Feb. 8, 2010

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Former Davenport (Mich.) Soccer All-American Tony Deakin has signed a contract in Australia and will be leaving the West Michigan community in mid-March.  DU would like to congratulate Tony on his accomplishment and wish him the best!

Deakin, who played on the Men’s Soccer team from 2005-2008, was an integral part of the early success of the Panthers’ program.  In his first year in 2005 as a freshman, he was named the WHAC Newcomer of the Year and helped DU win the WHAC Tournament championship.

“Tony is an outstanding young man with an awesome work ethic, stated Athletic Director Paul Lowden.  This opportunity for him to play soccer in Australia will be a wonderful experience athletically and socially. I am positive he will represent his team with the highest level of professionalism as he has done here at Davenport. He was one of only a few athletes at DU who have the opportunity to play his chosen sport at the professional level. He is a pioneer for Davenport University Athletics and will open the doors for many more athletes on our campus.”

During his junior campaign, Tony was named the WHAC Player of the Year and he garnered Honorable Mention All-America honors and repeated the All-American honor as a senior.  Over his four year career, the Panthers finished with an astounding 45-26-4 overall mark while Deakin was named All-WHAC 1^st team in each season.

When asked how DU has prepared him for this next step, Tony answered, “As a player I was given the opportunity to compete at a high level not only in competitive games, but every day in practice. Davenport’s coaching staff over the past five years has helped shape me into the player I am today. I have grown so much as a player since I have been here, and I feel I am well prepared for the next step!

Deakin has since taken his talents to the rugby pitch in the inaugural year for the program at DU.  While working on his master degree, Tony played a vital role in lifting the Panthers to a perfect 9-0 mark while leading the team in scoring.

Tony plans to continue his master’s degree while playing in Australia by taking classes online.

Tony has signed a semi-professional contract to play for the club “Wests Illawarra F.C.” who play in the illawara Football Association in Australia.

“Davenport has been my home for the past five years, added Deakin. I have watched the University grow so much, from the Downtown campus to the facility we have today! I can remember when no one really knew about our sports programs and today that’s not the case. I am proud to be a part of Davenport’s growth and I am sure the school will continue to grow and thrive in the future. “

“I want to take this opportunity to thank Davenport’s students, faculty, staff, and coaches for making the past five years such a great experience! “