CAMP STAFF |
Joel Comito | Assistant Coach
Comito joined the Grand View Women's Soccer coaching staff in 2002 and is in his tenth season at his current role of assistant coach for the Vikings. In 2005, he returned to the women's soccer program after taking two seasons off with limited coaching responsibilities, while running professionally for the Saint Louis Track Club on the USA Running Circuit. Overall it has been twelve seasons since Comito first joined the coaching staff at Grand View. In that time, the Vikings have advanced to nine conference championship games, finished in the conference top-three ten times, won conference tournament or regular season titles on five occasions, been ranked in the national rankings seven seasons; while being a consistent contender for postseason appearances.
Comito has an extensive background in soccer as both an athlete and a coach, holding an overall head coaching record of 221-125-35. He was a five-year letter winner at Dallas Center-Grimes High School, leading the Mustangs to four summer soccer state tournaments from 1994 to 1997, and the 1998 Class 1A State Tournament. Comito coached six seasons of high school soccer (1999 Des Moines North, 2000-2001 ADM, 2002-2004 Indianola). He has also coach club soccer for the DCG Soccer Club, Johnston Soccer Club, and Vision Soccer Academy.
Comito graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree in Law, Politics, and Society (pre-law) with minors in history and political science, and a Bachelor of Science of Education degree from Drake University in 2002, where he ran cross country and track for the Bulldogs. Comito furthered his education at Drake University, graduating with a Masters in Public Administration in the fall of 2011. He holds a high school coaching license, a USSF "D" National Coaching License, and a level one goalkeeping license.
Danni Garcia | Assistant Coach
Coaching Background:
2018: Head Coach for the Western Christian High School girls’ soccer team in Hull, IA. Record 10-4. Coached three All Conference players and two honorable mentions, and one second team all-district player. Made it to the Regionals Semifinals for Class 1A.
2017-2018: Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach for Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA and in Spring of 2018 became the assistant for both men and women soccer programs. Made it to the GPAC quarterfinals.
2015-2017: Graduate Assistant for the Men’s Soccer team at Dakota Wesleyan University in Mitchell, SD. 2015 made it to the GPAC quarterfinals and coached three honorable mentioned players.
2014-2014: Volunteer Assistant Women’s Soccer Coach for Clarke University.
Athletic Background:
Played soccer from 2009-2011 at Waubonsee Community College in Sugar Grove, IL. Two year starter, 2009 runner up in conference, 2010 conference champs (undefeated season in conference), captain (2010-2011) and most improved female athlete out of all sports.
Ran cross country from 2010-2011. Placed second in conference and made it to the NJCAA National Championship as an individual runner.
Played soccer from 2011-2014 at Clarke University in Dubuque, IA. Red shirt in 2011-2012. Starter 2012-2014. In 2013 team won the Calumet College of St. Joseph Tournament.
Personal Background: Married to Tanner Havens and resides in Des Moines, IA
Education Background:
2009-2011: Waubonsee Community College, Associates in General Science
20011-2015: Clarke University, Bachelor of Arts in Biology and Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, and a
Coaching Endorsement.
2015-2017: Dakota Wesleyan University, Master of Education in Administration and Policy.
Hold a High school coaching license for Iowa, USSF “E” License, NSCAA National Diploma, and Goalkeeping Diploma level 1 and 2.
