SENATOBIA – After leading the Northwest Mississippi Community College women's soccer team to their third consecutive Region 23 title, Head Coach James Beattie has been named the Region 23 Coach of the Year for the third time in a row as well.
"This award means a lot, not just from an individual standpoint, but also a team standpoint, that we have been able to sustain a level of success and consistency over the last few years. Working with such great groups and staffs over these last three years has made the past seasons a joy to be a part of," Beattie said.
The Rangers have reached some incredible highs over the past season, extending a winning streak to 33 consecutive matches and were unbeaten for 34 straight after going undefeated the previous year. Northwest also has accumulated ten shutouts through the season so far and their offense has scored three or more goals in all but four games this season.
Beattie said the team finds a balance on the field and off, and it wouldn't be possible without the help of Brandon Boren, who has been his full-time assistant through the last three seasons.
"BB obviously has been key to everything. We are very different in almost every way, which I think is really good for the group. The balance of personalities within the coaching staff is key."
The duo, along with multiple volunteer assistants, has led to the Rangers going 60-1-3 over the last three years, and includes six NJCAA All-American's over the last two with more expected from this year's roster. It also included two of the top five scorers this season in MACCC play, led by Emma Jensen who had 27 goals and eight assists to lead the conference and Caroline Perkins who was third in scoring with 16 goals and 10 assists.
Beattie added that the support from the school, going all the way up to Northwest Mississippi Community College President Doctor Michael J. Heindl, has also been key in bringing the program success to the forefront of not just a regional level, but on the national stage as well.
"Dr. Heindl has been a massive part of the last three seasons, and the team absolutely loves him! From my standpoint, he is a fantastic modern leader and without this type of leadership at the college we wouldn't be able to do what we love every day to the level we do it."
The support the administration gives to us from an academic, financial, and student services standpoint is huge. Without them, we would not be able to have accomplished what we have done and continue to do."
Northwest will head to Wichita, Kansas this weekend where they will begin play in the 2025 NJCAA Division II National Tournament on Sunday morning. The team will find out their seeding and who will be facing them in their pool on Tuesday afternoon at 4:30 PM.
Keep up with the full schedule at the national tournament and more at nwccrangers.com or you can follow Ranger social media accounts.
