Pensacola, FL – Our PCC Eagles Athletics department finished another great season for its women's volleyball, men's soccer, and women's and men's basketball teams. With the support of fans, players, Blue Crew, and the Pep Band, our teams shared many great memories along with a collection of incredible wins in The Nest. The Eagles finished with a NCCAA DII South Region Championship, the program's second NCCAA DII National Championship, seven All-American recipients, and a coach named NCCAA DII National Coach of the Year.

"I'm thankful for the dynamic coaches that we have leading our student-athletes," Eagles Athletic Director Mark Goetsch said. "Their desire to develop student-leaders goes beyond just winning region or national titles, but to inspire young people to be individuals of character, initiative, responsibility, have a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and improvement, all while learning to be Christ-like. We are thankful for the hours of time spent with the student-athletes on the practice floor/field, weight room, coach's office, video room, as well as busses and restaurant tables mentoring them both in their sport and as individuals. Our teams competed well this season and are thankful for those who finished well at the NCCAA national tournaments. Though our school year was cut short due to COVID-19, we are thankful for technology to continue to connect with these great young people.

"I offer my congratulations to all of our student-athletes this year. Thank you for your hard work, dedication, and strong spirit throughout this year. A special congratulations to Jake McClelland (Sr) on being honored with the Eagle Award, the highest honor given to a PCC student-athlete. Thank you for four great years on our Eagles soccer team."
 
Blue Crew
The Blue Crew brings excitement to the Eagles' fans during home games with giveaways, team chants, team support, and fan engagement. The Blue Crew was led by Head Coach Justin Ludka in his first year coaching the team. Many fans were entertained by the Blue Crew this season with incredible stunts and tumbling, a dinosaur that gave free pizza away, a crowd surfing Eagor, and much more.

The Blue Crew awarded the following players:

• Most Valuable Female Athlete – Patricia Militante
• Most Valuable Male Athlete – Paul Pollock
• Coach's Award – Evangeline Benson

"Blue Crew, each of you did a great job this season, and it was a privilege to be your coach!" said Coach Ludka.
 
Lady Eagles Volleyball (13-22 Overall, 10-5 Conference)
The Lady Eagles started their season out with a challenge from Athletic Director Mark Goetsch to improve 1% every day; this challenge became the theme for the Lady Eagles during their 2019 season. Even through injuries and frustrations that popped up throughout the year, the Lady Eagles focused on improving their skills and mindset both on and off the court. Anna Grace Carrick received South Region Honorable Mention, while Baylee Jensen and Jasmine Baldonado received South Region Second-Team.

Head Lady Eagles' Volleyball Coach, Calyn Ohman said, "With all the injuries and frustrations, it was hard to get in a good rhythm. However, despite the challenges, I saw improvement in every aspect of my player's games."

The Lady Eagles awarded the following players:

• Freshman Award – Jessica Johnson
• Most Improved Player – Abby Grider
• Coach's Award – Piper Bledsoe
• Big Time Performer – Anna Grace Carrick
• Most Valuable Player – Baylee Jensen

 
Eagles Soccer (15-8 Overall, 5-0 Conference)
The fourth-year Eagles soccer team finished another incredible season with its second NCCAA DII National Championship. The team secured its second NCCAA DII South Region Championship against Bob Jones University and advanced to the national tournament. While at the national tournament, the team first played and won against Randall University (3-2) and then Maranatha Baptist University (4-0). The Eagles competed against Providence University College and scored in overtime (1-0) to secure their second NCCAA DII National Championship in the program.

Jake McClelland was awarded South Region First Team, South Region Player of the Year, National All-Tournament Team, First Team All-American, and NCCAA DII Men's Soccer Player of the Year. Nick Standridge received South Region First Team, All-Tournament Team, First Team All-American, and National Tournament Most Outstanding Player. Paul Stewart received South Region First Team, National All-Tournament Team, and Second Team All-American. Clint Peterson was awarded South Region First Team, National All-Tournament Team, and First Team All-American. Riley Buchalski, Adam Lund, and Colton Hawkes received South Region Second Team. Ben Grover and Nathanael Younge were recognized as scholar athletes. Head Coach Joseph Liwosz was awarded South Region Coach of the Year and the NCCAA DII Men's Soccer Coach of the Year.

Head Coach Joseph Liwosz said, "HEART! This is the one word that I would say most describes this year's team. With a mix of experienced players and a strong group of new players, there was some very high hopes and expectations set for this year. Much of this team's success came from the way the team chemistry developed between the veteran and rookie players this season. The Higher the Fewer, our theme inspired by Isaiah 40:31, was still a focus for the team this year, especially the coaching staff.
"We really wanted to use the different obstacles that we encountered throughout the season to make us stronger individuals and a better team. I believe that many of the lows that we experienced last season helped the veteran players lead the team through some of the tougher games and situations this season. We are very thankful and blessed that we were able to achieve our ultimate team season goals by going undefeated in the NCCAA and by winning the Regional and National Championships."

The Eagles soccer team awarded the following players:

• Most Improved Player – Daniel DeSouza
• Hustle Award – Riley Buchalski
• Rookie of the Year/Heart Award – Jonathan Mendez
• Best Offensive Player – Jake McClelland
• Best Defensive Player – Clint Peterson
• Most Valuable Players – Jake McClelland and Nick Standridge

 
Lady Eagles Basketball (22-10 Overall, 11-0 Conference)
After losing half of last year's roster at graduation, Head Coach Jared Sellars knew that his returning players would need to fill the gap if they wanted to have a successful season. The Lady Eagles did just that and had a dominant season that carried them to the NCCAA DII National Tournament to compete against some of the nation's top talent. Halfway through the season the Lady Eagles began their 14-game winning streak that was ended in the NCCAA DII South Region Championship against Bob Jones University.

The Lady Eagles then secured the #4 seed in the NCCAA DII National Tournament where they won against #5 seed Emmaus Bible College, 76-70. Although the team advanced to the semi-final round where they were set to compete against #1 seed Arlington Baptist University, the tournament was abruptly ended because of social distancing requirements. Lauran Alvarez received South Region First-Team, South Region Player of the Year, and First-Team All-American. Sandy McElhaney received South Region First-Team and Second-Team All-American. Caitlyn Benedik received South Region Second-Team, Leah Phelps received South Region All-Freshman Team, and Emma Hardy received South Region Honorable Mention.

Head Coach Jared Sellars said, "I am so thankful for this year's team and their effort. We will miss our seniors so much. Jenna, Claire, Emma, and Caitlyn have put so much into our program, and I am so thankful for that. Every year I am amazed at how the Lord allows us the opportunity to work with such a great group of players. This team is a true joy to coach, and I am looking forward to next year."

The Lady Eagles basketball team awarded the following players:

• Most Hype Award – Elise Cauthen
• Most Improved – Caitlyn Benedik
• Newcomer of the Year – Leah Phelps
• Defensive Player of the Year – Emma Hardy
• Offensive Player of the Year – Sandy McElhaney
• Most Valuable Player – Lauran Alvarez

 
Eagles Basketball (9-23 Overall, 4-7 Conference)
The Eagles Basketball team was joined by twelve new players to the twenty-man roster this season. While Head Coach Mark Goetsch knew that this team was young and wins would come with more required effort, he challenged his team to give maximum effort, serve one another, and focus on having a growth mindset. John Clay received South Region First-Team and Third Team All-American. Deric Woods received South Region Freshman Team.

Coach Goetsch said, "I was repeatedly encouraged by this team each day as I came in the practice gym. Regardless of a loss or a win the night before, this team walked in the gym ready to learn, to get better – the ingredients of a Growth Mindset."

The Eagles basketball team awarded the following players:

• Charge Award – John Clay
• Hard Hat Award – Deric Woods
• Dish Award – John Clay
• Sixth Man of the Year – Austin Lewis
• Defensive Player of the Year – James Shodimu
• Offensive Player of the Year – John Clay

Eagles Athletics completed a successful 2019-2020 season, and looks forward to another great upcoming 2020-2021 season. Follow @EaglesPCC on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to keep up with the Eagles. Visit the Eagles Store to purchase gear! The Eagles compete as Division II members of the National Christian College Athletic Association.