Brookhaven Soccer to Collect Awards at USC Convention

Dallas College Brookhaven women's soccer coaching staff will be honored with a pair of awards at this week's United Soccer Coaches convention in Philadelphia. Additionally, freshman forward Whitni Newbill will be honored as a USC First Team All-American.

Head coach Jimmy Elder and assistant coach Robert Williams will be honored as the 2022-23 National Junior College Athletic Association Division III Region V Soccer Coaching Staff of the Year.

"We have been honored to receive this coaching award," Elder aid. "Our staff includes very seasoned and skilled coaches in soccer and in life. We enjoy mentoring our young student-athletes. I, as the head coach, am proud to have Robert Williams, Albert Masters and Nina Bermea at my side. I call them my Dream Team."

Williams will be receiving the 2022 Black Soccer Legend Assistant Coach of the Year award from the Black Soccer Coaches Community.

"I'm very proud of Robert," Elder said. "I'm excited and happy that he is being recognized in such a great way. We have been here together since Day 1. We have had ups and downs and many disappointing moments, yet Robert never gave up. Together, we have built a national power. It has required a unique commitment to excellence that Robert has thrived on."

Brookhaven went 16-0-1, winning its second straight NJCAA DIII national championship in the fall. The Bears won 14 straight games to finish the regular season, beating Mohawk Valley Community College, 2-1, in the national title game. The Bears went 13 straight games without allowing a goal, and surrendered just three goals during the season. 

Newbill, who also earned First Team All-America distinction from the NJCAA DIII, scored 12 goals, and had 10 assists for 34 points in her first season with Brookhaven. A native of Austin, Texas, Newbill scored three gamewinning goals. She assisted on the gamewinning goals in the national championship game and the NJCAA DIII Southwest District title game.

"Seeing our student-athletes win a national award is very rewarding," Elder said. "They work so hard, and are so good at managing life. It's always a proud moment for us."

Brookhaven finished the season as the USC's No. 1-ranked team in NJCAA DIII.

"We are so proud to be seen at the top of this national rankings list," Elder said. "The work and effort we must invest in our soccer program is substantial. Long days, long months, long years, but when we get the No. 1 ranking at season's end, it all becomes worthwhile. This accomplishment is for all our players, our supporters and our fans."