ECNL and ECNL RL Coaches of the Year announced for 2023-24 season

RICHMOND, Va. – The ECNL has announced the 2024 KwikGoal Coaches of the Year for the ECNL Boys and ECNL Girls, as well as the inaugural KwikGoal Coaches of the Year for the ECNL Regional League Boys and ECNL Regional League Girls.

These awards celebrate the successes of these coaches, clubs and players throughout the season and postseason. ECNL Boys coach Chase Miller of South Carolina Surf, ECNL Girls coach Kelin Briones of San Diego Surf, ECNL Boys Regional League coach Daouda Kante of Kansas Rush, and ECNL Girls Regional League coach Mike Aubry of GTFC Impact are all first-time recipients of this award. They represent clubs in all regions of the country, and reflect the strength and quality of the ECNL and ECNL Regional League across America.

As Technical Director, Miller helped lead South Carolina Surf to the 2024 ECNL Boys U15 National Championship, following a thrilling 3-2 win over the reigning ECNL National Champion Pipeline SC at the ECNL Boys National Finals. It was the first ECNL championship won by the club, as well as the second for the state of South Carolina in the past four seasons.

“It’s a huge honor to be selected as the ECNL Boys Coach of the Year,” said Miller. “I’m thankful to be a part of a great organization in South Carolina Surf Soccer Club and surrounded by coaches and players that are motivated each day to better themselves and their environment.”

As goalkeeper coach for all of the San Diego Surf teams, Briones played a huge role in helping the club capture three ECNL Girls National Championships this summer, as well as winning the ECNL Girls Overall Club Championship. In addition to the success on the girls’ side, Briones also played a significant role in helping San Diego Surf’s U17 boys capture the U17 ECNL Boys National Championship this year, as well as helping the boys capture three ECNL National Championships last season, en route to them winning the 2023 ECNL Boys Overall Club Championship.

“I’m extremely humbled and honored to receive this award,” said Briones. “Knowing I have the support of my club, leading to this nomination, reassures me that I’m in the right place. As a goalkeeper coach working with all of our ECNL teams, this award reflects the collective effort of our entire team. Thank you to the league, players, families, and the San Diego Surf staff for making this possible.”

At the ECNL Regional League Boys Central Playoffs, Kansas Rush took home the U18/19 Championship with a 2-0 win over Louisville City Academy and Kante leading the way on the sideline. Kansas Rush also won the U16 ECNL Regional League Boys National Championship this summer in Richmond, another testament to Kante’s leadership for the club.

“I am honored to be named the ECNL Regional League Boys Coach of the Year,” said Kante. “I am blessed to have incredibly talented players and staff around me. ECNL Regional League is top tier competition and since joining the league we have had very rewarding experiences.”

At the ECNL Regional League Finals in Richmond, Aubry helped lead GTFC Impact to the U16 ECNL Regional League Girls National Championship with a 3-1 win over Sting Dallas Black.

“I am incredibly honored to be named the ECNL Regional League Girls Coach of the Year,” said Aubry. “To me, this award is not a reflection of individual achievement, but a testament to the remarkable people I am privileged to work with every day. My outstanding staff, who pour their heart and soul into preparing our girls for competition, and my players, who have become my family, and are the true stars. Their unwavering commitment to the club and their dedication to the process are what drive our success. Without them I am just another coach.”