Valparaiso University men’s soccer head coach Mike Avery announced today the 2015-2016 award winners for the Crusader soccer program.

2015/16 Offensive MVP – Isaiah Madrid (Jr./MF/Albuquerque, N.M.)

Madrid, in his first full season with the Crusader program following a transfer from Florida Gulf Coast University, led Valparaiso in nearly every offensive category. Madrid was tops on the team in goals (5), game winning goals (4), points (12), shots (66) and shots on goal (33) while starting 18 games and playing the second-most minutes for outfield players. Madrid was named a Second Team All-Horizon League honoree following the 2015 season.

2015/16 Defensive MVP – Nico Campbell (Jr./GK/Kingston, Jamaica)

The 2015 Horizon League Goalkeeper of the Year, Campbell is named the team Defensive MVP for the second year running. Playing every minute of the season for Valparaiso in 2015, Campbell anchored one of the nation’s best defenses. In 18 games, Campbell and his Crusader defense allowed only 15 opponent goals (second-fewest opponent goals in program history) for a 0.76 goals against average (second-best GAA in program history). Campbell’s eight shutouts is second-most in program history, giving the Crusader netminder 15 in his career (third all-time, and only eight off the career record of 23 set by Kyle Zobeck ’11).

2015/16 TS11 Award – Jorge Bermudez (Sr./F/Lake Zurich, Ill.)

Perhaps the most prestigious award given annually by the Crusader soccer program is the TS11 Award. The TS11 Award intends to honor the player who best represents the core values of program, and who is the embodiment of the ideal teammate. Jorge Bermudez is the TS11 Award honoree for 2015/16, and is a well-deserving selection. Bermudez is a talented player on the field who brought maximum effort to each training session and match, a standout student who will graduate in May with plans to attend law school, and a loyal friend who led by service and example during his four-year career. 

2015/16 VUMSO Supporter’s Award – Steven R. Probst ’90, ’02 J.D.

Steven Probst, the Assistant Dean of Students for the Valparaiso University School of Law, is the 2015/16 selection for the coveted VUMSO Supporter’s Award. The Supporter’s Award, given annually since 2008, celebrates a significant supporter of the Valparaiso University men’s soccer program. Past winners have included parents of Crusader soccer team members, university faculty or staff, and other friends of the program who have demonstrated unique support of the program’s mission and/or the players on the team. Mr. Probst, who received his undergraduate degree from Valparaiso University in 1990 followed by his law degree from the university in 2002, has been a key supporter of the soccer program’s #oneVALPO, both on the Valpo campus and in the NW Indiana community.  Coach Mike Avery and representatives of the men’s soccer team presented #oneVALPO at the 2015 Law School orientation at the invitation and direction of Mr. Probst. Probst further helped promote the #oneVALPO initiative by being the key connector between Coach Avery and two additional assembly presentations – one at Central Elementary School in Valparaiso, and the second at La Lumiere Academy in LaPorte, Ind. 

2015/16 VUMSO Alumni Award – Brendan Roth ’11, ’13 M.A.

A central figure in Valparaiso men’s soccer history for the past nine seasons, Brendan Roth spent four and a half years as a player for the Crusaders, his final season ending with the 2011 Horizon League Championship. Following his undergraduate graduation, Roth moved directly into the coaching staff where he served loyally for the next four seasons. During his time on the Crusader staff, Roth earned his second degree from Valparaiso, a master’s degree in Sports Administration. In March of this year, Roth was named the head coach of the Calumet College - St Joseph’s men’s soccer program – a position for which he is more than ready, and one in which he will thrive.