University of West Florida

In 2008 and 2009, the women's soccer program advanced to the national semifinal and championship matches but were unable to reach the ultimate prize of the championship. The 2012 captains – Tori Fish and Monica Malavasi – were not going to let UWF endure that pain again. The duo helped mold the group of exceptionally talented individuals into a team-first mentality while putting their egos aside. The formula worked as UWF went 24-1 on its way to the program's first-ever national championship. The team won its first 11 games before a 1-0 loss to top-ranked Armstrong on Oct. 8. A players-only meeting followed as the group reaffirmed their commitment to the season. The Argos never lost again, including getting revenge against Armstrong with a 1-0 decision at home in the national quarterfinals before defeating Saint Rose in overtime in the semifinal and UC San Diego in the championship. Five players were named All-America, led by NSCAA National Player of the Year Chelsea Palmer. Head coach Joe Bartlinski was named the National Coach of the Year for the second time in five seasons.