EVANS, Ga.- Polk State Soccer Head Coach Jessica Belli received extraordinary recognition for her leadership over the program, as she was named the 2022 NJCAA South Atlantic District Women's Soccer Coach of the Year on Saturday night at the NJCAA Championship Banquet. She was one of eight coaches recognized as the top district coaches across the nation.

Coach Belli inherited a Polk soccer program in 2020 that went 0-9-1 the season prior and has since turned in a 37-8-1 record. The Eagles have gone 17-1 in 2022 under Belli's leadership, which has featured the Eagles capturing Region 8 regular season and tournament championships, as well as the South Atlantic District championship.

"While I am extremely honored to receive this award, the culture of success that has been built these past three years has been a total team effort, " remarked Belli. "Every milestone we have reached would not be possible without all of the incredible young women who have come through this program, our amazing assistant coaches and support staff, and the support of our administration."

Of Belli's 17 wins this season, seven have been against NJCAA-ranked or receiving votes' opponents.

Coach Belli has also guided one of the most statistically dominant sides in the country this season. As a team, Polk ranks second nationally in goals scored (108), assists (94), and points (310), while also having conceded the ninth-fewest goals in the country this season (15).

Individually, sophomore forward Raisa Lugo ranks second in the country in goals scored (27) and points (69). Sophomore forward Jillian Johnson is the NJCAA leader in assists this season with 22. 

Belli and the fourth-seeded Eagles are set to commence pool play in the NJCAA Championship on Sunday evening against ninth-seeded Iowa Western Community College. Match time is set for 5:30 p.m.