SAN FRANCISCO -- Academy of Art University Athletics has announced Danny Kirkland as its new head coach for men's soccer. Part of the Urban Knights' coaching staff since 2018, Kirkland brings over 10 years of coaching experience into the program's lead role now in 2022.

Kirkland's time with ART U has been highlighted by numerous standout performances including that of forward Adrian Cekala in 2021. Tying for second in the Pacific West Conference in goals (7), Cekala became Academy of Art's new leader in both career goals (21, only 20-goal scorer in ART U history) and points (47, only 40+ point scorer in ART U history) en route to being named All-PacWest Second Team. Cekala marked the fifth Knight recognized with All-PacWest Team honors in the last two seasons while six PacWest weekly honors have been issued to the program since 2018. In the 2020-21 COVID-19 shortened season, ART U won four of six matches with midfielder/forward Gilly Miller earning PacWest Newcomer of the Year. Additionally, the Academy of Art men's soccer program has seen 30 Academic All-PacWest Team selections and one United Soccer Coaches College Team Academic Award during Kirkland's tenure.

Kirkland joined Academy of Art after serving as a coach for the San Francisco Glens SC where he was responsible for elite player development at the U17-19 level. Kirkland also spent time captaining San Francisco City FC, a local soccer club that competes in the USL PDL league.

During his college years, Kirkland played at the University of San Francisco, appearing in more than 60 matches and scoring 12 goals throughout his four seasons on the hilltop. Kirkland captained the Dons during his senior season and scored the game-winner against No. 21 Wisconsin and No. 24 Florida Gulf Coast, tallying a total of five game-winning goals (12th in the nation). He scored a team-high six goals that season, tied for sixth in the conference, and was named to the All-WCC First Team and NSCAA All-Far West Region Team.

Prior to joining USF, Kirkland was born in Sheffield, England and spent his formative years in the academy team of Sheffield Wednesday FC before joining their first team on a full-time contract. During his time at Wednesday, he competed in the English Premier League Academy and Reserve leagues against teams such as Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool. Kirkland earned his bachelor's degree in Communications from USF in 2016 and added his master's degree in Sport Management from USF in 2019.