He had a lot of potential but we filled up pretty fast because we didnt graduate a lot of guys. A door of opportunity has opened for him this spring.

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee junior Danny Sweeney has a passion.

Growing up, Sweeney flourished playing soccer. Now, he has the chance to keep the passion alive by playing at the collegiate level.

Playing for UWM and being a Panther is something that I have always wanted, said Sweeney. Im grateful for the opportunity that I now have to try out for the team.

Sweeney earned a spot on the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee mens soccer team this spring, something he has been hoping to accomplish since freshman year.

We knew about Danny coming out of high school, said UWM head coach Jon Coleman. He had a lot of potential but we filled up pretty fast because we didnt graduate a lot of guys. A door of opportunity has opened for him this spring.

The spring squad is a team comprised of players from the previous fall team and also players looking to land a spot for next fall. The coaches use this time to get a good look at new players in different positions. Players jockey positions in order for the coaches to get a sense of what will work best for the fall.

After playing with the Milwaukee Panther Soccer Club for two years, Sweeney was able to hone his skills worthy of division one soccer play.

No one is surprised about Dannys inclusion onto the team, said club president and co-founder Pat Brennan. The only surprise is that a player of his caliber wasnt playing collegiate soccer sooner.

MPSC experienced unbridled success in its first year of competitive play, claiming the conference championship with an 8-1-3 record. Sweeney was an intricate part of that success, contributing to the club on and off the field.

Danny is someone who brings more then just physical talents to a team, said Brennan. He brings leadership, strength, dedication and character. His passion for the game and maturity on and off the field are what drive a lot of us.

Sweeney is grateful for what the club program has done for him.

MPSC has been like family to me, said Sweeney. Everyone has encouraged me along the way and has always instilled confidence in me that I can succeed at the next level.

Coleman feels Sweeney is a great addition to the Panther squad, but nothing is guaranteed.

Over the last two years weve lost four players in midfield and hes a midfield specialist, said Coleman. He can help us in that area. Hes good on the ball, hes good around the goal and he has a great soccer sense. But theres always competition.

Sweeney has not tried out in the past and feels that this spring was the right time to make his move. However, the transition from the club soccer program to one of the top collegiate programs in recent years has been a bit of a challenge.

It has been a learning experience everyday, said Sweeney. The game comes at you fast and you have to be able to adjust and learn from everything thats going on. The competition is top-notch.

Members of MPSC are elated to see Sweeney put on the UWM uniform and believe he is a great example of the competitiveness and talent on the club squad.

Danny shows people the ability of the players on our club program, said Brennan. Danny playing on the university team gives us credibility.

Now that he has been a part of two successful soccer programs at UWM, Sweeney is just happy he can represent his school at the highest level.

Its been a life-long dream, said Sweeney. Putting on the black and gold, I cant help but smile.

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