LOCK HAVEN, Pa. – In conjunction with the celebration of International Student Week, the Lock Haven Athletic Communication & Marketing Staff had the opportunity to learn more about men's soccer standout Danny Ogan and his journey from London to Lock Haven.
 
Ogan is a two-time All-PSAC First Team Defender and was named the 2025 Pennsylvania State Athletic Conference (PSAC) Western Division Defensive Athlete of the Year.

The junior helped lead the Bald Eagles to an 8-6-4 overall record and 4-3-3 mark in the PSAC West, earning the program its first trip to the postseason since 2021.
 
How did you get your start in soccer?
Since I can remember, I have been obsessed with playing, watching and talking about soccer. I have been playing organized soccer since I was very young, and I have never lost the love for it. The area of London I grew up in is surrounded by soccer, so for a youngster growing up there, it was going to be pretty difficult not to play or love the sport.
 
What was your path leading to choosing to come to Lock Haven?
I had always been interested in coming over to the US and pursuing college soccer. I was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to come out and play in the UPSL with Lancaster Elite for a year, with a squad consisting of other English boys hoping to go to college. I was recruited by Lock Haven soon after coming out. After they came to watch a game of mine, I was able to go on a visit, and after my tour and great conversations with Coach Long, I knew this was the right place for me.
 
What is your major at Lock Haven and what led you to choose your academic program?
I am majoring in sport management. The course was recommended to me, and I am glad I chose to do it, as I thoroughly enjoy learning about things I am truly interested in. I am excited to figure out what I want to do next and what field I want to work in. It is definitely a great major to go for if you love sports as much as I do and have a desire to work in the sports industry
 
What clubs/outside activities are you involved in?
I am not in any clubs or outside activities. I try to commit my time to my team and make sure I am at the top of my game. Perhaps I will look into it during the spring semester when my schedule is not so busy.
 
What has been the hardest adjustment/transition from competing in the England to competing in the United States at the Collegiate level?
I would say the hardest adjustment is getting used to being so far away from home and not being able to see my family and friends for extended periods of time. The transition in terms of soccer was pretty straightforward despite the game being played so differently, but off the field, homesickness can cause distractions, and it can be very hard at times to be 100%.
When you aren't competing or training for soccer, how do you spend your free time?
When I am not playing soccer, I am probably watching it. I try to watch every Liverpool game; however, with the time difference and school/soccer commitments, I sometimes miss games, which can be frustrating. I am also an avid FIFA player, and I spend a fair amount of time on the game (when all my schoolwork is done). It is a great way to stay in touch with my friends at home as well. Other than that, I enjoy hanging out with teammates outside of the team environment.
 
Other than soccer, did you compete in other sports growing up?
I never played any other sports competitively growing up, as all I ever wanted to do was kick a ball. I had small stints trying out rugby and cricket; however, I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as soccer, so I never stuck with them. I enjoy watching tennis and played it for a while, I also love playing table tennis and would probably say that's the sport I'm best at after soccer.
 
Have you brought any traditions from your teams in England to the Bald Eagles?
In my freshman year, I taught some of the boys some chants to sing after wins, which definitely made the bus rides home afterwards electric. I also try to bring some of the English football atmosphere to the other Lock Haven teams' events.
 
What is your favorite moment/memory of your time at Lock Haven on the field of competition?
I would say my favorite on-field memory is my first collegiate goal in my sophomore year against California. My good friend Connor Swope served in a great corner, and I managed to get my head onto it and put us 1-0 up in the first conference match-up of the year. I think the fact that it came from Swope's assist gives it more meaning to me, especially since it was his last season. It was a great moment and one I'll never forget.
 
What is your favorite moment/memory of your time at Lock Haven outside of competing?
I would say the moments I shared with my roommate Alex, just always laughing, playing FIFA and watching football in our room, were some of the best memories I've had at Lock Haven. Having another English lad next door made everything easier, and we had some great moments. Also, going on the England trip in spring break '24, seeing the team in my home country was strange, but I loved the experience, and I think all the boys did too.
 
What are some of your goals after your time at Lock Haven is complete?
I would like to get straight into work and find a job that I enjoy, whether that be in the USA or back at home. I would also like to try and play soccer alongside it at the best level I can. If I am not still playing, I would like to pursue coaching as I think I have a good tactical understanding of the game to go alongside my passion for it.
 
Who is your role model?
 In the professional soccer world, I'd have to say Steven Gerrard or Virgil Van Dijk, two greats of the game, and as a captain, I look up to them and their leadership skills. Ultimately, though, my role model is my dad; without him, I would not be playing the sport I love, and I will always be grateful to him for always taking me to my games, as well as taking me to watch Liverpool a lot and spending time developing me as a player and a person. He and my mum, who has always been so supportive of me, still watch every single one of my games, no matter what time it is, back at home, and I am incredibly appreciative of that. It gives me the drive to leave everything out there every single game, knowing they are watching from home.