Feb. 18, 2003

DURHAM,N.C. - Dan Ensley, a former player and coach at James Madison University, was formally announced today as the new assistant coach with the men's soccer program at Duke University. He joins head coach John Rennie and assistant coach Mike Jacobs for the 2003 season.

"Dan is a great competitor," said Rennie. "He played against us in 1995 for James Madison in the Elite Eight. Dan is a blue collar, hard working person who will bring that type of attitude to our program."

The 30-year-old Ensley joins the Blue Devil staff with eight years of previous college coaching experience. Since 1999, Ensley has been part of the JMU coaching staff and has helped reestablish their program as a Colonial Athletic Association power and NCAA contender. With two NCAA tournament appearances (2001,2000), a CAA Conference Championship (2001) and a CAA Regular Season Title (2000), Ensley proved to be a valuable asset to the program. The 2001 CAA Championship was the first title JMU had won since 1994 when Ensley was there as a player.

"I'm excited to be joining the outstanding athletic and academic tradition of Duke University," said Ensley. "It is a great opportunity for me and I look forward to the challenge of competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference week in and week out. My goal is to help Duke compete for National Championships like they have done in the past."

Prior to 1999, Ensley spent three years at Bridgewater College, a NCAA Division III school also located in the Shenandoah Valley. Ensley helped to establish a young Bridgewater program as a contender in the Old Dominion Athletic Conference. As Head Coach from 1997-1999, he led the Eagles twice to school record highs in wins.

Ensley also brings a wealth of coaching experience at the Olympic Development Program and club levels to the Blue Devils. Since 2001, Ensley has been associated with the Soccer Organization for Charlottesville/Albemarle (SOCA) as an assistant director of coaching and club coach. He also has been previously involved as a state coach for the Virginia Olympic Development Program from 1999-2001.

In addition, Ensley holds a USSF "B" coaching license as well as an NSCAA Advanced National Diploma.

As a player, Ensley helped James Madison to NCAA Quarterfinal Appearances in 1994 and 1995 and a CAA Conference Championship in 1994. As the centerback and anchor in defense, he started and played in every game for the Dukes. Prior to his time at JMU, Ensley was a midshipman and key member of the Navy men's soccer program at the United Stated Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland from 1991-1993.

At the club and high school level, Ensley captained his club team to a McGuire Cup U-19 Club National Championship in 1992. His accolades also include being selected as an All-Met, All-State and All-Region player at Bishop Ireton High School in Alexandria, Virginia in 1990 and 1991.

Ensley received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Science from the College of Integrated Science and Technology at James Madison in 1996. Continuing his education at JMU, he has been working towards a Master of Science Degree in Coaching and Athletic Administration through the Department of Kinesiology. He also serves as a teacher/instructor in the department.

Ensley will reside in the Raleigh/Durham area with his wife, Dana.

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