OREM — Utah Valley head women's soccer coach Chris Lemay was honored with the Utah Valley University Presidential Award of Excellence on Thursday night. The accolade was presented by President Astrid S. Tuminez during a celebratory banquet, recognizing Lemay's transformative contributions to the university's soccer program.

Under Lemay's leadership, the UVU women's soccer team has soared to new heights, achieving a series of historic milestones that have not only elevated the program but also set a new standard for athletic and academic excellence within the university. He has accumulated an impressive 76-56-18 overall record during his seven seasons with the Wolverines, including a 45-14-8 mark in Western Athletic Conference play.

Lemay's tenure is highlighted by remarkable achievements, including leading UVU to its first-ever victory in an NCAA Tournament game against No. 25 Memphis in 2020, marking him as the only coach across all sports in UVU history to win an NCAA Tournament game.
 
Moreover, Lemay has steered the team through three NCAA Tournament appearances, clinching the program's first-ever at-large bid in 2022. His tactical acumen has earned the team three WAC regular-season championships and two WAC Tournament titles over the past four seasons, alongside a staggering 42 All-WAC honors awarded to his players, including WAC Offensive, Defensive, and Freshman of the Year accolades.
 
The 2022 season, in particular, stands out as a testament to Lemay's exceptional coaching, with his leadership leading to a record-tying number of wins for UVU and an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament — a first in the program's history. His influence extends beyond athletic prowess, as evidenced by the numerous academic honors garnered by his players, underlining Lemay's dedication to nurturing well-rounded student-athletes.
 
In addition to his monumental success on the field, Lemay's visionary leadership has paved the way for UVU athletes to achieve success at the professional level, notably guiding Heather Stainbrook to become the first UVU player to sign with a team from the National Women's Soccer League (Washington Spirit) this past March.
 
Dr. Jared Sumsion, UVU Athletic Director, shared his admiration for Lemay's work: "Chris Lemay's receipt of the UVU Presidential Award of Excellence is a monumental acknowledgment of his remarkable impact on our soccer program and the broader university community. His dedication, vision, and relentless pursuit of excellence have not only redefined success for UVU women's soccer but have also inspired countless student-athletes to achieve greatness both on the field and in their academic endeavors. Chris is exceptionally deserving of this honor, and it underscores the significant legacy he continues to build here at UVU."
 
Lemay will enter his eighth season at Utah Valley this fall, returning 16 letterwinners and five starters from last year's squad that won a second straight WAC regular season championship.