National Junior College Athletic Association Men's Soccer D-III National Tournament Most Valuable Player David Ormiston will be playing for Eckerd College (St. Petersburg, Fla,) this fall and competing at the National Collegiate Athletic Association Division-II level in the Sunshine State Conference.
"We're excited to bring David into our program this fall. Under Coach Gavin, David has developed well over the past two years, evidenced by Genesee's team accomplishments last fall. He has the personality and the work ethic to make an impact in the SSC and we look forward to helping him fulfill his potential in the classroom, in the community, and on the soccer field here at Eckerd," Tritons head men's soccer coach Ian Cameron said.
The most decorated NJCAA goalkeeper at D-III last season, Ormiston was named national goalkeeper-of-the-week a record three times last season – more than any other goalkeeper. He was the catalyst behind Genesee Community College's first-ever men's national championship with nine saves throughout 270 minutes during the tournament, but it was his shutout play of the final 80 minutes of the championship game over the defending national champions that he will perhaps best be remembered for.
Prior to the national tournament, Ormiston was also MVP of the Regional Tournament for District A.
He anchored a Cougar backline that led the nation in goals-allowed-per-game with an average of 0.72 at the junior-college division-three level. Those numbers allowed the Cougars to end their season on a 20-game unbeaten streak and 11-game win streak culminating with a national title.
Ormiston was a United Soccer Coaches (USC) All-Region East Second Team selection, an NJCAA Region Second Team selection and a first-team All-Western New York Athletic Conference pick.
Ormiston finished nationally at No. 3 in save percentage (.871) and No. 5 in goals-against average (0.72), and although he couldn't crack the NJCAA All-American list, he did beat both keepers that did in saves and save percentage – two statistics that traditionally factor in post-season accolades and those sentiments were echoed by Cougars' men's soccer head coach Ken Gavin.
"Dave will be a huge loss for us this season. I felt that Dave was the best NJCAA D-III keeper in the country last season. On and off the field Dave was a pleasure to have on the team. I have no doubt he will be a major success at Eckerd. Although we won many games by a few goals, it was the closer games where Dave really showed his abilities. On numerous occasions Dave saved us when called upon," Gavin said.
