PHOENIX — The Phoenix Rising has a new head coach: assistant coach Danny Stone.
Stone's hiring was announced on Thursday and Team President Bobby Dulle said he is confident that Stone is the right leader to guide the Rising.
“Danny has a clear understanding of our club’s vision and we are confident his leadership will propel our team to new heights. We look forward to witnessing the continued growth of Phoenix Rising under his guidance,” said Dulle.
During Stone's first season with the Rising in 2021, he helped the team earn the best record in the Western Conference (20-5-7).
The Rising amassed a record of 48-31-26 in league play in the three seasons Stone served as an assistant coach, culminating in the club’s first USL Championship Title and third Western Conference Championship in November.
“I am delighted to have been part of that journey and feel we have put in place a strong foundation to build upon in 2024. The staff and players together are all looking forward to the challenge that the new season will bring,” Stone said of his new job.
MORE INFORMATION: Phoenix Rising FC head coach leaves for Major League Soccer job
Stone moved to the Valley in 1997 from Liverpool, England when he was 15 years old. After coming to the United States, he attended Corona del Sol High School in Tempe.
He said he is proud to have the opportunity to manage the Rising.
“I have a long history with Phoenix as a City. I cannot wait to reconnect with the community and interact with Rising fans. I’m looking forward to continuing to work with this team. I want our fans to know we will all be working hard to continue to bring success to Phoenix,” said Stone.
Stone fills the slot left vacant with the departure of Juan Guerra, who left the team to join the Houston Dynamo as an assistant coach.
"He has been an integral part of our organization over the years, both with our youth club and the first team, demonstrating exceptional professionalism, tactical expertise and the ability to do what is necessary at any given moment to help the club succeed on and off the field," said Dulle.
Arizona sports
The city of Phoenix is home to five major professional sports league teams; The NFL's Arizona Cardinals, NBA's Phoenix Suns, WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury, MLB's Arizona Diamondbacks and NHL's Arizona Coyotes.
The Cardinals have made State Farm Stadium in Glendale their home turf and the Footprint Center in downtown Phoenix is home to both the Suns and the Mercury. The Indoor Football League’s Arizona Rattlers play at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale. The Coyotes play at Mullett Arena on ASU's Tempe campus.
Phoenix also has a soccer team with the USL's Phoenix Rising FC, who play at Phoenix Rising FC Stadium in Phoenix.
The Valley hosts multiple major sporting events on a yearly basis, including college football's Fiesta Bowl and Guaranteed Rate Bowl; the PGA Tour’s highest-attended event, the WM Phoenix Open; NASCAR events each spring and fall, including Championship Weekend in November; and Cactus League Spring Training for 15 Major League Baseball franchises.
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