Grantham, PA – The Messiah women's soccer team will be playing in their second consecutive NCAA Final Four, the program's 12th overall appearance, when they travel to Salem, Virginia this weekend. The Falcons have had a remarkable season after getting off to somewhat of a slow start, giving up five goals and going 2-2 in their first four games. Since that point, Messiah have won 19-straight games and have recorded 15 shutouts. They captured the program's 14th MAC Commonwealth Championship, earning the automatic berth into this year's NCAA Tournament. The Falcons flew through the First and Second Rounds with wins over College of Staten Island (4-0) and Montclair State University (2-0). They defeated Middlebury College 3-0 in the Sectional Semifinal and then overcame harsh conditions in the Sectional Final to beat Williams College 4-1 and advance to the Final Four.
Head Coach
Scott Frey is in his 17th season leading the Falcons and undeniably his leadership and knowledge of the game has helped build Messiah into a national powerhouse. Since taking the spot on the Falcons' bench in 2000, the Falcons have won 15 conference titles in 17 seasons. They have won five NCAA Division III National Championships, the first one coming in 2005, and then won back-to-back titles in both 2008-2009 and 2011-2012.
Frey has been recognized as the NSCAA Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year for Division III in 2002, 2004, 2005, and 2015. He was also named the NSCAA Division III National Coach of the Year in 2005, 2009, and 2011.
While his coaching accolades are top-notch, arguably one of his biggest accomplishments as head coach at Messiah is the impact he has had on so many young women who have come through the women's soccer program. He has played a huge role in the development of his players, not only on the soccer field, but off as well, guiding them to become great athletes, but even better people.
For those of you who know Coach Frey, he's a no-frills type of guy. He's to the point, concise with his answers, and if you don't know you will now after checking out this week's edition of #WhyMessiah
What is your college alma mater?
I attended Messiah College and graduated in 1984.
How many years have you been coaching at Messiah?
This season marks my 17th year as head coach.
Why do you love coaching at Messiah?
I get the opportunity to work with wonderful players and a staff who have a passion for the game of soccer as well as a love for Christ.
What is your favorite part about coaching?
Practice time with the team. That is when we really get to see the players grow and develop.
What is the most unique aspect about your program?
I can't really think of anything. I guess when you are in something all the time nothing really looks unique and it all becomes very familiar and normal.
What is the best thing about your coaching staff?
The love and passion each of them bring to the team and their investment in the program and players.
Favorite Messiah memory?
There are way too many to pick out one. It might have to be the 2-1 win over TCNJ in the pouring rain on Shoemaker Field back in 2002. There was standing water everywhere and it only got worse as the game went on.
What is the best advice you received from another coach or colleague?
I had a coaching class with Mike Shaker, former men's basketball coach, when I was a student here. He made a comment that always stuck with me and told a story with it saying, "The job of the coach is to give your team an opportunity to win."
If you had to choose another job besides coaching, what would you do?
I think I would maybe like to try out sports broadcasting.
What advice would you give to younger athletes who aspire to play a sport in college?
You have to be willing to do the work and you can't rush or cheat the process.
If you could coach any other team in the Messiah College Athletic Department, which team would you choose and why?
I would love to coach either baseball or wrestling. I did both growing up and each sport is unique in its own way.
If you could have dinner with any coach past or present, who would it be and why?
John Wooden. I have read so many of his books and I would love to ask him to go deeper still, and I want to know, did he REALLY not care about winning.
