Greenville, SC – The NCCAA is excited to recognize Javaughn Hines of Nelson University as the winner of the 2025 Division I Men’s Soccer Kyle Rote Jr. Award. 
 
Senior Javaughn Hines is known for being an anchor. He is an anchor to the Nelson backline, starting every game over his four years while playing the full 90 minutes in all but four games of his career. Hines is also known for being anchored to his faith. The native of Hanover, Jamaica consistently puts others first, leading with humility and a servant’s heart. Hines serves in the kid’s ministry at The Oaks Church where he leads activities, assists with lessons, and creates a welcoming environment for kids to learn about God’s love each week. He also leads community soccer camps. At these events he helps teach soccer to local youth, using the sport to build relationships, teach teamwork, and share Christian values to the youth of the community. In addition to these regular service opportunities, Hines spends additional free time serving Paws for Reflection Outreach where he has helped paint and repair the facility to improve the environment for both animals and visitors. 
 
On the field, Hines has over 6,000 minutes played in his four years. He has one goal and two assists from the backline, with both assists coming in his senior campaign. He earned NCCAA All-Tournament Team honors in 2023 and is a two-time Nelson University Defensive Player of the Year. Hines is majoring in accounting at Nelson where he holds a 3.91 GPA. He has earned multiple scholar-athlete honors, dean’s list honors, and president’s list honors, and has been named an NAIA Sooner Athletic Conference (SAC) All-Academic Team member. 
 
“Javaughn is a natural leader whose actions speak louder than words,” said Nelson University Head Men’s Soccer Coach Cesar Espana. “His leadership is rooted in humility, hard work, and a genuine desire to serve others. On the field, he leads by example, encouraging teammates, staying positive under pressure, and setting the tone through relentless effort. He does not seek recognition but inspires those around him through his consistency and dedication. Off the field, Javaughn’s leadership shows in how he invests in others, whether helping younger kids, mentoring other players, or serving the community. Javaughn is not only an exceptional athlete, one any team would be lucky to have forever, but he is an even better person.”
 
Other Finalists
Noah Chan, University of Northwestern
 
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.