim Head Coach of Niagara women's soccer for the remainder of the 2024 season.
 
"Eric's approach to coaching aligns with our athletics department's purpose.  He is an educator and a motivator that values and inspires his student-athletes," said Gray. "With his plethora of success both as a coach at multiple levels and as a Hall of Fame collegiate and professional player, Eric will be a tremendous addition to our department and our proud women's soccer program."
 
Eric Dade currently serves at the Executive Director of Coaching with WNY Flash Academy. Dade's experience and vision have been instrumental in helping the WNY Flash Academy reach new heights since his arrival in 2019.
A youth academy veteran, Dade has held coaching director positions at several top clubs across the United States, including Elite League Manager for the Liverpool FC International Academy – Texas, Armada Youth Academy, and Birmingham United Soccer Association.
 
At Armada, the Western New York Native, led the club to 12 Florida Youth Soccer State Cup championships, six regional championships, and three national championships. Dade would also help place over 350 student-athletes into college soccer programs and 10 players into the U.S. National Team Program.
 
Under his guidance, the Birmingham United Soccer Association captured 35 Alabama Youth State Cup championships, one regional championship, and a third-place finish in the 2009 National Championship, while ranking as one of the top-50 programs in the country. Dade would be instrumental in placing over 200 student-athletes into college soccer programs, five players into the U.S. National Team Program, and three players into the NWSL.
 
Dade' also spent time as the Director of Coaching role at the Sting Soccer Club in Dallas, Texas., one of the top girls programs in the country.
 
As a player, Dade turned professional immediately following a very successful college career at Virginia Commonwealth University. The VCU Athletics Hall of Famer spent time with the Dallas Sidekicks and Baltimore Blast of the Major Indoor Soccer League before spending five years with the Dallas Burn/FC Dallas of the MLS. Dade would then return to the Dallas Sidekicks to finish his professional career; the same team with whom he tallied the game-winning goal in the third, and deciding, game of the CISL Championship Series in 1993.
 
In addition to holding a USSF National "A" License, Dade has a bachelor's degree in Health and Physical Education from Virginia Commonwealth University.
 
Dade and his wife Angie, currently reside in East Amherst, N.Y. They have 2 children. Their daughter, Cameron, who played soccer at Kentucky and UTRGV and their son Chase who is a freshman playing soccer at Loyola University Maryland.