SANDPOINT – It’s official. Dan Anderson, a longtime Sandpoint resident with a distinguished soccer career, has been named the new head coach of the Sandpoint High boys soccer team.

Anderson has formed quite the resume over the last couple of decades. Previously, Anderson served as the Bellingham High head JV boys soccer coach (2016), helped to develop soccer programs in the Philippines while serving as a Peace Corps volunteer (2016-2018), and was the head coach for numerous Sandpoint Strikers FC teams (2018-2024). More notably, he has been the Sandpoint High varsity boys soccer assistant coach for the last five seasons (2019-2023).

Before he began coaching, Anderson was an equally as impressive player, playing collegiately for Concordia University (Oregon), California State Stanislaus, and Western Washington University. In addition to college, he also played semi-professionally for Bellingham United F.C. A 2010 graduate of Sandpoint, Anderson was quite the soccer star during his high school years as well. A part of three of Sandpoint’s state championship wins, he was named the Adidas Idaho Player of the Year and National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-region player as a senior. He scored over 50 career goals for the Bulldogs and is a four-time, first-team Inland Empire League All-Star, was named conference Newcomer of the Year as a freshman, Offensive Player of the Year as a sophomore, and MVP during his junior and senior seasons. 

“I began playing soccer at the age of four years old,” Anderson said. “I was fortunate enough to live in a couple of different countries growing up – I was born in Venezuela and lived in Guatemala and Uganda prior to moving to Sandpoint in fourth grade. From there, I just jumped all-in on Sandpoint soccer… After finishing some things up, I had the opportunity to come back to Sandpoint and it was a no-brainer for me to come back and give back to the community that has given me so much.”

Anderson said he is super honored and humbled to be chosen as the new leader to move Sandpoint High boys soccer forward. Having played along successful Sandpoint High teams and working with former head coach Tanner French, he believes he is perfectly positioned to hit the ground running and continue to build on the strong foundation that has already been put in place.

“For me, the ambition of this program has always been to compete for state championships, but really the main focus is to produce quality young men with strong values – a unique work ethic, respectful demeanor, and to desire and strive for excellence in all the things that they do," Anderson said. "We’re really trying to crank out quality young men.”

Anderson only has one ask of the community as he begins his head coaching journey… come out and support your local soccer team.

“Home support is an essential part of both creating a positive experience for the SHS players and for inspiring the future generations of athletes here in Sandpoint.”