Associate Athletics Director, John Schwarte, announces the hiring of Joe Dao as the next Men's and Women's Rugby Coach at Wayne State College, the second in program history. "I am thrilled to bring Joe back to campus to serve as our next head coach for the rugby programs", Schwarte said. "From the first interview, it was clear Joe was the right fit for both teams. His passion for the game and for Wayne State stood out as he takes the reigns of these historic-rich programs."
Dao most recently competed for the Chicago rugby club during the 2024-2025 season while working at LA Fitness as a operations manager. 
In 2023, Dao was recruited to go play for the Kansas City Blues rugby club where he assisted the team to a second-place finish and a Midwest Premiership semi-final match. While in Kanas City, he was a forwards coach for Alliance Rugby Academy, a club select side team for high school athletes.
During his time at WSC, Dao was a part of two national finalists' teams. In the 2022 season, the team earned 16-1 record, losing in the national final 15-20 to Cal Poly Humboldt.
In the 2021 season, the team compiled a 13-2 record, finishing second in the country behind Siena College.  The match score was 20-25.
"I couldn't be any more excited and honored to be named the head coach of the Wayne State College Rugby team," Dao said. "The Wayne State Rugby program has given me lifelong friendships, countless lessons and everlasting memories that I hope to pass on to current and future players. As head coach, my goal is continue the program's development, growth and culture. I'm incredibly grateful to take on the tasks and responsibilities of this great program led by so many passionate coaches and student athletes throughout the years. This is truly a full circle moment, and I'm honored to lead the program that helped shape me. I can't wait to get to work. Go 'Cats!"
Dao earned a bachelor's degree at WSC in sports management.