By By Richard Dark/The Meridian Star
March 2, 2001
Meridian Community College soccer has received yet another accolade for winning last season's national junior college championship.
Andrew McLeod, a sophomore midfielder, has been named the National Soccer Coaches Athletic Association Athlete of the Year.
Funny thing is, when McLeod was informed by MCC soccer coach Steve Clements, he thought it was a hoax.
McLeod's career totals at MCC include 34 goals and 12 assists. His other collegiate soccer honors to date include being named to the 2000 All-Region 23 team and being tabbed as a 2000 First Team All-American.
In his two seasons with the Eagles, he helped the club to a pair of Region 23 crowns, as well as two District championships and two appearances in the nationals.
McLeod, who recently decided to finish out his college soccer eligibility at the University of Connecticut, said he hopes to be drafted into the U.S. Major Leagues or play in Europe.
McLeod received his award from Major League Soccer player Michelle Akers when he attended a Division I All-American luncheon hosted by the NSCAA.
A native of Kingston, Jamaica, McLeod said playing under Clements the past two years has given him a heightened sense of discipline he will be able to carry on throughout his career.
With the impact McLeod has made on MCC soccer, chances are, Clements won't forget him anytime soon, either.
Richard Dark is a sports writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail him at rdark@themeridianstar.com.