Photo by: Mississippi State Athletics
Mississippi State Soccer Welcomes Drago Ceranic as Assistant Coach
March 27, 2024 | Soccer
STARKVILLE – Mississippi State soccer proudly announces the appointment of Drago Ćeranić as its newest assistant coach. With an impressive background in collegiate soccer and a commitment to excellence, Coach Ćeranić brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the team, further solidifying Mississippi State's dedication to fostering a dynamic and successful soccer program.
"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Coach Drago Ćeranić, his wife Andrea, and son Alek into the State Soccer family," head coach James Armstrong said. "First and foremost, Drago showcases a great character and a relentless work ethic. Ćeranić is a fantastic teacher who excels at building relationships with his players. His extensive knowledge will ensure this group continues to advance for the remainder of the spring slate. We are so excited to get him working with our group right away."
Ćeranić joins Mississippi State after a successful stint at Mercer University, where he served as an assistant coach in 2023. During his time at Mercer, Ćeranić guided the Bears to a 9-4-7 record and a trip to the SoCon conference semi-finals. Under his tutelage, Mercer remained undefeated at home, boasting seven wins and three draws, with a remarkable 34-7 goal differential.
Ćeranić's coaching prowess was further evident in his ability to develop talent, as showcased by five All-SoCon Performers, including Jada Moorman, who earned First Team All-SoCon honors, as well as Nicole Icen, Ciara Whitely, Kylie Buchanan, and Lindsay Bell, who received Second Team All-SoCon and All-Freshmen recognition.
Additionally, Coach Ćeranić significantly contributed to the development of goalkeeper Lindsay Bell, who started in all 20 matches of the season, boasting an impressive 83.2% save percentage, 94 saves alongside six clean sheets.
Prior to his tenure at Mercer, Ćeranić served as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, where he played a pivotal role in the team's achievements, notably contributing to the 2020 Big Ten Championship title. His dedication to academic excellence was instrumental in Iowa's continued success, as evident by the team's 12 consecutive United Soccer Team Academic awards and a record-breaking 19 Academic All-Big Ten selections.
As a player, Ćeranić played collegiately at Mount Mercy (Iowa) University, where he was a four-time All-Midwest Collegiate Conference selection. He was the Mustangs' Newcomer of the Year in 2006, was team MVP in 2007 and 2008, and was a three-year team captain. Ćeranić also was a three-time all-academic selection and was named to the NAIA Champion of Character Team in 2009.
A native of Serbia, Ćeranić graduated from Mount Mercy University in 2010 with a degree in multimedia design and communications, further demonstrating his diverse skill set beyond the soccer field.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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"We are beyond thrilled to welcome Coach Drago Ćeranić, his wife Andrea, and son Alek into the State Soccer family," head coach James Armstrong said. "First and foremost, Drago showcases a great character and a relentless work ethic. Ćeranić is a fantastic teacher who excels at building relationships with his players. His extensive knowledge will ensure this group continues to advance for the remainder of the spring slate. We are so excited to get him working with our group right away."
Ćeranić joins Mississippi State after a successful stint at Mercer University, where he served as an assistant coach in 2023. During his time at Mercer, Ćeranić guided the Bears to a 9-4-7 record and a trip to the SoCon conference semi-finals. Under his tutelage, Mercer remained undefeated at home, boasting seven wins and three draws, with a remarkable 34-7 goal differential.
Ćeranić's coaching prowess was further evident in his ability to develop talent, as showcased by five All-SoCon Performers, including Jada Moorman, who earned First Team All-SoCon honors, as well as Nicole Icen, Ciara Whitely, Kylie Buchanan, and Lindsay Bell, who received Second Team All-SoCon and All-Freshmen recognition.
Additionally, Coach Ćeranić significantly contributed to the development of goalkeeper Lindsay Bell, who started in all 20 matches of the season, boasting an impressive 83.2% save percentage, 94 saves alongside six clean sheets.
Prior to his tenure at Mercer, Ćeranić served as an assistant coach at the University of Iowa, where he played a pivotal role in the team's achievements, notably contributing to the 2020 Big Ten Championship title. His dedication to academic excellence was instrumental in Iowa's continued success, as evident by the team's 12 consecutive United Soccer Team Academic awards and a record-breaking 19 Academic All-Big Ten selections.
As a player, Ćeranić played collegiately at Mount Mercy (Iowa) University, where he was a four-time All-Midwest Collegiate Conference selection. He was the Mustangs' Newcomer of the Year in 2006, was team MVP in 2007 and 2008, and was a three-year team captain. Ćeranić also was a three-time all-academic selection and was named to the NAIA Champion of Character Team in 2009.
A native of Serbia, Ćeranić graduated from Mount Mercy University in 2010 with a degree in multimedia design and communications, further demonstrating his diverse skill set beyond the soccer field.
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For the most up-to-date information on the Bulldogs, follow MSU women's soccer on X, like them on Facebook, and join them on Instagram by searching for "HailStateSoc."
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– HailState.com –
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