Owen soccer coach named N.C. Coach of the Year
Trei Morrison ‘humbled’ by National Federation of State High School Associations recognition
Fred McCormick
The Valley Echo
December 21, 2023
Owen soccer head coach Trei Morrison is the 2022-23 N.C. Soccer Coach of the Year, the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations announced in December. Photo by Fred McCormick
Accolades recognizing a historic soccer season for Owen High School continued, Dec. 8, as head coach Trei Morrison was named 2022-23 N.C. State Soccer Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations.
Earning the award, which identifies the top coach in the N.C. High School Athletic Association, was a “humbling” experience for Morrison, who led the Warhorses to a state championship in his first season on the sideline and back to the West Regional match last November.
“I was surprised because I didn’t realize I was up for it,” said Morrison, who became the head coach of the Warhorses two matches into the 2022 season before leading the team to a title three months later. “Obviously our team had a great season, and when the team performs well the coach gets a little recognition. It’s the kind of award you don’t seek or expect, because for me it’s all about developing players and a program.”
In his first year on the sideline at Owen, Morrison led the program to a 22-2-1 record, outscoring opponents by a combined 103-18. The campaign was unprecedented for the Warhorses, who hosted the West Regional championship match for the first in the school’s history before seizing the state trophy in a dramatic comeback victory that ended in a penalty kick shootout. Davis Kendall, in his sophomore season under Morrison, scored 50 goals, tying for eighth in the nation, according to MaxPreps.
“That’s the thing about a coaching award,” Morrison said. “It really says more about the players, and for the past two seasons we’ve been fortunate to have players who are determined to put in the work. I feel like the players earned this recognition and I’m just accepting it on their behalf.”
The Warhorses followed up their 2022 performance with a remarkable 2023, Morrison’s first full year at the helm. When Kendall was lost to a season-ending injury early in the campaign, the coach and his team remained focused on another title run.
“I think a lot of people we’re at least wondering if they should count us out when we lost Davis,” he said. “But, the guys refused to give up, and they had an outstanding season.”
Owen, which entered the 2023 postseason as the top ranked team in the west, hosted the regional championship match for the second consecutive year. While the program fell short of its quest to win back-to-back state titles, two Warhorses — Daniel Garcia and Elijah Caro — were named to the all-state team, while Caro, Garcia, Abraham McTeague-Pospishil, Josiah Wilder and AJ Logan all earned all-regional honors. Senior goalkeeper James Centers was recognized as the 2023 Western Highlands Conference Goalkeeper of the Year.
“This is a special group of players we have here,” Morrison said. “Watching them play the game and enjoy the way they have these last couple of years has been an amazing experience. The Black Mountain and Swannanoa community is incredible, and I truly love being the coach of these players at this school in this community.”
Owen head coach Trei Morrison celebrates the 2022 NCHSAA 2A West Regional Championships in Warhorse Stadium. Photo by Fred McCormick
The Warhorse coach is deserving of the state coach of the year title, according to Owen Athletic Director Chris Collins.
“Everything he’s done here has really catapulted this program to a whole new level,” Collins said. “This award is really a tribute to him, his staff and his team. What Coach Morrison is building is truly special, and even more so when you consider that his team is filled with great students who are also great teammates. It’s a total package.”
While Morrison’s coaching career, which includes nearly 20 years as the director of coaching at the Highlands Football Club, is filled with accomplishments, the past two seasons at Owen are unlike any he’s experienced.
“Since I learned about this award, I’ve heard from people in the community, other coaches, former players and even people I don’t know,” he said. “It has completely blown me away, and to be honest that might be the most humbling thing about this. This community and its support of the student-athletes and its high school is special, and this whole experience has already been a highlight of my career.”