MILTON, Mass. – The Eastern Massachusetts High School Soccer Coaches Association has selected Curry College Head Men's Soccer Coach Peter Mendel as their College Coach of the Year. Mendel will be honored at the EMASS High School All-Star Game, to be held November 29 at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Quincy, Massachusetts.

The Coach of the Year Award is given to a college coach who demonstrates a commitment to community service, camps, clinics, youth soccer, and outreach to high schools in the Eastern Massachusetts area.

"I am flattered and honored to be recognized by the Eastern Massachusetts Soccer Coaches Association," said Mendel, who is also the Assistant Director of Coaching for Real Boston Soccer Academy. "My staff and players deserve most of the credit as they are always eager and excited and willing to get out into the community and grow the game that has given us all so much."   

Mendel is just six wins shy of becoming the all-time winningest soccer coach in Curry College history. The Curry men's soccer team had 11-straight losing seasons before Mendel took the helm in 2007. Since then the Colonels have set records for most wins in a season, shutouts in a season, and consecutive wins. Mendel has guided the Colonels to the postseason five out of the past seven years, including an ECAC Semi-Final bid in 2008.

As evidence by receipt of this award, the Curry program has shown a great commitment to youth soccer and community outreach during Mendel's tenure. The Colonels have worked with the Friends of Jaclyn organization, and have run skills clinics for Weymouth Youth Soccer and Real Boston Soccer Academy. In addition, the team has officiated during local youth soccer games at Cohasset Sports Complex and used several home matches as learning and coaching experiences for local high schools.

The Colonels have donated old uniforms and equipment to "Peace Passers," a non-profit organization that distributes soccer gear to third-world countries. Mendel and his staff have also hosted several National Soccer Coaches Association of America courses at Curry, including their week-long residential courses over the summer, with Mendel serving as site coordinator.

"I'm proud of the soccer family we have built here at Curry with the support of the administration, and College. I look forward to continuing the growth of the program's visibility both on the field and in the community," said Mendel.