The Award

The Layton Shoemaker Coach of Excellence Award is named after the late Layton Shoemaker who was a former director of athletics and head men’s soccer coach at Messiah University. He was the fifth head coach of the men’s soccer program when he was appointed to the position in 1974. Shoemaker coached for 23 years (until 1997) and directed the Falcons to a 316-96-27 overall record for a .751 winning percentage. His teams had eight NCAA tournament berths and two NCAA Division III national semifinal appearances in 1986 and 1988. In 1986, Shoemaker was honored as the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) National Coach of the Year in NCAA Men’s Division III—the first such honor for a Messiah coach. Under his direction, six Messiah players gained All-American recognition, 42 players earned All-Region status, and 67 players received All-Conference honors. Considered the father of modern-day soccer at Messiah College, his teams certainly set the foundation for the present-day powerhouse men's and women's soccer programs.

FCA presents this award annually at the United Soccer Coaches (USC) Convention.

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