2024 Men's Soccer Honors Released

The Wolverine-Hoosier Athletic Conference (WHAC) has released its season honors for the 2024 men's soccer season. Awards are voted on by each team's head coach following the conclusion of the regular season.

Offensive Player of the Year: Ricardo Rittersberger, Aquinas, F, SR

For the second consecutive year, Aquinas' Ricardo Rittersberger has been chosen as the Offensive Player of the Year. The senior forward from Weinheim, Germany, led the conference in goals scored (18) and total points (39) and was second in shots (68).

Midfielder of the Year: Andres Gomez, Madonna, MF, SR

Andres Gomez played a pivotal role in leading Madonna to the WHAC regular season championship, its second in the last three seasons. The senior from Bogota, Colombia, led the WHAC in assists with 12 and added a goal for 14 points. He helped the Crusaders to a 10-0-2 record in the regular season and a berth to the NAIA National Championship Opening Round.

Newcomer and Defender of the Year: Tiago Diaz, Indiana Tech, D, GR

Tiago Diaz did it all for Indiana Tech in his first season as a graduate transfer from the University of Albany. Diaz, a native of Portimão, Portugal, was a key component in Indiana Tech's stingy defense that posted seven clean sheets and allowed just seven WHAC goals and 11 total goals all season. His efforts led the Warriors to a 9-0-3 WHAC record and an 11-1-5 mark overall thus far.

Coach of the Year: Mark Zathey, Madonna

Coach Zathey led the Crusaders to their third WHAC regular season title in the last three seasons and fourth in the last eight. Madonna was an unbeaten 10-0-2 in conference play and led the conference in fewest goals allowed (6) and the most scored (51).

Champion of Character Coach: Jason Clare, Concordia-Ann Arbor

In his third and final season as the head coach of the Cardinals, Clare has been selected by his peers as the Champion of Character Coach for 2024. The award honors coaches for their dedication to building character through sport.

All-Conference Teams

In addition to the individual honors, the WHAC named its All-Conference Teams, including an All-Newcomer Team, an All-Academic Team (for sophomores and above in academic standing with a cumulative 3.25 GPA and in attendance at the nominating institution for one full year), and a Champions of Character Team consisting of one member from each team who best represents the five core character values of integrity, respect, responsibility, sportsmanship, and servant leadership.

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