KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- United Soccer Coaches announced on Friday the 2023 Region Staff of the Year recipients for NCAA Divisions I, II, and III men's and women's soccer. This year, the Western Michigan men's soccer staff was named the United Soccer Coaches West Region Staff of the Year. 

During the 2023 season, Western Michigan was led by head coach Chad Wiseman and assistant coaches Shane Lyons, Garrett Loehr, and Mike Haines. This fall, Scott Spada was head director of operations, Mike Melaragni served as assistant director of operations, and Lorne Robertson was senior associate athletic director for administration, academics, and compliance. To round out Wiseman's staff, Danny Walen served as the athletic trainer, while Garrett Morales led the athletic communications front and sports information duties for the Brown and Gold. 

2023 was a historic year for the WMU men's soccer team: During the campaign, the Broncos underwent a record-breaking season, individually and collectively. One of the most remarkable achievements that Wiseman and his squad completed was a program-best 20-game unbeaten streak that spanned for three months. The streak began on Sunday, August 27, with a 3-1 win over Utah Valley University and concluded on Sunday, November 26, in the Sweet 16 against Notre Dame. During the streak, the Brown and Gold would win the Missouri Valley Conference outright in their first year in the MVC and were later crowned MVC Tournament champions. This year, WMU would land a Sweet 16 berth, marking the first time in program history that the Broncos would advance to the Sweet 16 in consecutive years. Prior to this season, WMU made appearances in the NCAA Sweet 16 in 2017 and 2022. 

Wiseman and his staff brought out the best in the men's soccer team this year and the numbers prove it: In games played through December 2, 2023, Western Michigan leads all schools with 72 assists (3.27 per game) and is first in total points with 174. The Broncos are also second in win-loss-tie percentage (.864), second in corner kicks per game (7.68), and third in total goals (51). The men's soccer team rounds out their impressive statistical resume ranked fourth in points per game (7.91) and fourth in goal differential with a margin of plus 35. 

Each of the 52 (26 men's and 26 women's) coaching staff receiving Regional Staff of the Year honors through a vote of their peers, will be recognized at the College Coaches Awards Ceremony at the United Soccer Coaches Convention on Thursday, January 11, 2024, in Anaheim, California. 

In addition, the Regional Staff of the Year recipients will be placed on the ballot for National Staff of the Year consideration within their respective NCAA divisions. National Staff of the Year voting opens on December 6, 2023.