After reaching its eighth Gulf South Conference Final in the last 10 years in 2015, the University of West Florida men’s soccer team was selected to finish second in the GSC by league coaches. Senior defender Japhet Bitsindou, sophomore midfielder Kameron Bethell and junior defensive midfielder Shawn Sanon were all chosen for the league’s annual Preseason All-GSC team.
West Florida only stands behind two-time defending West Alabama, who received six of nine first place votes. UWF earned its second place ranking with two first place, two second place, two third place, a fourth place and a fifth place vote.
The Argonauts are followed by Alabama Huntsville, Christian Brothers, Lee, Shorter, Mississippi College, Delta State and Union, respectively. Alabama Huntsville received one first place vote, while Mississippi College grabs the seventh-place slot in its first year as an official member of NCAA Division II and the Gulf South Conference.
Bitsindou, a three-time All-GSC Tournament Team selection and 2015 NSCAA All-South Region honoree, is set to lead a backline that allowed only 1.22 goals per game in 2015 – a mark that stood as second best in the GSC. Bethell returns for his sophomore year after turning in a strong freshman performance with three goals and an assist, while Sanon provided strong support as a defensive midfielder in 18 games and 10 starts in 2015. West Florida tied West Alabama for the most Preseason All-GSC Team selections with three.
UWF begins its 2016 campaign at Tampa on Thursday, September 1 at 7:00 p.m. West Florida’s home opener is slated for Sunday, September 4 against Missouri S&T at 11:00 a.m.
For information on all UWF Athletics, visit GoArgos.com.