HOLLAND – The Holland Christian boys soccer team returned to the top with a state championship last month, but the accolades continue to roll in.
Holland Christian coach Dave DeBoer has earned three awards from the Michigan Interscholastic High School Soccer Coaches Association.
DeBoer was named Division 3 Coach of the Year, Private School Coach of the Year and Excellence in Coaching awards.
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“Coach DeBoer has had high expectations for the boys soccer program at Holland Christian since he began coaching the varsity team 10 years ago,” Holland Christian Athletic Director Dave Engbers said. “He is steady in his approach, but he has also worked to improve the craft of coaching every year through clinics, licensing and leading camps.”
While the state title was the crowning achievement for the 10th-year coach, and led to the first two awards, he was nominated for the Excellence in Coaching award during the summer.
It highlights DeBoer’s all-in approach at all times to the program.
“Dave does a nice job of inspiring players to not only grow in the sport of soccer, but to learn how to play well collectively as a team. His players play their best and play together when it matters most, which was especially true this past season. Leading the team this year with these attributes earned him the Division 3 coach of the year by the MIHSSCA, but it was the many ‘Night of Nets’ games and “Witte Memorial Invite” work that set him apart to earn the MIHSSCA’s Excellence in Coaching Award.”
More:Holland Christian goalie Daniel Morgan is Holland Sentinel Soccer Player of the Year
The Holland Christian players have long stated that DeBoer cares about them as people and treats them like adults, a respect that is reciprocated, but also helps prepare the athletes for life after high school.
“Coach DeBoer genuinely cares about helping players understand the collective influence they have on the world by orchestrating thousands of bed nets being donated through World Vision and giving players a chance to remember and know Coach Kevin Witte who passed away unexpectedly,” Engbers said. “It is fun to see the MIHSSCA recognize deeper and intentional efforts like these found in our boys soccer program.”
Contact sports editor Dan D’Addona at Dan.D’[email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @DanDAddona or Facebook @HollandSentinelSports.