Matte Receives 2023 NCCAA Kyle Rote, Jr. Award

Dubuque, IA - November 13, 2023

Josh Matte, a junior from Windsor, Ontario, has been named the recipient of the 2023 Kyle Rote Jr. Award by the NCCAA for Division II Men's Soccer. 

The award is presented to the outstanding NCCAA student-athlete in Division II Men's Soccer who highlights excellence in competition, skill, academics, and Christian service during their collegiate career. The award is presented and announced annually at the Men's Soccer National Championship banquet in Kissimmee, FL. 

Matte, a three-year captain, has been a mainstay since 2021, starting all 38 of his matches for the Eagles. The midfielder/defender has netted 17 career goals, tallied 6 career assists, and has been honored as First Team NCCAA All-Region (2021, 2022, 2023) and First Team All-Midwest Christian College Conference (2021, 2022, 2023) through his first three seasons. 

Off the field, Matte has lived out his faith on and off campus. Matte has been active in Dubuque through coaching youth soccer clinics and serving as a youth leader in his local church.  On campus, he's served as Intramural Coordinator and as VP of the Emmaus Student Union, with responsibilities for leading student events. During the Fall 2023 semester, he traveled to Salt Lake City, UT as part of a ministry and prayer team.  And over the summer months, Matte has served in camp ministry with his wife, Kaitlin. The junior student-athlete is an educational ministries (ministry leadership) major, has earned Dean's List twice, and has been granted the Daniel H. Smith Leadership Scholarship.

Upon receiving the Kyle Rote Jr. Award, Matte shared, "I am so honored to have received this award, but it does not belong to me, I owe everything to Christ. By the Holy Spirti's work in me, I have been freed. I've been made free to worship Him through soccer and my life. This game means nothing if it is not played for Him. It is all for his honor, his glory and his praise." 

Emmaus head men's soccer coach, Chris McHugh, added, "It's been an honor and privilege to coach Josh so far. He's been a steady and reliable presence in our program. His inspiring messages, skillful and tenancious play, and selfless actions have enabled him to make an #EagleImpact here at Emmaus! I'm looking forward to coaching Josh for his senior season, and I trust the Lord will use him next year and after he graduates."