Dalton Healy Announced as New Director of Coaching for Emerald Coast Rush

Emerald Coast Rush • October 17, 2024

Dalton Healy Announced as New Director of Coaching for Emerald Coast Rush

October 17, 2024


Niceville, FL – Emerald Coast Rush is proud to announce Dalton Healy as the new Director of Coaching. Healy brings extensive experience both as a player and a coach, most recently from Chattanooga FC, where he was instrumental in developing youth soccer talent at the academy level.


As a coach at Chattanooga FC Academy since 2019, Healy worked with various age groups and played a key role in shaping their competitive success. Notably, he has coached boys and girls teams at different levels, including the 2007 Boys First team and the 2011 Boys First team. In addition to his coaching roles, he also served as the Junior Academy Boys Director (7v7-9v9) since 2022, overseeing crucial stages of player development. His track record of success includes multiple tournament appearances at high-profile events such as the Disney Showcase, Raleigh Showcase, and the Southern Regional Tournament.


“I’m thrilled to be joining Emerald Coast Rush and am eager to work with the coaches, players, and community to help take the program to new heights,” said Healy. “Soccer is my passion, and I’m looking forward to contributing to the continued growth and success of the club.”


Dalton Healy’s own playing career is equally impressive. As a youth, he achieved multiple state championships and played on the Region III ODP Team at U-15, including a memorable match against Liverpool’s U-20 team. He continued his playing career at the collegiate level with the University of Memphis men’s team. His unique blend of competitive experience and coaching success positions him to lead Emerald Coast Rush’s development initiatives with a fresh perspective.



"We are thrilled to welcome Dalton Healy to our team as the new Director of Coaching," said Louis Richard, Executive Director of Emerald Coast Rush. "Dalton brings a wealth of knowledge and experience from his successful tenure at Chattanooga FC. His proven leadership and commitment to soccer development make him the perfect addition to Emerald Coast Rush. As we continue to grow the entire Coastal Rush network in the region, Dalton's expertise will be invaluable in enhancing our programs and extending our community impact."


Micah Krider, President of Emerald Coast Rush, expressed enthusiasm about Healy's appointment, saying, "Dalton is not only the inaugural full-time Director of Coaching under the Emerald Coast Rush banner—marking a significant new chapter for us—but also brings a dynamism and depth of knowledge that perfectly aligns with both Emerald Coast Rush and the broader Coastal Rush organization. With Dalton at the helm, we anticipate expanding our quality soccer programs to reach more youth in our area, significantly enhancing professional training opportunities and fostering development on a scale we've never achieved before."

Emerald Coast Rush is confident that Dalton Healy’s leadership will contribute to the club’s continued success and growth, as they aim to foster a deeper community impact and deliver higher-quality soccer experiences for all players.

For more information, please contact Emerald Coast Rush at info@EmeraldCoastRush.com.


About Emerald Coast Rush
Emerald Coast Rush is a premier soccer club based in Niceville, Florida, dedicated to fostering a love for soccer and developing young athletes both on and off the field. The club prides itself on its commitment to player development, community engagement, and sporting excellence.

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