Dec. 19, 2001

Milwaukee-UWM men's soccer coach Louis Bennett was named the Great Lakes Region Coach of the Year, the NSCAA announced today.

Bennett receives the honor after leading the No. 19 Panthers to the NCAA Tournament with an automatic bid. Milwaukee won the Horizon League Regular-Season Championship with an undefeated league record, while earning Bennett the Horizon League Coach of the Year award. The Panthers' final record of 18-5 set school records for most wins in a season and best winning percentage. UWM ended the season with a 2-1 overtime loss in the NCAA first round to UMKC.

"It's a great honor by his peers," UWM assistant coach Stan Anderson said of Bennett's award. "For someone who cares and knows as much about the sport as he does and conveys that passion to his players, I think it is great for him to be recognized."

The regional coach of the year honor comes as the first in Bennett's six years at the helm. He is now eligible for the NSCAA National Coach of the Year award, considered from regional coach of the year award winners and tournament semi-final coaches.