ALLENDALE, Mich. — University of Iowa Head Coach Dave DiIanni was named to the 2024 Athletics Hall of Fame class at Grand Valley State University, the institution announced on Tuesday.
“I would like to sincerely thank everyone on the committee for thinking of me for this wonderful recognition,” said DiIanni. “It is certainly one of the most meaningful and personal honors I’ve ever received, and I am really proud and flattered to even be considered. Make no mistake that the only reason I have been nominated is because of the countless talented, smart, dedicated women I’ve had the privilege to coach over the years.”
Congrats to Chelsea Parise and Dave Dilanni on being inducted into the GVSU Hall of Fame Class of 2024!#AnchorUp https://t.co/yi9UjE1WP1
— GVSU Soccer (@GVSUsoccer) June 25, 2024
DiIanni was head coach of the GVSU women’s soccer program for 11 seasons, where he guided the Lakers to three NCAA Division II National Championships. DiIanni also won nine consecutive Great Lakes Intercolelgiate Atheltics Conference titles, making seven Final Four appearances across eight seasons.
The Lakers made the NCAA Tournament all 11 years under DiIanni’s leadership, producing 21 All-Americans. When he accepted the head coaching position at Iowa in 2014, DiIanni exited Division II with the all-time leading winning percentage (.895).
Entering his 11th season in Iowa City, DiIanni’s .752 career winning percentage leads active Big Ten coaches with at least 10 years experience at the Division I level, which is the timeframe recognized by the NCAA. DiIanni ranks fourth among active Division I coaches by the same standard.
DiIanni has led Iowa to three NCAA Tournament appearances and two Big Ten Tournament Championships. Last season, the Hawkeyes made their first appearance in the United Soccer Coaches final poll, checking in at 24th following a conference tournament title and NCAA Tournament First Round win. Iowa has won 10 postseason games since the 2021 spring season.
DiIanni enters the GVSU Athletics Hall of Fame alongside his former player, Chelsea Parise. DiIanni was previously inducted to the athletics hall of fame at Spring Arbor, his alma mater, on Jan. 27, 2024.
The Hawkeyes return to action on Aug. 7 with an exhibition against South Dakota at the Iowa Soccer Complex. Kickoff is set for Noon (CT).
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