The Ashland University Women’s soccer team is in the midst of a historic season. 

The Eagles finished the regular season with a lofty 13-3 record and made an appearance in the GLIAC tournament final, coming away with a runner up finish.

While AU has been impressive on the pitch, what they have overcome off the field is even more impressive.

This season become about more than just soccer on August 26th, when 3rd year head coach Dan Krispinsky was diagnosed with colon cancer. Doctors have since found lesions in Krispinsky’s liver as well.

Krispinsky broke the news to his team after an early season road trip with his wife Matti. While the Eagles played inspired soccer for their head coach, the team did not tell anyone until Krispinsky publicly announced the news in October.

Krispinsky said since the announcement, the support he has received is overwhelming. 

“It’s been unbelievable. The #DanTheMan stuff is something we didn’t start, but it has taken off and it’s incredible to see the support of people from all over,” said Krispinsky.  

The Ohio soccer community has come together to support Krispinsky. Players from the Major League Soccer team in Columbus, the Columbus Crew, tweeted out a picture of their players holding signs with the #DantheMan. The University of Akron Men’s soccer team wore shirts adorned with the same hashtag before their match against UCLA. Those shirts were raffled off, with proceeds going directly to Krispinsky. 

Even opponents of AU have worked to help Krispinsky. On Oct. 30, Ohio Dominican hosted Ashland in the regular season finale for both clubs. The match was deemed the Danny Krispinsky Benefit Game, with Ohio Dominican head coach Jonathon Meade organizing raffles, merchandize sales and even decorating the field with blue and green, the colors for colon and liver cancer. 

“This is more than just about the game of soccer,” Meade told the Columbus Dispatch. “This is about getting together as a community to show our support for a terrific young coach and his family as they battle this ailment.”

Krispisnky and Meade had developed a close friendship after several years of facing off on the pitch and Krispinsky said once Meade heard the news, he asked right away if he could organize a benefit. “Jonathon came to me once he found out the news and said he wanted to do something for me and asked if it would be okay if put something together,” said Krispinsky. “At the time it is uncomfortable, but it is someone wanting to serve, someone wanting to help and we said absolutely.” 

Krispinsky said it was a fantastic night in Columbus, topped off with an AU victory. 

“That was a special night for everybody, but I didn’t care if there wasn’t one dollar raised, I wanted to get the win,” said the 32 year old Krispinsky. “But getting the win and seeing all the support was pretty awesome.”

Not only did the Eagles secure the number 3 spot in the GLIAC tournament with the win, but also over $2,000 was raised for Krispinsky. 

Krispinsky said that the support has been hugely motivational for his team and his family. 

“I think what our team and my family have rallied around is that we are not alone, we aren’t alone in any battle we face,” said Krispinsky. “We have a special team that doesn’t fight alone, we do it every game and every practice together and then off the field if there is a battle we are facing we know we can rely on each other.” 

To support Dan Krispinsky’s battle against cancer visit: https://www.facebook.com/Dan-the-Man-1529217597369742/