Though Brandeis has had some great coaches over the years, it's safe to say that men's soccer coach Michael Coven-this year's National Soccer Coaches' Association of America Division III New England men's coach of the year-is one of a kind.

Four years after coming to Waltham to take over the men's soccer program in 1972, Coven's squad won the 1976 NCAA Division III National Championship against The College at Brockport: State University of New York. Eight years later, his team lost a close 2-1 overtime decision to Illinois' Wheaton College. Since then, he has guided the Judges to Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference Championships in 2006, 2010 and 2011.

And while this year's team didn't make it to a championship game, it certainly had a season to remember. The squad went 16-2-1 in the regular season, and finished in a four-way tie for University Athletic Association champion with Carnegie Mellon University, Emory University and Washington University in St. Louis. Then, in its first NCAA Division III Tournament appearance since 1985, the Judges beat Baruch College and Vassar College at home in the first two rounds before falling in the Sweet Sixteen to Williams College to finish 18-3-1.

"This was one of my favorite years of coaching, so I'm thrilled to receive this great honor," said Coven in a statement from the Brandeis Athletics website. "I was blessed with a great group of seniors and unbelievable fan support that made this season a pleasure."

Coven's players received postseason recognition, too. Midfielder Sam Ocel '13 was named a New England Division III first team all-star, UAA Most Valuable Player and NSCAA Divsion III All-American. Defender Joe Eisenbies '13 was named a New England Division III first team all-star and first team All-UAA. Forward Lee Russo '13 was also named to the New England Division III second team and second team All-UAA.
Though Coven was happy to be recognized, he was quick to credit the work of assistant coach Gabe Margolis.

"It's my honor and [his] honor," he said in an interview with the Justice. "The UAA calls it 'Coaching Staff of the Year,' and I like that label. Realistically, I wouldn't get this award if it wasn't for Gabe. He deserves it as much as me."

Coven plans to recognize Margolis when the two travel to the NSCAA All-American Banquet for Coven's recognition, which is slated to be held Jan. 16 to Jan. 20 in Indianapolis, Ind.
"We will [receive] the award together," he said.