2021-21 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men's Player of Distinction Award Recipients

KANSAS CITY, MO--The United Soccer Coaches released its 2020-21 College Player Award of Distinction recipients on Wednesday, June 9 and NJIT men's soccer senior Regsan Watkins was selected to the list.

In total, 184 men and 325 women across Division I, Division II, Division III, NAIA and NCAA and Junior College were designated as 2020-21 recipients of the award.

Watkins, the Highlander senior from Capetown, South Africa, was named 2021 America East Striker of the Year, leading the America East in total goals (7) and points (17). 

The 5-foot-9 striker became the second Highlander to score a hat trick in the Division I era, joining teammate Rene White.  

Watkins, selected to the 2021 United Soccer Coaches NCAA Division I Men's Scholar All-Region team, scored the hat trick after powering NJIT to a 3-2 men's soccer America East Conference win at Stony Brook. Watkins was selected America East Conference Player of the Week and College Soccer News National Team of the week on April 6 for his three-goal performance at Stony Brook. 

For his career, Watkins is the NCAA Division I active career leader in points (83) and ranks second in goals (35).  

United Soccer Coaches is committed to extending opportunities for its college members to recognize their significant players and contributions to their programs. The new College Player Award of Distinction was established this spring for its member head coaches to submit deserving player based on one or more of the following criteria:

• Player has achieved quality performance on the field;

• Represented the highest ideals of team leadership;

• Exhibited quality character attributes including sportsmanship and respect for teammates, opponents, officials and the game in general;

• Made other significant contributions to the benefit of the program and the community.