Indiana University Athletics
Giffard Joins Hoosier Staff (04-05-05)
4/5/2005 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
"We are very excited that Dave has decided to join our staff at IU Soccer," Freitag said. "He will take over for Sean Phillips. We will miss Sean because he was an important piece of our environment here. We feel that Dave will step in and continue the great job at the position. First of all, he is an excellent soccer coach, and he also has the expertise in the area of goalkeeping, which we need. He comes to IU from a successful UAB program under Indiana alum Mike Getman. We are glad that he decided to become a Hoosier."
Giffard worked mainly with the goalkeepers at UAB. During his five-year tenure with the Blazers, UAB went 60-29-16 overall and 28-13-6 in Conference USA. The Blazers also made a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by a 2001 run to the Sweet 16. UAB also was ranked among the top 10 in the nation all five years of his tenure.
"I am excited and feel very fortunate to become part of the Indiana Soccer family," Giffard said of joining the Hoosier staff. "There haven't been a lot of non-alums that have been a part of this wonderful program, and I'm honored that Coach Freitag has given me this opportunity. I look forward to being part of a very special tradition here."
In his five years, UAB goalkeepers had a goals against average of 1.04 with 36 shutouts. Two goalkeepers (Clint Baumstark and David Clemente) under Giffard went on to sign Major League Soccer contracts.
In 2002, UAB goalkeeper Clint Baumstark was selected to the U-20 U.S. National Team, becoming the first-ever UAB goalkeeper to be selected to the National Team. Baumstark was a first team All-Conference USA selection. In 2001, Baumstark set a school record with nine shutouts and was named the C-USA Freshman of the Year. Baumstark also was a freshman All-American in 2001.
In 2000, Giffard coached David Clemente who went on to set the school record for goals against average in a season and career. Clemente was a first team All-Conference USA selection and the Conference USA Defensive Player of the Year.
"My experience at UAB was first class," Giffard said. "Coach Getman gave me a chance that I will never forget. From day one, the staff, players, and alumni treated me like one of their own. At the end of the day though, I just could not pass up the chance to be a part of the top program in college soccer."
Giffard coached the under-16 Vestavia Hills Steamers to three consecutive state championships from 2002-04. The Steamers were also the first team from Alabama to play in the Surf Cup and the Disney Showcase.
Giffard's main focus with the Hoosiers will be similar to his duties at UAB. He will be in charge of daily training of the team's goalkeepers. He will also assist with the training of the field players. His administrative duties will include coordinating home game operations and assisting with academics, recruiting, media relations and compliance.
During the summer, Giffard will be involved with numerous duties of the Indiana Soccer Camp. He will assist with camp preparations including staff selection, field preparation and the coordination of all goalkeepers attending the camps.
Giffard was previously at Westminister College in Fulton, Mo., where he was an assistant coach. Before working at Westminister, Giffard was an assistant coach at his alma mater MacMurray College in Illinois. As a goalkeeper at MacMurray, Giffard led the team to the conference championship in 1997. He holds the school record for saves in a game with 40 in a 1-1 tie against eventual national champion Wheaton College.
He also played two years at Forest Park Community College in St. Louis, Mo, helping them to a third place national finish in 1995.
A nationally renowned goalkeeping coach, Giffard was the state Olympic Development Program (ODP) Goalkeeper director for Missouri. Giffard has worked with the state ODP programs in Missouri, Alabama and Indiana. He also holds his United States Soccer Federation (USSF) "B" license and his NSCAA Advanced National diploma.
Giffard earned his bachelor's degree in physical education from MacMurray College. He then received his master's degree in exercise physiology from UAB in 2003.
The Hoosiers next will take on Saint Louis as part of the Midwest Soccer Coaches Symposium at 7:30 p.m., on Friday, April 8, in Bloomington. IU and Saint Louis have met each of the last two seasons with the Hoosiers picking up victories in both affairs. The Cream and Crimson defeated the Billikens in Bloomington during the 2003 campaign, 2-1, before picking up a 2-1 overtime victory in St. Louis last season. Visit IUHOOSIERS.com for application and information on the Midwest Soccer Coaches Symposium.
The Hoosiers' spring features a six-game schedule. IU will have two more home matches after going 2-0 to open the spring and two others in Indianapolis. The Cream and Crimson will close out the spring by hosting the Mexican Youth National Team in a friendly exhibition, Tuesday, April 19th at 7:30 p.m. IU will partner with the Indiana Youth Soccer Association in benefiting the Latino soccer programs around the state of Indiana. General admission for the game is $5 with children under 6 receiving free admission. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or by calling the IU Athletic Ticket Office at 866-IUSPORTS. Group discounts are available by contacting the ticket office.
