Butler's Suzie Hinman was recently honored by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America as the 2012 Junior College Assistant Coach of the Year.
The NSCAA recognizes national and regional coaches of the year at each level of collegiate play, and high school and youth play. The honorees are nominated and voted on by their peers. Hinman received her award at the annual Awards Banquet at the NSCAA Convention in Indianapolis.
Hinman has made a tremendous impact with the Grizzlies since joining the program in 2011, working alongside head coach Adam Hunter to lead the team to two consecutive conference titles and berths into the NJCAA National Tournament the past two seasons.
Butler is 43-7-1 since Hinman joined the program and was 22-3 this past season. This season also marked the first time the team has reached a No. 1 ranking in the NSCAA poll and a new school record in single-season wins.
"I knew when I joined the program that there was a strong tradition of success associated with the Grizzly name, but I never would have imagined reaching such heights," Hinman said. "As an assistant you often question your impact, and you hope that you are finding a balance between learning and teaching. Coach Hunter and the players have allowed me to make an impact on this program, but more then that, they have made an impression on me. The award is a great honor; however, it is only one of many physical reminders of what it means to be a Grizzly."
Hunter, who just finished his sixth year as the head coach at Butler, says that winning the national award is a big accomplishment for Hinman and the program.
"Coach Hinman has brought a wealth of knowledge, ambition, and organization to our program," Hunter said. "Her efforts have helped us win two conference championships and earn two berths into the NJCAA National Tournament in her two seasons with the Grizzlies. There is no disputing that our recent successes can be greatly attributed to Suzie's efforts as the assistant soccer coach."
Founded in 1941 and based in Kansas City, Kan., the National Soccer Coaches Association of America has grown into the world's largest soccer coaches' organization that serves members at every level of the game.