Montverde’s Mike Potempa named state high school soccer coach of the year

MONTVERDE — Mike Potempa, who has been Montverde Academy’s boys’ soccer coach and the school’s athletic director since 2010, has been honored as the state’s boys’ soccer coach of the year by the National Federation of High School Associations.

Monteverde (24-0-1), which closed its season Friday against Vero Beach, has the nation’s longest unbeaten streak at 79 games (73-0-6), according to Sheldon Shealer of the Elite Soccer Report (ESR). Potempa has not lost since he became the head of the program.

“Lake County is well-known for its sports amenities, and outstanding athletic programs,” said Adam Sumner, interim director of Lake County’s Economic Development & Tourism Department. “Coach Potempa’s achievement brings national recognition to the area, which in turn helps promote Lake County as a destination for tournaments, training and sports recreation opportunities.”

Montverde Academy defeated Olympia High School 8-0 on Jan. 15, then finished a third straight undefeated season with a 5-0 win over Vero Beach High School on Friday. The results will seal Montverde’s second ESR national title in three years.