Greenville, S.C. (December 18, 2013) – Dr. Chris Carmichael, BJU Bruins women’s soccer coach, was recently named Coach of the Year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) for Division II.
“I want to thank the NSCAA for their continued support of coaching education here in the U.S.,” Coach Carmichael said. “I am honored and humbled to receive this award. It truly is a celebration of God’s great work through this team and the efforts of our players and my staff. The team, the fans, and the incredible support of our athletic department help to make us who we are as a program. Really this award is their award and not just mine.”
Carmichael led the women’s soccer team to a record of 15-5-2 and captured the University’s first national championship. This is only the second year of the program at Bob Jones University. “We are very proud of Chris and his accomplishments,” BJU athletic director Neal Ring said. “We know the dedication and hard work he puts into everyday of coaching and it shows in his peers choosing him for this award. We’re privileged to have him on our staff.”
In their inaugural season in 2012, the Bruins women finished 7-10 and were eliminated in the first round of the regional playoffs. For 2013, the Bruins women changed their tactical style of play and recruited a great freshman class to begin their season. The team started slow as they dropped two of their first three matches, but caught fire and were unbeaten in their next eight matches while outscoring their opponents 31-1.
The team lost in the National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) South Regional Championship to Clearwater Christian College 2-1, but was given an at-large bid because of their season success. The Bruins upset the #1 ranked Providence University College and then defeated Ohio Christian University 2-0 to set up a rematch against Clearwater. Both teams battled hard in the championship match, but senior Rebecca Luttrell’s lone goal in the second half handed the Bruins their first national title.
