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Chippewa Valley Times

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

UW-Eau Claire men's soccer coaches earn regional honor

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Carson Park | UW-Eau Claire Blugolds

Carson Park | UW-Eau Claire Blugolds

The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire men's soccer team's coaching staff has been honored as the United Soccer Coaches Division III Men's Region IX Coaching Staff of the Year for 2024. The announcement was made by the United Soccer Coaches on Monday.

Under the leadership of Head Men's Soccer Coach Casey Holm, along with assistants Andrew Shirley, Dan Nettleton, JD Jones, and Payton Spencer, the Blugolds achieved significant success this season. They secured both the Wisconsin Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (WIAC) regular season and tournament championships and advanced to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The team finished with a record of 17-2-5.

"It's an honor to be recognized with your peers as one of the best among so many other deserving programs," said Holm. "We love that it is a STAFF award as everything we do is as a TEAM. Everyone's unique niche contributes to our success."

Holm praised his assistant coaches for their dedication, stating they put in "countless hours on the road recruiting, in film, game planning and more." He also acknowledged support from various departments within their athletic program. "Our support staff in the training room — Patrick Kliszcz and crew — as well as our strength and conditioning staff — Kodi Fezler and crew — are second to none," he added.

He credited leadership from Director of Athletics Jason Verdugo and Associate Athletic Director Robin Baker for fostering a family-like environment within their department. Holm also highlighted contributions from Amanda Hopkins' event management team and their sports information department for enhancing visibility through social media.

This accolade marks the first regional coaching award for UW-Eau Claire's staff. Previously, they received recognition with United Soccer Coaches' All-Wisconsin Coach of the Year awards in 2021 and 2022.

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