For the first time in UNBC’s history, one of its team coaches has been named the best in Canada.
UNBC Timberwolves men’s soccer team coach Steve Simonson was named the 2022 USports Fox40 Coach of the Year at an awards banquet Wednesday night in Kamloops to kick off the USports men’s soccer national championship soccer tournament, which starts today and runs through Sunday.
“He has worked extremely hard establishing a team culture, creating an environment where the players are accountable, with a focus on them becoming better players, better students, and better people. He has stayed true to that with his efforts recruiting, coaching, and time spent on his professional and personal development. I am so proud of Steve,” said Loralyn Murdoch, the UNBC athletic director. “It is special to be recognized by your colleagues from other institutions. His passions go beyond the win/loss column, and his team’s success on and off the pitch are evidence of that passion and drive.”
Timberwolves striker Michael Henman was a finalist for the national player of the year but was edged in the voting by Christopher Campoli of Ontario Tech University in Oshawa.
Both Simonson and Henman won the Canada West honours for coach of the year and player of the year, respectively. Henman, a fourth year striker who scored 19 goals this season to tie the Canada West record, was named an All-Canadian.
