St. Thomas University’s JR Morrison Named CCAA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year

JR Morrison of the St. Thomas Tommies has been named the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Men's Soccer Coach of the Year. Morrison’s leadership has once again guided the Tommies to an undefeated season, marking the fourth consecutive year without a regular-season loss and solidifying a historic 41-0-7 record over the past four years.

Morrison’s Tommies posted an 11-0-1 record this season, the best in program history, and secured the top spot in the ACAA conference. Under his guidance, the team improved in key areas, leading the league in shots and shots on goal while improving their discipline and reducing their number of cards this season. His commitment to excellence continues to pay off, with players consistently recognized among the conference's best: the Tommies have produced conference Players of the Year in 2024, 2023, and 2021; Rookies of the Year in 2023 and 2021; and a Keeper of the Year in 2021. In 2023, Josh Oakes became the first STU Tommies athlete ever to be named CCAA Player of the Year, a testament to the high-caliber development within Morrison's program.

“John-Ryan Morrison’s exceptional leadership has truly set a standard for coaching excellence. Capturing the ACAA men’s soccer provincial title and being named Coach of the Year is a testament to his coaching acumen, reflected in an impressive 41-0-7 record season record over the past four years. But his impact goes beyond the pitch; he has fostered academic success in the classroom and played a vital role in the community through various volunteer initiatives with the team that gives back to the community and the sport. JR’s dedication and commitment make him more than deserving of this prestigious award, which he will undoubtedly share with his players and coaches." added James Kryger, CCAA Men's Soccer Convenor.

Morrison is deeply committed to his players’ academic success. Within the last decade, he transformed the team’s annual GPA from 1.9 to a remarkable 3.5. His dedication to nurturing well-rounded athletes has fostered a culture of academic excellence and community involvement, with the team engaging in various volunteer initiatives annually.

Meaghan Donahue Wies, St. Thomas University athletic director, remarked, " Morrison has worked diligently over the past 11 years to turn the men's soccer program into one of the most successful programs in Tommies' history. He is committed to player success both on the field and in the classroom, advocates tirelessly for a positive player experience, and prides himself on his team's professionalism and high standard."

With a 27-year coaching career, Morrison has been a pillar in the Fredericton soccer community and New Brunswick. Recognized by the Mayor of Fredericton with the Unsung

Other nominees for the CCAA Men's Soccer Coach of the Year award were Marc Rizzardo (Langara College), Jeff Paulus (NAIT), Seif Dhaoui (Université de Saint-Boniface), Angus Wong (Algonquin College) and Nicholas Razzaghi (Vanier College) 

Seif Dhaoui
Les Rouges de l'USB
MCAC

Nicholas Razzaghi
Vanier Cheetahs
RSEQ