Sequim Gazette staff
Winning does come with its privileges.
After leading the Peninsula College Pirates men’s soccer team to their first ever NWAACC championship, Andrew Chapman is the association’s Coach of the Year.
It’s the second time Chapman has earned the honor; he took home the top coach’s award in 2007 after the Pirates won a school-record 14 games.
“It means a lot to be recognized by your peers,” Chapman said. “This is an award that, no matter how hard you work, if your team doesn’t perform, it doesn’t matter. The award is because of the staff and the players. They won the game.”
In 2010, the Pirates held the NWAACC coaches poll No. 1 ranking for much of the season, winning their third West Division title in four seasons. After a first round bye, Peninsula topped Whatcom 2-1 in the quarterfinals and defeated No. 1-ranked Columbia Basin 1-0 in the semis.
Andrew Chapman, Peninsula College men’s soccer coach, talks to his team between second half and overtime periods at the NWAACC championship game in Tukwila on Nov. 21. Chapman was named the NWAACC Coach of the Year, the second time he has won the award.
The Pirates downed Highline in a shootout (5-4) on Nov. 21 for the program’s first soccer championship and first school title in 40 years.
“I think they (P.C.’s players) were very happy to bring something back to Peninsula College,” Chapman said.
Peninsula saw five players named to the NWAACC all-star team this fall, the most in program history.
The Pirates also saw Miguel Gonzalez earn West Division Most Valuable Player after breaking the school record for goals in a season (14). Goalkeeper Jared Wilson was named the NWAACC tournament’s MVP.
The Pirates have an extensive offseason program that kicks off soon, as builders were laying the first sections of turf for the college’s artificial turf facility last week.
“We’re going to stay very busy, very active,” Chapman said. “We have 20 freshmen (potentially) coming back. They’re pretty gung-ho about next season already.”
Chapman, who has helped the Pirates to six consecutive playoff appearances, has been named West Division Coach of the Year three times since 2007.
