The National Federation of State High School Associations selected Jason Curtis, who coached the boys soccer team to back-to-back state championships, as the North Carolina Coach of the Year in mid-January.
Curtis, who guided the Tigers to a 1-0 victory over Marvin Ridge in the 3-A championship game in November, gave credit for the award to his players.
“The kids honestly take full ownership of this award,” Curtis said. “Having a team led by such hardworking captains has surely united us as a whole.”
The 2018 varsity team captains were seniors Max Ring, Ryan Smith, Tom Morioka and Justin Holly.
“The way Coach Curtis works with and develops players is incredible,” Smith said. “The core reason we have a perennially successful team is his emphasis on continuous improvement. He gives personal attention to everyone.”
Curtis was not the only one to be recognized after the season. Smith and Morioka were both selected to the North Carolina Coaches Association East-West All-star game that will take place at MacPherson Stadium in Greensboro on July 16.
But Curtis attributes the team’s continued success not to his players’ individual accolades but to their unselfish attitude and commitment to the sport.
“Having a group of kids who play year-round and are always finding new ways to make improvements really pieces the puzzle together of how to create a strong bond and a strong team,” Curtis said.
Chapel Hill Athletic Director Tim Bennett praised Curtis for continuing the soccer team’s winning culture.
“Coach Curtis and his staff have done an amazing job working with our kids,” Bennett said. “They have continued to build on the success that Coach Benson started 30 years ago. The tradition and pride that is in our program is special. Our players work hard and believe in the coaches and each other. They have fun playing the game, and it shows on the field.”
The Chapel Hill women’s soccer team also won the state championship title in the spring of 2018. “It’s awesome to have two successful and passionate teams,” Curtis said. “The women’s team, too, is ready for another victory.”
Curtis is ready to continue the soccer teams’ winning legacy in the spring with the women’s team.
“We have a lot of experience,” Curtis said. “We are going to be a dynamic team.”
