NEW HAVEN, Conn. – John Denis has been named Director of Player Development for the Yale men's soccer team as announced by Kylie Stannard, the 5K Corral Head Coach.

"I am thrilled to add John to the coaching staff as Director of Player Development," Stannard said. "I have known John since his playing days at Beachside and was hoping to have him as a player here, but he ended up having a standout career at Columbia before playing professionally for a few years." 

Denis, a former Ivy League champion and professional player, brings a wealth of experience as both a standout athlete and a dedicated mentor in elite youth soccer.

A native of Westchester, N.Y., Denis rose through the ranks at New York Soccer Club and Beachside Soccer Club before earning selection to the U.S. Youth National Team Residency Program (U17–U19). He completed his prep career at IMG Academy after three standout years at Lakeland High School, where he was named Section 1 Large School Player of the Year and the 2014 Journal News Westchester/Putnam Boys Soccer Player of the Year.

Denis went on to star collegiately at Columbia University from 2015–2019, helping the Lions capture the 2016 Ivy League Championship. He was a two-time First Team All-Ivy League honoree (2017, 2019), three-time Ivy League Player of the Week, and finished his career with 19 goals and nine assists.

After graduation, Denis signed his first professional contract with the New York Cosmos before continuing his career with New Amsterdam FC (NISA) and NYCFC2, where he spent two seasons. His breakout year included 14 goals and four assists, earning him a call-up to the Honduras National Team.

Following his playing career, Denis transitioned to coaching and player development. He began coaching at FC Westchester and later founded JD SoccerHouse, an elite training and mentorship program dedicated to developing the next generation of soccer talent.

"John will play a very important role within the staff to be a mentor for our players since he was in their shoes not too long ago and can relate very well as a top player in the league and was a key part of a championship and NCAA tourney team," Stannard said. "I am excited to have him finally wearing the Yale colors."