King’s Fork High School girls’ soccer coach Jason Stump was taking the reins of a varsity program for the first time this year with the Lady Bulldogs and set an amazing standard.

He led his team to its best season in school history, and in a vote among his conference coaching peers, he was unanimously chosen as the 2014 Ironclad Conference girls’ soccer Coach of the Year.

“I consider it a reflection of all the hard work the girls and their parents have put in over the years,” Stump stated in an email. “Many of the girls have been playing since a very young age. The talent they now bring to the team is tremendous.”

The Lady Bulldogs went from a losing season in 2013 to an impressive 2014 regular-season record of 10-3-1 overall, 4-1 in the conference. King’s Fork scored 70 goals during those 14 games, giving up only 22.

Stump added that he was very honored to be chosen by the other coaches, while both humbled and shocked that the consensus was unanimous.

“It’s truly a unique and challenging experience to coach a scholastic varsity-level girls team these days,” he stated. “For coaches who understand and experience that to recognize me affirms the ideas I am bringing to the experience.”

He cited several key people who helped him throughout this season in which the Lady Bulldogs also went to the regional playoffs for the first time.

As a single father, Stump thanked his 12-year-old daughter Kathleen, who he stated has “sacrificed a lot and worked hard in order for me to be able to participate in this,” while she maintained an active life of her own and straight A’s in her classes.

Stump also heaped praise on the parents of his players for their role in the team’s success.

“Team parents, volunteer coaching by Mike Marston, and assistance from other parents have all been key factors,” he stated. “It’s not just about winning games, it’s about developing people, and I know the parents and school administration support that idea.”