After losing three straight games leading up to the NCAA Tournament, the postseason dreams of Washington Men’s Soccer team looked dim. An at-large bid, six road wins, and weeks of cross-country travel later, the Huskies were doing the impossible — hoisting their first ever National Championship trophy.
The thrilling 3-2 overtime victory against NC State capped off a gritty season that saw the team come from behind again and again. The Huskies finished the season No. 1 in goals scored (54) and total points (164). Five student-athletes were named United Soccer Coaches All-Region and Head Coach Jamie Clark was named Top Drawer Soccer Coach of the Year.
“We strive to keep Washington soccer talent here at home and take the responsibility of developing our homegrown guys seriously,” says Coach Clark.
“Their pride in this school helps create a culture that celebrates the hard work and resilience that it takes to reach the top. I’m so proud of our team for never, ever giving up and winning it all in such an inspiring way.”
Academic support, funded by Tyee Club donors, kept the student-athletes as focused on the classroom as they were on competition. Despite missing 27 school days in fall quarter — including the first week, midterms and finals week — the team was able to achieve a 3.48 GPA.
An academic advisor proctored 66 exams and coordinated countless assignments, papers and labs over the quarter, spending nearly two weeks on the road with the team. The commitment and dedication paid off. Among the many academic accolades, 22 Men’s Soccer student-athletes made the Big Ten Fall All-Academic team and three players made the United Soccer Coaches’ Scholars All-America team.
DID YOU KNOW?
19 of the 29
student-athletes on the National Championship team are from Washington state.
5 of the 11
starting players were redshirts who worked their way up to a starting position.
5 UW players
were selected in the Major League Soccer SuperDraft, more than any other school.
