Lee University soccer coaches Matt Yelton and Paul Furey have been selected as the NCCAA National Coaches of the Year. Both coaches directed their squads to 2014 NCCAA National Championships in Kissimmee, Fla.
 
Yelton and Furey were two of 24 coaches named by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA). The coaches will be traveling to Philadelphia on January 6th to receive their awards at the annual national soccer convention.

To qualify for consideration, a coach must be an individual NSCAA member as well as have a successful record for that season. In addition, the coach should exhibit: Knowledge of the game (rules, systems, coaching philosophy); Rapport with the team (respect of the players); Team image (team conduct, style of play, performance); Conduct on the field (positive behavior); Work for coaches organization (meetings, committees); Outside involvement (clinics, camps, conventions); Community involvement (leagues, banquets); and Rapport with other coaches (cooperative, considerate); Rapport with officials; Relationship with media (cooperative, considerate);Service to the NSCAA.

 "It certainly was an honor to be acknowledged by my peers for coach of the year," said Furey.  There are a number of very good and deserving coaches whom I respect and who had a terrific year as well, so it is also humbling.  This is an honor I can share with my assistant coaches and staff as well as my players as this recognition doesn't happen without quality people and players around you.

"The NCCAA has been such a terrific organization to be a part of for just about my whole coaching career," Furey added. "Dan Wood has been a tremendous leader for the NCCAA, taking it to new heights every year.  His own passion and love for the sport of soccer has made the NCCAA National Soccer Tournament something very special.  I'm grateful and blessed to be a part of the NCCAA and to receive this award."
 
Yelton said: "The reality is that this recognition would not have been possible without the quality staff I had to work with and what each individual member of our coaching staff brought to the team this year.
 
"Our players also deserve significant credit, in that, without their hard work and effort we would not have been a championship team. "This coach of the year award largely comes down to the team's ability to produce a championship season.