NORFOLK, Neb. – Northeast Community College Men’s Soccer Coach Adam Potter’s voice was filled with excitement while his heart filled with gratitude on Tuesday.
“One thing I always talk about to our guys is doing the little things (that make a big difference). As I look around the room here, there are so many familiar faces that help our guys out in so many different ways,” Potter said.
Potter spoke Tuesday afternoon ahead of a watch party at Northeast’s Union 73 during which the Hawks were announced as the fifth seed and placed in Pool D for the 2024 NJCAA DII Men's Soccer National Championship.
Northeast was the second to last of 12 teams announced, so when the Hawks were announced on the big screen, the crowd in the lower level of the union erupted. The team will leave Wednesday, Nov. 13, on a bus to Huntsville, Ala., to play on Monday and Tuesday of next week in pool play. They hope to win and keep playing all week.
Potter said whether it is a welcoming face on campus or interacting with the players, the Northeast community’s encouragement helps them to practice or train harder.
Northeast has been rated as high as first this season, but the players hardly show it on campus. Whether walking between classes or attending campus events, the student athletes are always friendly and ready to discuss the sport they love.
Potter, who has coached at several places, said the Northeast community is special. A mixture of faculty, staff and students attended the send-off party, which included cake, cupcakes, lemonade and a banner that people signed and expressed best wishes.
“We are a close-knit family and a close-knit group. That provides a supportive family for these student athletes. I can guarantee my guys appreciate it, too,” Potter said. “Thanks to you for helping us to get to this point.”
Mathias Kristoffersen, a sophomore goalkeeper from Denmark, said the players do appreciate all the support and well wishes.
“It means a lot to us,” Kristoffersen said. “And to all the guys, I’m looking forward to more games with you. Let’s go all the way.”
Among the supporters were members of the women’s soccer team. Bobby Frost, associate athletic director, said the men’s and women’s soccer teams feed off each other, especially spending many hours traveling together.
“We’ve been lucky enough that they both have been ranked throughout the year,” Frost said. “Thank you, sophomores, and thank you Coach (Chad) Miller for all that you do.”
The Northeast women had an extraordinary season and were going for a fifth straight Region 11 title and North Plains District Championship but just fell short. They did not receive an at-large bid.
Soccer Send-off
The Northeast Community College men’s soccer team and fans celebrate when the Hawks are announced as the fifth seed for the 2024 NJCAA DII Men's Soccer National Championship on Tuesday afternoon. (Northeast Community College)
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