University of North Carolina Athletics
Annual Banquet Celebrates 2015 Season
April 28, 2016 | Men's Soccer
CHAPEL HILL - Carolina men's soccer celebrated the 2015 season's successes with the annual end-of-year banquet. Last fall saw the program reach the NCAA postseason for the 23rd time, and the 16th time in the last 17 seasons.
Please click on the video button within the photo of the article to enjoy the 2015 season highlight video.
One of the featured speakers was alumni John Mansfield. The 1980 graduate and local resident reflected on his time at Carolina as well as his enjoyment of coming to watch the current team play with his wife, kids, and grandkids.
North Carolina earned the ACC Coastal Division title in 2015, the fifth regular season title in a span of seven seasons. The Tar Heels also finished No. 9 in the final national rankings, the programs 7th top-10 placement in the last eight years.
In the classroom, 18 student-athletes posted above a 3.0 grade-point-average in fall 2015, while 14 players boast a cumulative GPA at 3.0 or above. Eight are on the Dean's List, and four seniors graduated in December graduation. The two remaining seniors will graduate next month in spring ceremonies.
Carolina also dominated the 2016 MLS SuperDraft with three players - Jonathan Campbell, Omar Holness and Jordan McCrary - selected in the first round. The trio brings UNC's total to 44 draft selections homegrown selections since 2000.
And without further delay here are the award winners…
Mercer Reynolds “Tar Heel” Award
The Mercer Reynolds Tar Heel Award recognizes a men's soccer player who exemplifies characteristics of what it means to be a Tar Heel student-athlete on the field, in the classroom, has a positive presence in the community and is great overall representation of Tar Heel athletics.
Winner: David October
Nicholas Douglass Potter Coaches Award
The Nicholas Douglass Potter Coaches Award is given to a men's soccer player who comes to practice and games everyday seeking to get better. In addition to individual perseverance, this player is coachable, seeks to help others improve, and will perform any task that is asked of him to help better the UNC soccer program.
Winner: Jonathan Campbell
Tom Evins Jr. Most Improved Player Award
The Tom Evins Jr. Most Improved Player award goes to a returning student-athlete who displayed significant growth as a player and a person from the previous year.
Winner: Colton Storm
Mike Thompson Most Valuable Player Award
Mike Thompson MVP award is given to the most valuable player as voted upon by his fellow teammates.
Winner: Tucker Hume
Kirk Urso Heart Award
Former captain Kirk Urso helped lead UNC to four straight final fours from 2008-2011 culminating with a national championship in 2011. After being drafted by the Columbus Crew and earning a starting spot, Kirk passed away of a congenital heart defect. The Kirk Urso Heart award is given to a student athlete that brings a daily competitive spirit to the team and demonstrates a relentless will to win.
Winner: Raby George
Dr. Beth Miller Service Award
This award is given to someone who shows the same service and character of former Senior Athletic Director Beth Miller. Dr. Miller had varying roles in her 40-year tenure with UNC athletics. Before retirement, included in her duties as Senior Woman's administrator was overseeing the men's soccer program. Her daily efforts led to improvements in many areas but most importantly student-athlete development.
Winner: Jon Brunner
