McAuley Taps Former Chicago Fire Player as New Soccer Coach

CHICAGO, IL -- A former professional soccer player has been named the new head coach of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School’s soccer program.

Denny Clanton, who’s coached various clubs in the Chicago area and was an All-Conference standout on the Waubonsie Valley High School team in Aurora, will assume his new role as varsity soccer coach effective immediately.

“Denny is a high energy coach who brings tremendous soccer knowledge and experience to his position,” McAuley athletic director Laurie Jacubczak said. “We are confident that under his leadership our soccer program will exceed expectations.”

Clanton got his start in soccer at Waubonsie Valley High School in Aurora, where he was awarded All-Conference Honors, All-Area Honors, All-Midwest Honors and named Player of the Year by both the Beacon News and the Daily Herald in 1999. Clanton was also selected for the All-State team by both the Chicago Tribune and the Sun-Times in 1999. In addition to soccer, Clanton excelled in basketball at Waubonsie Valley High School, being named for the All-Conference team and awarded All-Area honors in 1999 & 2000.

After graduation, Clanton was recruited by the University of Dayton, where he earned an athletic and academic scholarship. Clanton was a 2003 Divison 1 All-American at UD, and graduated with a degree in finance. He was then drafted by the Chicago Fire in 2004 and played professionally with the team from 2004-2006, and later with the Chicago Storm of the Major Indoor Soccer League.

Clanton’s impressive bio also includes coaching stints for various clubs in the Chicago area including the Chicago Fire Jrs., Pegasus and Elmhurst Soccer Club.

Clanton said he is excited about coaching at McAuley and looking forward to seeing the players develop as the season progresses. When asked if he has a philosophy about coaching, Clanton said he believes in competing.

“I believe you learn a lot from playing sports, including discipline, respect and teamwork, many things that I hope will carry over into the players’ daily lives, the same as it has for me,” Clanton said in a news release.

While Clanton wants to develop his players as strong competitors, he also wants them to have fun.

“Going through workouts, practicing every day and playing games is tough, but it should be a fun and enjoyable experience,” he said. “If my players go through and give it their best, they should feel pretty good about themselves.”

Clanton credits much of his success to former Chicago Fire Head Coach Frank Klopas, Chicago Magic Soccer Club founder Mike Matkovich and former Chicago Sting and power player Bret Hall. Clanton is quick to note that these are just a few names that have influenced his success.

“I think you learn something different from everyone and keep things from each,” Clanton said. “However, the one thing in common is the fun of competing.”

Denny Clanton | Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School