St. Bonifacius, MN - Head Women's Soccer coach, Katie Kandt, has been honored with the 2023 Layton Shoemaker Award for Sportsmanship by the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association, announced by Tom Richardson, the NISOA Director of Membership and Awards. "It is refreshing to know that while playing sports, players can still demonstrate character and integrity while seeking to win championships, (and) it all begins with their leader and coach," said Richardson. 

This annual award is presented to a college coach whose team represents the values of the man for whom the award was named. The Polars finished UMAC play 6-5-3 earning a spot in the conference semifinals against UW-Superior where they fell 2-1 to the eventual champion. They would go on to win the NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) DII Regional Tournament with a 3-1 win over Providence University College and qualify for the National Championship in Greenville, SC. Crown finished the season with a 1-0 win over Great Lakes Christian College in the 3rd Place Match. 

"I am honored to have received this award. I think it speaks to the culture of the women's soccer program here at Crown and our commitment to having high standards when it come to character and integrity." said Kandt, who just finished her third year, while guiding the Polars to their most single-season wins (9) in the NCAA era.