Erica Walsh, head coach of the 2015 National Champion Penn State women’s soccer team, has been named NSCAA Coach of the Year for the second time in her career. Walsh is the third Penn State women’s soccer head coach to receive the coveted national accolade, joining 1999 recipient Pat Farmer and 2005 recipient Paula Wilkins.

Under Walsh’s tutelage, the Nittany Lions enjoyed a season for the ages in recording 22 victories, 14 of which came at Jeffrey Field. The Lions captured their 17th Big Ten regular season title, sixth Big Ten tournament title, and won the program’s first ever National Championship. Walsh has also earned the distinction of Big Ten Coach of the Year three times.

“Obviously, it is a tremendous honor,” Walsh said of the distinction in a release. “It just reaffirmed what I already knew. My staff is the best staff in the country. My associate head coach, Ann Cook, the 20 goals in the NCAA Tournament is a testament to her leadership and our attack. Tim Wassell, our goalkeeper coach, and his guidance with the shutouts in the NCAA Tournament. Our director of operations, Kara Lowery, allowed us to have an unbelievable experience throughout this whole ride and Nick Stirrett, our volunteer coach. They make my day enjoyable every day and make my job easy.”

For Walsh and her team, it’s the perfect way to cap off the most successful season in the program’s history.