Brooks-Newton NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year

HERKIMER, NY – Herkimer Generals women’s soccer coach Ryan Brooks-Newton was recently named NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year, helping his team to a third place finish at nationals in 2014.

Brooks-Newton, a former soccer player and assistant goalkeeper coach for the men’s program, got his first crack as a head coach for the women’s program this past fall. Despite his inexperience, Brooks-Newton led the Generals to a Region III Championship, coming one game away from playing in the national championship at Ocean County Community College. In return, Herkimer snapped a nine-year streak without a regional championship, but also added three more All-Americans to their programs totals, helping the Generals finished 2014 15-3.

“It was a pleasant surprise and a bit of a shock to hear I received this award,” said Brooks-Newton. “A big thank you goes out to my Athletic Director Donald Dutcher for giving me the opportunity to coach at Herkimer. I also had a lot of support from the rest of the athletic staff. Pepe Aragon (Men’s Soccer Head coach) was influential in my success, as well as my assistant Jason Palkovic. Most of the credit however goes to my girls for buying into my system and doing their part on the field. I’m truly grateful!”  

Brooks-Newton will be presented his award at this year’s NSCAA convention in Philadelphia, PA on Thursday, January 15th,2015. Joining their coach will be Danielle Nicosia (Oneonta, NY), Teigha Ward (Ilion, NY) and Sydney Stanley (Schoharie, NY). Each was named NSCAA All-Americans in December.

-Giorgio Varlaro