Brookdale’s Women’s Soccer Team, Led by Nil Onder, Wins Gold Award 

United Soccer Coaches has unveiled the recipients of the 2024 College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards, with Brookdale Community College’s women’s soccer team, under the guidance of Coach Nil Onder, earning the Gold Award. This honor recognizes exceptional sportsmanship, fair play, and adherence to the game rules throughout the season.

Out of 64 teams recognized, Brookdale Community College and Oakton College were the only two teams to achieve gold status. This distinction is awarded to teams that maintain a card percentage ranging from 1% to 10% during the season, reflecting exemplary conduct on the field. 

The Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards highlight the importance of integrity in collegiate soccer, ranking teams based on the ratio of yellow and red cards received to the number of games played. The recognition is divided into four levels: 

• Platinum: No cards accumulated during the season.
• Gold: Card percentage ranging from 1-10%.
• Silver: Card percentage ranging from 11-30%.
• Bronze: Card percentage ranging from 31-50%.

The College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards recognize teams across the nation in all divisions. Among the 2024 honorees were several outstanding women’s soccer programs. Silver Award recipients included Bowdoin College, led by Brianne Smithson; Dallas Baptist University, coached by Marcus Wood; Juniata College, under the guidance of Joseph Alianiello; and Tufts University, with Martha Whiting at the helm. Bronze Award recipients featured Bryant University, led by Andy Biggs; the United States Naval Academy, coached by Carin Gabarra; the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse, under Jason Murphy; and Williams College, guided by Sarah Raymond. These programs exemplify a diverse range of institutions, from small colleges to large universities, united in their commitment to excellence both on and off the field.

Coach Onder’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping a team culture rooted in discipline and sportsmanship. This achievement is a testament to the players’ dedication, demonstrating that success on the field goes together with respect for the game’s rules and opponents.

As the new year begins, Brookdale Community College’s women’s soccer team stands as an inspiration for athletic programs nationwide. The program continues to make waves in collegiate athletics, reinforcing its reputation for both skill and character. The Gold Award adds another feather to its cap and serves as a model for other teams striving to balance competitive excellence with ethical play.

The United Soccer Coaches’ recognition not only celebrates their achievements but also encourages a renewed focus on sportsmanship and fair play in collegiate sports. Brookdale’s success, alongside notable programs such as Oakton College and the United States Naval Academy, sets a benchmark for others to follow.

For the full list of recipients of the 2024 College Team Ethics and Sportsmanship Awards, visit the United Soccer Coaches website.