Greenville, SC - The NCCAA is pleased to announce Josh Matte of Emmaus Bible College (EBC) as the 2023 NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. Award Recipient for Division II Men’s Soccer.
 
A two-time team captain, Matte has been a physical motivator on the field, and a culture leader off the field for the Emmaus Eagles’ men’s soccer squad. Matte has played 35 matches for the Eagles and started in all 35. The midfielder/defender has netted 15 career goals and 6 career assists. He has twice been honored as First Team All-Regional (2021, 2022) and First Team All-Midwest Christian College Conference (2021, 2022).
 
Off the field, the Ontario, Canada native lives out his faith with his actions. He has served the community around him in various capacities such as coaching youth soccer clinics, serving as a youth leader at his local church, doing mission work, working summer camps, and leading one-on-one discipleship. At his school, he serves as the Intramural Coordinator on campus and the VP of the Emmaus Student Union, which is responsible for leading and creating student events. The junior studies educational ministries (ministry leadership) and holds a 3.33 GPA. He has earned Dean’s List twice and is the recipient of the Daniel H. Smith Leadership Scholarship.
 
Head Coach Chris McHugh said, “Josh lives out his faith on and off the field in front of his teammates. He is a leader by example in how he plays, and when he shares and prays with opposing teams in our post-game huddle. Josh has been a pleasure to coach and I trust the Lord will continue to use him after he graduates.”
 
Other Finalists
Samuel Ibikunle, Boyce College
Joshua Wright, Maranatha Baptist University
 
Award Description
Kyle Rote, Jr. simply excelled in every area of life. He played every available sport, but soccer grabbed his allegiance in his teen years, and he was an All-American selection during his days at the University of the South. He rose to worldwide fame as the first US professional player to be viewed as a superstar during the days of the North American Soccer League. He played with and against the game’s best, including Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, George Best, and Rodney Marsh. He achieved some of his greatest fame by winning the Superstar Competition in which top athletes from every professional sport competed in a wide array of skills. He bested the likes of Lynn Swan, Drew Pearson, and Franco Harris. Throughout his career in sports, and today as a representative for professional athletes, Kyle Rote, Jr. simply let his faith in Christ drive him to be excellent as a husband, father, and community leader. The NCCAA is proud to present an honor of this magnitude in Kyle’s honor.
 

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