Feb. 18, 2015

COLUMBIA, S.C. –

Berson on Danny Deakin

South Carolina head coach Mark Berson announced the addition of Danny Deakin to his 2015 roster today, bringing aboard a two-time NCAA Division II first-team Daktronics All-American midfielder from Mercyhurst (Pa.).

Deakin, from Sheffield, England, helped the Lakers to consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, scoring 24 goals and assisting on 23 others during his two years at Mercyhurst. Last season, Deakin led NCAA Division II with 16 assists and added 11 goals en route to first-team Eastern College Athletic Conference All-Star and first-team All-Pennsylvania State Athletics Conference accolades, the second of each he earned. Also a two-time all-region selection by both the NSCAA and Daktronics, Deakin posted 13 goals and seven assists as a freshman, winning the 2013 PSAC Rookie of the Year award.

Deakin joins six others announced on signing day as newcomers to his program, which will play its 38th year of collegiate soccer in the fall of 2015. Last year, South Carolina made the Conference USA Tournament Championship and finished with a 10-10 record.