Parent-Coaches Lead Royals Women Soccer to First Bid to Regionals Traveling over 600 miles to serve Regent is only the tip of the iceberg of demonstrating the character of Regent soccer coaches Benjamin Brayshaw and Michael Mannix.
his job as a quality manager, which means he headed to his full-time job right after the team’s morning practice.
“At the time, I was not sure how I would manage a BENJAMIN BRAYSHAW AND MICHAEL MANNIX full-time job and Both men have coaching the team, made tremendous sacrifices in leading the but knew God would provide the strength Regent Royals Women’s Soccer team to a and time,” Mannix explained. “I believe God successful and memorable Fall 2021 season. equips us throughout our lives to be able Not only did the team play in a regional playoffs to serve others whenever we are called.” game for the first time, but they received their Not only have they shown tangible acts first bid to regionals with showings against of service for the team, but Brayshaw No. 1 and 4 seeded teams. The tremendous and Mannix also led the athletes with growth and skill seen in each player are character and vision, understanding they a testament to excellent leadership. were on assignment to help grow their The season began with unforeseen team as Christian leaders in this world. adjustments, leaving the young ladies on the “I believe that team sports help shape soccer team without a coach after only five selflessness, and when embraced, true humility games. As fears rose of an early end to the can be found,” said Brayshaw. “It brings an team’s season, Brayshaw and Mannix, both uncommon strength to an organization.” parents of Royals athletes and passionate about soccer, stepped onto the field. Marelly Balentina, an athlete on Regent’s soccer team, recalled Brayshaw’s character: “The “These coaches have led the Regent Royals first game Coach B. coached us, he brought a Women’s Soccer team in a successful and sign with him that said, ‘For Him.’ He put the memorable season,” said Dr. Samuel Botta, sign on the bench and told us that every time athletic director at Regent. “They have we looked at it, we should be reminded that selflessly traveled hundreds of miles and whether we win or lose, we are playing for God.” made sacrifices in their careers to serve our athletes with excellence—we are so grateful.” Brayshaw explained that when he heard his daughter’s team needed a coach, he felt compelled to respond in a way no one could have expected. He stepped away from his wealth management business in New Hampshire to serve the soccer team in Virginia Beach.
Their fall season was full of impressive showings against top-seeded teams, including an NCAA D-2 team. Yet both coaches agreed that the most rewarding aspect of coaching the Royals was their shared passion for watching each athlete grow as an individual. They emphasized that such integrity created a community of athletes who stood out from their competition.
“I appreciated deeply the heart Dr. Botta has for excellence,” said Brayshaw. “It’s been humbling to see how much everyone in the department pours their life and family into the athletes here.”
Brayshaw and Mannix represent the heart of Regent Athletics: to equip our athletes to compete to win while transforming them into Christian leaders who look beyond the scoreboard to change the sports world.
Mannix balanced his role as an assistant coach with
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