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Coach Dancy Views Soccer as an Opportunity to Learn Life Lessons
11/11/2008 - Jake Dancy: Committed to Soccer, Committed to Youth
Jake Dancy's road to the position as head coach of the Orlando Sharks began in Southern California, where he grew up heavily involved in his lifelong passion; the sport of soccer.  

One of the highest recruited players out of high school, Dancy played Division 1 soccer at Fresno State.  After college, Dancy went on to play for the youth national team and then spent ten seasons playing professional soccer divided between the United Soccer League, Major League Soccer, National Professional Soccer League, and the Major Indoor Soccer League.  

It was during his years as a player where Dancy realized the importance of leadership on and off the soccer field.  "I was fortunate enough to be instructed by some of the greatest coaches our nation has seen," said Dancy. "Bob Gansler, Zoran Savic and Ron Newman are legendary names who I got the opportunity to play under."  

While Dancy played, he learned.  He noted coaching and leadership styles, realized the importance of mentoring and slowly began to realize that this might, in fact, be where his future lie.  

Today, Dancy not only values the experience he has as the head coach of a professional indoor soccer team, but also as father of a two year old boy, Mason, and mentor to young children.  

"In addition to refining and teaching younger players different skills and fundamentals, it's also important to instill good sportsmanship and work ethic.  There's a lot that can be learned on the soccer field that will benefit a young player later on in life, and that's a big thing we feel our camps help out with," alluded Dancy.  

Sharing Dancy's view on the importance of athletics in childrens' lives, Sharks ownership and management has maintained efforts to make camps and clinics available to Central Florida youth.  This November marks the first time since the start of the team that camp dates will be offered during Thanksgiving Break.  

"I think it's great.  I'm really looking forward to this as another opportunity to teach children about the sport I love."
 
Ryan Mack, a Michigan native, is excited for his move to Orlando.
10/8/2008 - Introducing New Sharks Defender Ryan Mack

Ryan Mack, the Sharks newly signed midfielder acquired from the Detroit Ignition, is excited to trade the frigid Michigan climate for warm Central Florida sunshine. 

Here's a little bit more about Ryan Mack that you may not have known.


Date of Birth: November 13, 1979


Place of Birth: Birmingham, Michigan
 

Height: 5'9"


Weight: 160 lbs
 

Position: Midfielder
 

On field accomplishments:
 

- Was the Michigan High School Player of the Year as a soccer player at Seaholm High School

- Played on the Indiana University men’s soccer team from 1998 to 2002, winning the NCAA men's championship in 1998 and 1999


- Was a third team All American in 2000


Professional accomplishments:


- Selected to the Chicago Fire in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft


- Played for San Diego Sockers during the 2004-2005 Major Indoor Soccer League Season


- Played for the Virginia Mariners during the 2006 USL-1 season


- Was the 12th pick of the Detroit Ignition in the 2006 MISL expansion draft


- Was third on the Detroit Ignition with 66 points last season
 

Personal Information:


Three words Ryan would use to describe himself:
funny, kind, energetic


Sports hero as a little kid:
Diego Maradona


Favorite pregame meal:
Shrimp and Pasta


Favorite magazine:
Maxim


Favorite movie line:
“Hanging around, always just hanging around,” ‘Rounders’


Best advice?
“Win the Moment”
-Rob Keho


Most memorable sports moment:
1999 semi final game; scoring the winning goal against UCLA


Person who has had the most influence on athletic career: Dad

 
Defender Xavier Delgado Presents a Trophy at the West Orlando Rotary Club
6/27/2008 - Xavier Degado and Ashley Keegan Award Underprivilaged Children

Orlando Sharks defender Xavier Delgado and Sharks dancer Ashley Keegan took time out on Thursday to help the West Orlando Rotary Club distribute soccer trophies to underprivileged children from the Pine Hills Region of Orlando.

The awards ceremony was part of a collaborated effort by the West Orlando Rotary Club and the Boys and Girls Club to bring the sport of soccer to children who would otherwise not have the means to play.  Rotary member Terry Brooks, himself an avid soccer player and fan, was the driving force behind the movement to bring soccer to the children of Pine Hills.

A Pine Hills native himself, Brooks came up with the idea two years ago to sponsor three youth soccer teams; under seven, under nine, and under eleven years old.  Soccer cleats, shin guards, jerseys and balls are all provided by sponsors while the usual league fee of $100 per child is reduced to just $10 to encourage participation.

The excited children attending the event munched on pizza and lined up to have Delgado sign their jerseys while they waited to receive their trophies.  After a brief meeting, the lights were dimmed and high energy music was played while each child was called up to the stage to receive his/her trophy from the Sharks player and dancer.
 

Prompted by the children’s energetic questions, Delgado offered this advice to the young players: “It doesn’t matter how much money you make when you grow up as long as you love what you do.”

 
 
 
Fashion Funds the Cure Event at Saks Fifth Avenue
4/29/2008 - Mauricio Ruiz Walks the Runway for the Kids
Orlando Sharks forward Mauricio Ruiz made an appearance at Saks Fifth Avenue in the Florida Mall to support the Pediatric Cancer Foundation.

A reoccurring event sponsored by Saks Fifth Avenue, “Fashion Funds the Cure” is a celebrity fashion show designed to raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation (or PCF), which was founded in 1970 to support children in need of treatment as well as their families.  Today, the PCF raises millions of dollars annually to treat as well as fund research to work towards a cure for children fighting cancer.  The chances of a child surviving cancer have increased 65% over the last thirty years thanks to contributions to organizations like the PCF.

 “I’m happy to participate in an event that helps out an organization like this.  It’s nice to see the Pediatric Cancer Foundation lend a helping hand to children and families who are battling cancer and I’m proud to be a part of it,” Ruiz said early Monday.
 
Future PCF event dates can be found at www.pcfusa.org
 
A Happy Ball Recipient
2/23/2008 - Orlando Sharks Participate In K92FM Fundraiser

The Orlando Sharks participated with K92FM, the local Country Music radio station, in their fourth annual “Home-Away-From-Home” Radiothon, February 13-14, to help the children and families served at Central Florida’s two Ronald McDonald Houses. 

 

Sharks owner Sham Maharaj, team president Rich Bradley, head coach Jake Dancy, and all of the Sharks players met with families and presented signed soccer balls to all of the children. “The Orlando Sharks are committed to working with local organizations and media to help make a positive impact in our community,” says Rich Bradley. He continues, “It’s an honor and a privilege to support Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central Florida finds, creates and supports programs that directly improve the health and well being of children and families. The cornerstone program, the Ronald McDonald House, provides a “home-away-from-home” that offers comfort and care to families with children receiving medical treatment at local hospitals and medical facilities in Orlando.

 

The Radiothon raised more than $100,000 which surpassed last year’s two-day total by more than $25,000.