SPRINGFIELD, Mass., December 21, 2005 - Springfield College head women’s soccer coach John Gibson has been honored as the 2005 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA)/adidas Division III Women’s New England Regional Coach of the Year, in an announcement made by the NSCAA this afternoon (Dec. 21).

As a Regional Coach of the Year, Gibson is now one of six coaches eligible to receive National Coach of the Year recognition in Division III.

In related news, senior defender Courtney Goetz (Flemington, N.J.) has been named to the NSCAA/adidas NCAA Division III Women’s All-New England Region Second-Team. Freshman midfielder Lauren Peltier (Agawam, Mass.) garnered a position on the Third-Team of the All-New England Region squad.

Head Coach John Gibson, who just finished his sixth season at the helm at SC, directed the Pride to its first-ever NCAA Division III Tournament appearance, as SC won its first-ever New England Women’s and Men’s Athletic Conference (NEWMAC) Tournament Championship, advancing past Wheaton College on penalty kicks. In the NCAA Tournament, the Pride defeated Castleton State at home, 3-1, before dropping a second round match at Oneonta State. SC finished its highly successful season with a 14-5-3 overall record.

Goetz, who hails from Flemington, N.J., was a vital member of the Pride defense which allowed just 21 goals in 22 games this season, good for a 0.92 goals against average. The senior tri-captain also scored two goals and assisted on five other scores for nine total points. Peltier, who resides in Agawam, Mass., is the reigning NEWMAC Rookie of the Year. The first-year midfielder tied for team-bests in goals (eight) and points (19) on the season, while adding three assists.

published: 12/21/2005