News

Ryan McDuff of Brown wins the 2012 Senior CLASS Award® for men’s soccer

December 07, 2012

OVERLAND PARK, KS – Brown defender Ryan McDuff, who helped lead the Bears to four straight NCAA tournament appearances and a 48-15-15 record during his career, has been selected as the 2012 Senior CLASS Award® winner in NCAA® Division I men’s soccer.

The award, chosen by a nationwide vote of Division I men’s soccer coaches, national soccer media and fans, is given annually to the most outstanding senior student-athlete in Division I men’s soccer. To be eligible for the award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence – classroom, community, character and competition.

An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School®, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete and encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

“I’m extremely humbled to be named the Senior CLASS Award winner and honored to be included in the conversation with such an accomplished group of candidates. Each fully embodies what being a ‘student-athlete’ is about, having done incredible things in the classroom, on the field, and in their surrounding communities,” McDuff said. “Thank you to all of the families, teachers, coaches, administrators and friends who have guided and supported the Senior CLASS candidates in our endeavors. It goes without saying that winning the Senior CLASS Award wouldn’t have been possible without all of my peers at Brown University who have sacrificed their time to build the projects and programs that we hope can continue to positively impact the student body and Providence community.”

McDuff, a Plano, Texas, native, has a dual concentration in business, entrepreneurship and organizations and political science. He serves as the head teaching assistant for multiple management classes and is a peer advisor for Brown freshman students to help ease the transition from high school to college. He volunteers at Project GOAL, an organization focused on developing Rhode Island’s disadvantaged youth through after-school tutoring and soccer programs, and he works with Team Impact to match children facing life-threatening diseases with Brown athletic teams. McDuff established the Bruno Relays, an event that raised money for families who have relatives with disabilities. He frequently works with the Providence Boys & Girls Club and is a regular speaker at a local elementary school.

“Ryan McDuff is an exemplary student-athlete. He is a great captain, teammate and competitor who is an outstanding representative for the Brown men’s soccer team. His selection as a Senior CLASS Award winner is well deserved,” head coach Patrick Laughlin said.

As a team co-captain, McDuff led Brown’s stingy back line on a team whose shutout percentage ranked among the top in the country.  He helped his team to a record of 13-3-3 and its fourth consecutive trip to the NCAA tournament.

“As a leader for both the Brown athletics department and the university, Ryan proves how important being involved is to a well rounded college experience,” said Erik Miner, executive director for the Senior CLASS Award. “He is a great example of making the most of four years as a student-athlete.”

DI Men’s Soccer 2012 Winner

First Team

Second Team