Dyana Dawood – Professional Playing and Coaching Experience

 

Dyana Dawood is a football coach and former professional player whose experience spans elite youth soccer, NCAA Division I competition, European football, and the international game. As the founder of DD8 Academy, she is committed to helping young players build technical ability, confidence, game intelligence, discipline, and a clear pathway toward higher levels of the sport.

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Dyana began her playing career in high-level youth soccer with FC1 Academy and Arsenal Soccer Club. She earned high school Player of the Year and All-Conference recognition before advancing to the college game, where she played for Notre Dame de Namur University, Arizona Christian University, and Chicago State University. Her NCAA Division I experience at Chicago State strengthened her understanding of the demands, discipline, and consistency required to compete at an elite level.

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A technical, versatile midfielder comfortable with both feet, Dyana continued her career professionally in Europe with Politehnica Timișoara in Romania. She has also represented Iraq at the international level, bringing a global perspective and high-level playing experience to her work with young athletes.

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Dyana’s coaching background includes serving as the U11 Head Coach, U8 Girls Head Coach, and U14 Assistant Coach with Phoenix Rising. She also worked as an Assistant Coach for Politehnica Timișoara’s U15 program in Romania. There, she was mentored by her senior-team head coach—an accomplished women’s football coach and multiple UEFA Women’s Champions League winner—an experience that deepened her understanding of professional standards, training methodology, and player development.

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In Arizona, Dyana has coached and trained players through DD8 Academy camps, private sessions, and group development programs. She has also led camps and private training sessions with AZ Soccer Lab. Her coaching is centered on technical development, awareness, confidence under pressure, decision-making, and helping each player develop a strong relationship with the game.

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Dyana is especially passionate about creating opportunities for young players, including female athletes, to understand what is possible through focused training, consistency, and belief. Through DD8 Academy, she provides purposeful coaching, honest guidance, and a professional environment where players can grow both on and off the field.