CLEARWATER, FL (12/17/2010)(readMedia)-- Clearwater Christian College senior Tyler Spraul from Annandale, VA, was recently named the 2010 National Christian College Athletic Association (NCCAA) DII National Player of the Year for men's soccer.
As team captain, Tyler was a key player for Clearwater, leading the Cougars to their 2nd straight NCCAA DII National Championship. During the three-day event held in Kissimmee, FL, Spraul led the Cougars to 3 wins over Dallas Christian College, Providence College, and Ohio Christian University. He scored 3 goals and had an assist in the first round win over Dallas and scored the game-winning goal in the first half of the 2-0 win over Ohio in the championship match.
Tyler was also named NSCAA/NCCAA 1st Team All-American, NCCAA South Region Player of the Year, and a Scholar Athlete. He led the Cougars in scoring with 18 goals on the season along with 4 assists. This is Spraul's second straight season to win 1st Team All-American, South Region Player of the Year, and Scholar Athlete. He also scored the winning goal in overtime in the 2009 National Championship win over Southeastern University.
Tyler's coach, James Whitaker said "Tyler is well-deserving of this special honor. He has been a team leader and has been the backbone for both of our championship teams. He is one of the hardest working players I've been around and a great example of what a Christian student-athlete should be about."
Spraul is the son of Mike and Darla Spraul from Hendersonville, NC and a 2007 graduate of First Baptist Christian School in Waupaca, WI.