This spring season marked the start of a coaching career for Kris Benton, a special education math teacher at Falls Church High School. Benton’s hard work was recognized by his coaching peers as they voted and selected him as the National District Coach of the Year.

He is in his second year of teaching, and this spring took his talent in the classroom and applied it on the field when he took on the head coach position for the boys soccer program at the school.

The beginning of the season yielded a few ties, with students somewhat uncertain and still getting used to this new coach. About halfway into the season, though, the team made its mark, gaining a Top 10 ranking in The Washington Post as they racked up the wins.

Led by Benton, the team finished up the season with a 10-3-2 record and placed as the No. 2 seed going into the district tournament.