Jim Conlon Tabbed as NSCAA Central Region Coach of the Year
St. Louis, Mo., December 6, 2012 – Washington University in St. Louis women’s soccer coach Jim Conlon was named the 2012 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) Division III Central Region Women’s Soccer Coach of the Year, as announced Thursday by the Association.
Conlon guided Washington University to a school record 19-2-1 overall mark, and advanced to the NCAA Division III Quarterfinals for the sixth time in school history. The Bears also won their eighth University Athletic Association (UAA) Championship with a 6-0-1 record. Washington U. was ranked No. 5 in the final NSCAA/Continental Tire Post-Season Top-25 Poll.
“The 2012 season was an extremely successful one. The senior players and coaching staff allowed us to accomplish some great feats this year,” said Conlon. “We have a group of seniors that were able to build upon the traditions and ideals set before them by all the previous Bears and achieve unprecedented heights. All the coaches – Stephanie (Ackerman), Erica (Jensen), Caitlin (Malone) and Lori (Chalupny) – were able to connect with the players and bring insight to the team’s identity. When you have leaders like we do in this program it makes it easier to be successful.”
Conlon also mentored sophomore forward Anna Zambricki, who on Tuesday earned NSCAA/Continental Tire First-Team All-America honors. Zambricki is the ninth All-American in school history. He also had five players earn NSCAA/Continental Tire all-Central Region and six student-athletes named to the all-UAA team in 2012.
“I am honored to be the recipient of this award. The credit has to go to the women that stand with me on the sidelines,” Conlon added. “The Washington University administration along with former head coaches Doug (Hippler) and Wendy (Dillinger) have established one of the greatest programs in the country over its 25-year history.”
In five seasons on the Danforth Campus, Conlon has led Washington University to an 80-23-8 (.757) overall record, three UAA championships and five trips to the NCAA Tournament. He also guided the 2009 team to the Final Four and an appearance in the national championship game.
Conlon will be recognized at the annual All-America Luncheon, to be held Saturday, Jan. 19, in conjunction with the 2013 NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis. The National Coach of the Year will be announced in mid-January.