Colby Hale has built a dynasty.
Arkansas soccer will undoubtedly qualify for its eighth straight NCAA Tournament when the field is announced in a week and the Razorbacks have gone to the Elite Eight two straight seasons.
But Hale, in his 12th year as coach, may have his best team yet and he was rewarded for it Saturday as he was named SEC Coach of the Year.
Hale led the Razorbacks to a 12-3-2 record overall and a 8-1-1 mark in SEC play. Arkansas will enter the SEC Tournament, which the Hogs start Tuesday against either Tennessee or Auburn, as the 10th-ranked team in the nation.
Five of Hale’s players joined him earning league honors, too. Ava Tankersley was named SEC Forward of the Year and Bea Franklin was named SEC Midfielder of the Year. Forward Anna Podojil and defender Ellie Podojil were named second-team All-SEC and Avery Wren was named Freshmen All-SEC.
Tankersley’s five goals scored in league play ranked second in the SEC. Franklin led the Hogs with seven goals and 21 points.