DENVER - Former University of Denver men's soccer volunteer assistant Levi Rossi has been promoted to the program's second assistant, head coach Jamie Franks announced on Thursday.

"Since joining the staff last summer, Levi has made a positive impact on the program, especially on our student-athletes," Franks said. "As a former player himself, he served as the captain for successful New Mexico teams where he was challenged every day. Levi's student-athlete experience allows him to relate to our current players on many different levels. He understands what it takes - both individually and collectively - to win at the collegiate level. We are fortunate to have Levi join the staff on a full-time basis and we are excited about his future as a coach here at the University of Denver."

Rossi spent the 2014 season as the team's volunteer assistant coach, a campaign that saw the Pioneers win their second-straight regular season and conference tournament titles, booking the program's second-straight trip to the NCAA Tournament.

"I want to thank Jamie Franks for giving me this opportunity to join Denver's coaching staff," Rossi said. "I am excited to work alongside Jamie and Ryan Hopkins and help continue to push the program into college soccer's elite. After working with the program for the last six months I could not be happier about this group of young men I will get to coach. They are a determined group who have set the bar high, not only on the field but in the classroom and the community as well. Ultimately, their ambitions are what excite me the most about this team and I look forward to pushing them to reach their goals."

Prior to his time in Denver, Rossi played forward and midfield at the University of New Mexico, finishing as one of the most academically-decorated players in school history. A Denver native, Rossi played his high school soccer at Regis Jesuit, leading the Red Raiders to the Colorado state finals in 2008.

Rossi earned 70 CAPS for the Lobos in his four year career, starting all 44 matches in his final two seasons at New Mexico. He was an All-MPSF Second Team selection in his senior season in 2012 in addition to being a two-time CoSIDA Academic All-American.

Denver begins its spring season on March 28 when the Pioneers travel to Creighton. The Pioneers will host three home games during the spring campaign, including a College Soccer Saturday clash against Air Force on April 25.

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