SPRING ARBOR, Mich. – Spring Arbor University head men’s soccer coach Nathan Miller has been rewarded for leading the Cougars to one of the most successful seasons in program history in 2016 as he was named the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) NAIA Mideast Region Coach of the Year.
“It is a well-deserved honor for Coach Miller,” said SAU Athletic Director Ryan Cottingham. “He has worked extremely hard to build a highly successful program on and off the field. Nate is very good and I am proud of his intentional approach to being a missional coach.”
Miller earned his first career NSCAA recognition by guiding SAU to a 15-4-4 record and a Crossroads League championship – the team’s first conference title since 2012. The Cougars also made their fifth all-time appearance in the NAIA Men’s Soccer National Championship and, after upsetting No. 11 Bryan College in the Opening Round, advanced to the second round of the national tournament for the first time since 1977.
Spring Arbor ended the season ranked No. 15 in the NAIA Men’s Soccer Coaches’ Top 25 Poll, the highest ranking for the program in nearly 40 years. The team had a breakout season offensively, leading the league in scoring averaging more than two goals per game. The Cougars finished the campaign with 49 goals in 23 matches – the most goals scored in a single season in more than 10 years. Spring Arbor was also one of the league’s top defensive teams ranking third in goals allowed per game.
Since taking over the program in 2013, Miller has racked up 54 wins, posting double-digit victories in each of his first four seasons. He has coached 16 All-Crossroads League players and one NAIA All-America Honorable Mention.
In addition to his program’s success on the field, the Cougars have also excelled in the classroom. The team’s has boasted a grade point average above 3.0 in each of the last three seasons, including owning a 3.17 GPA in 2015, with 13 players earning NAIA Scholar-Athlete honors.
Miller will be acknowledged for his achievement at the NSCAA Awards Banquet on Jan. 13 during the 2017 NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles.
