Des Moines, Iowa – Thursday, November 16, 2023 – The Des Moines Menace has announced that Troy McKerrell has signed on to be the head coach of the club ahead of its 30th season. McKerrell is coming off a successful season with Chicago City SC, winning 11 games, the Heartland Division Regular Season Title, and advancing to the Round of 16 in the USL2 Playoffs.

“We’re excited for Troy to write the next chapter of the club. His work ethic and tactical acumen will undoubtedly lead to success for our team on and off the field. Troy is a great coach, but a better person. We can’t wait for him to bring his new ideas and winning mentality to Des Moines,” said Sporting Director Oliver Krause.

McKerrell is a UEFA A Licensed Coach and Analyst who has established an exceptional record of achievements through coaching roles around the world, whilst making the successful transition into these sectors following a professional playing career in Scotland and the United States. He’s an alumnus of the prestigious 30under30 program with United Soccer Coaches and was one of 15 coaches in the world chosen for the Modern Soccer Coach World Mentorship program. McKerrell is part of the United Soccer Coaches Black Advocacy Group and holds a master’s degree in psychology from Avila University.

Q&A with Troy McKerrell

What excites you about the role?

I am excited about the prospect of entertaining our Menace fans and community with a style of play & brand of football that they will enjoy, and I encourage them to make as much noise as possible supporting our players on and off the field. I am also looking forward to working with one of the most professional ownership groups in the country. Their consistency and high standards over a prolonged period are testament to the hard work that has been displayed by those in the past and will continue as we move forward into the future in our celebration of the soccer club's 30th season.

What can fans expect to see from a team coached by you?

High pressing, high intensity, attacking football with a focus on dominating the play. In our training sessions and league games, we will work hard and find fun in hard work. I have my principles that I will stick by, and there will be a clear identity for all to see.

What skills/strengths do you bring to the club?

For me, I believe my biggest strength and the skillset I will bring to the club is a hunger and desire to always improve and, more importantly, support those people around me to improve and fulfill their full potential on and off the field too. This journey is going to be an exciting one, and I feel that for us as a collective to achieve success on and off the pitch, we must be willing to roll up our sleeves and grind. We are not going to be reinventing the wheel, rather we will be focusing on the basics and making sure we strive to become world-class at those basics, and that will transfer into producing great performances on the field and getting the results we desire.

How does it feel to return after playing for the Menace in 2015?

Having the ability to come back and join the Menace family as the head coach is amazing. Like I have said before, this ownership group is one of the best in the country, and when I was a player for the Menace back in the day, it was an honor to wear the jersey. Coming back now in this capacity, I can't wait to continue highlighting that honor and privilege to those who we choose to wear the jersey for the 2024 season and make sure that they maximize every opportunity given to them.

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