Midfielder Jay Chapman Named MAC Hermann Trophy Semifinalist
12/2/2014 12:00:00 AM | Men's Soccer
EAST LANSING, Mich. - Men's soccer junior midfielder Jay Chapman was named a semifinalist for the MAC Hermann Trophy as announced by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America. Chapman is the first Michigan State athlete to be named a semifinalist for this award.
"I'm happy and excited for Jay and his family," said head coach Damon Rensing. "I truly believe that Jay is not only one of the best midfielders, but one of the top players in NCAA Division I soccer. To see Jay mature and grow both as a person as well as a player over the last three seasons has been very rewarding."
The MAC Hermann Trophy is the highest individual intercollegiate award administered by the NSCAA. Chapman is one of only two Big Ten athletes in contention for this award and is the first in school history.
"It's a phenomenal feeling," said Chapman. "The team and I have worked so hard all year to get where we are and I wouldn't have been in this position if it wasn't for my teammates and coaching staff. I owe this recognition to them."
The Campbellford, Ontario, native was named Big Ten Midfielder of the Year following the regular season. Chapman also earned First Team All-Big Ten and Soccer Madness All-Conference honors. Three of his four assists this season have come on game-winning goals. Two of his four goals are game-winners.
"There have been a lot of great players to wear the Spartan jersey in the modern era and Jay is one of them," said Rensing. "Here at MSU, nothing individually can be achieved without the team. Being named a Hermann semifinalist is a recognition of Jay's individual performance, but this would not be possible without the achievements of the team and the players around him."
This year's trophy presentation and banquet will take place Friday, Jan. 9 at the Missouri Athletic Club in St. Louis.
