Nisqually Valley News Staff
Maxwell Sampson, head coach of Clipper men’s soccer at South Puget Sound Community College, was named the Northwest Athletic Conference (NWAC) West Region’s co-coach of the year, the community college announced on Nov. 9.
Sampson became SPSCC’s head coach of men’s soccer and educational planner in April 2023. Before arriving at SPSCC, Sampson was Lane Community College’s head coach from 2020 to 2022 and was recognized as the NWAC South Region’s coach of the year in 2022.
“I am humbled by the other NWAC coaches who voted for me for co-coach of the year and noticed the momentum being created,” Sampson said in a media release. “It’s been a wonderful experience working with our student-athletes here at SPSCC, and I’ve mentioned throughout the fall how fast our soccer season passed by…that’s because we had so much fun.”
Over the last six years, teams led by Sampson have produced six all-academic, 18 all-region and seven all-star selections. SPSCC’s athletic director Vernell Willingham said the men’s soccer team showed “tremendous growth” throughout the season and that the department couldn’t be prouder.
“We are extremely grateful for Coach Sampson’s dedication to the program both on the pitch and in the classroom,” Willingham said in the press release. “He has instilled an exemplary work ethic and attitude of improvement each day for the student-athletes to become the best versions of themselves.”
Sampson said he’s grateful to SPSCC’s administration, the athletic department and community for cultivating a “high-quality environment” in Olympia.
“I have high hopes for the program moving forward, and this year has set a solid foundation,” Sampson said. “My focus is to continue to grow and develop as a coach for the young people who enter the soccer program. I will use this award as fuel to continue to give my best for them. Go Clippers.”
