Florida Atlantic University Athletics
Baker Named Conference USA Co-Coach of the Year
11/3/2015 12:00:00 AM | Women's Soccer
BOCA RATON, Fla. â€" Florida Atlantic University Women's Soccer Head Coach Patrick Baker was named the Conference USA co-Coach of the Year for leading the Owls to a 12-7-1 record, including a seven-match undefeated streak to end the regular season.
FAU was selected to finish seventh in the preseason poll and climbed through the ranks to earn a No. 3 seed in the tournament. The Owls boast the second best offense and second best defense in the tournament, outscoring opponents 17-7 in C-USA play.
"I am flattered and humbled that my conference peers consider the season that we have had worthy of this recognition," Baker said. "There were several teams that posted tremendous seasons and I feel there were a number of coaches who easily could have received this honor as well. The award is a true credit to the overall effort put forth be every member of our program this year. Our players, Coach [Michael} Crane, Coach [Jordan] Reppell and our High Performance Team are just as much a part of this award as I am. My staff is excellent and we have worked tirelessly to change the complexion of the program over the past two years. It was a remarkable turnaround season - both non-conference and conference - and one that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone associated with our program. We look forward to continuing to build and grow our program and hope to put together several more seasons like this in the near future."
Baker placed five players on the All-Conference USA squads, including a pair of players who anchored the fierce FAU defense all season in Erica Burt and Sydney Drinkwater. Offensively, Claire Emslie, Geovana Alves and Asta Arnadottir all garnered honors as well.
"Coach Baker is looked up as not just a coach, but also a father figure to this team," FAU captain Gabriella Sosa said. "He has helped the program tremendously by not just his coaching skills, but all the extra help he did behind closed doors. I never met someone who works so hard at what he does. He truly loves his job and I'm honored to be playing for him. He makes me want to never stop playing soccer because he just makes the sport that much greater. His organization and leadership assets and his love for the game and the girls is the reason why I'm not surprised he got awarded coach of the year. He deserves it and I'm grateful to be playing for his team."
Baker shared the Coach of the Year honor with Marshall's Kevin Long.
"Congratulations to Coach Kevin Long on this award as well," Baker said. "What a remarkable season at Marshall and he deserves a great deal of credit for that teams success this year. He has a special group of seniors and an overall team that is playing at a very high level this year. Coach Long is a very good coach and well respected among his peers, but he is an even better person and a gentleman that cares about his players on and off the field."
The Owls will open the C-USA Tournament on Wednesday, Nov. 4 with a matchup against Old Dominion at 7 p.m. in Miami. For more information, please visit conferenceusa.com.
Fans who want to attend the tournament may purchase single-game or tournament tickets by visiting https://www.nmnathletics.com/tickets/TicketHome.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=11700. FAU students will be admitted free of charge with a valid Owl Card.
