The Eagles Grow and Learn

With support from fans, the Blue Crew, and the Pep Band, the PCC Eagles teams kicked, spiked, and dribbled their way to success this year in their soccer, volleyball, and basketball seasons.

The Eagles soccer team worked their way to the South Region championship before falling short to Trinity Baptist College. They fought to keep their season alive by defeating Bob Jones University, but their chance of defending their 2017 NCCAA National Championship title was ultimately crushed when the Bob Jones Bruins lost to North Central University, creating a goal differential for the North Central Rams that knocked the Eagles out of the running for the championship.

Foward Nick Standridge (Jr., OH) stood out this season by making All Region First Team, the National All Tournament Team, All American First Team, and earning Regional Player of the Year. Paul Stewart (Jr., NY) was named to the All Region First Team and All American Second Team. Jake McClelland (Jr., OH) also made All Region First Team and Hayden Hoffman (So., OH) made All Region Second Team.

“We had many struggles this season, but we reminded each other that God is in control and has a reason for everything,” said Coach Joseph Liwosz. “The team was able to learn that they needed to take ownership of their own team and help each other improve and grow as a team. The lessons that this entire team learned this year through our struggles and successes will be invaluable for the team’s future growth. We are very eager to see what the Lord has in store.”

The Lady Eagles volleyball team faced off against tough competition, finishing at 17-17. They entered the NCCAA South Region tournament in the #8 spot and took home third place. Several players also received regional recognition throughout the season. Baylee Jensen (So., KY) made All Region First Team and All American Second Team while Jasmine Baldonado (Jr., NM) also made All Region First Team. Tiffany Dover (Jr., MS) made the Scholar-Athlete DII Woman’s Volleyball Team.

“Throughout the ups and downs of the season, the girls learned that excellence both on the court and in life has to be a habit you form by giving your best in everything every day, no matter how big or small,” said Coach Calyn Ohman. “We are already preparing to maintain the habit of excellence to honor and glorify God not just in volleyball but in our lives, and we look forward to using the momentum gained from this season to continue to grow and learn for the 2019 season.”

Eagles basketball, which concluded more recently, made it to the NCCAA South Region semifinals against Trinity Baptist College where a well-timed, three-point basket by the opposition took them out of the competition by one point (86-87). Jared McCrillis (Sr., PA) was awarded South Region First Team honors while Ian Johnson (Sr., The Bahamas) and Dakota Pratt (Jr., OH) received South Region Second Team honors. Overall, the team worked hard and grew as a unit, overcoming numerous injuries and setbacks.

“We used the word GRIT as our motto this year,” said Coach Mark Goetsch. “Growth Mindset—ready to learn from each situation; Resilience—when challenges were difficult, having the resilience to keep working hard; Integrity—when we didn’t want to do the right thing, to have the grit and integrity to pursue; Tenacious/Toughness—giving our all on the court.”

The Lady Eagles basketball team dominated in their season with a 26-8 game record, a record number of wins in Lady Eagles history. Their winning season led them all the way to the NCCAA DII National Tournament championship where they took home second place! A few days prior to the championship, members of the team enjoyed immense recognition at the NCCAA DII National Tournament Banquet.

Joy Smith (Sr., GA) was awarded First Team All-American while Jessica Boyd (Sr., VA) took the award for Second Team All-American. For the second year in a row, Coach Jared Sellars received the National Coach of the Year award. To top off the Lady Eagles’ success, Ashton Welborn (Sr., AL) was honored with the Game Plan 4 Life award which recognizes student-athletes who epitomize the Christian character traits of love, integrity, faith, and excellence.

“We’ve really grown and matured as a team,” said Coach Sellars. “We still have room to grow in the future, but some of the games we won this season were won because of our maturity and poise. A great success is that our players have handled themselves with great class and respect along the way.”

With the Eagles sports seasons now concluded, and teams already working to prepare for next year, players, coaches, families, and fans gathered in the Sports Center for the celebratory Eagles Awards Brunch. During the event, several players were recognized for their contribution to their respective teams. The awards and accomplishments of these players, and of the Eagles teams as a whole, go to show just how much hard work and dedication the PCC Eagles leave on the court and field as they grow in their skills, faith, and teamwork.

Eagles Awards