KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Alex Adams of Keiser (Fla.) has been named the 2025 NAIA Select Sports America Coach of the Year, after he led the Seahawks to their third national championship crown in program history.

Keiser defeated Cumberlands (Ky.) 3-2 on penalty kicks in the title game, following a 1-1 draw through 110 minutes at Ashton Brosnaham Stadium in Pensacola, Fla.

The Seahawks are now 39-15-3 all-time in the NAIA postseason, including a 2-2-1 record in NAIA National Championship Games, and have reached the national title match in five of the last eight seasons.

"This recognition is truly about the people around me," said Adams. "My family, the players, my staff, and the administration at Keiser University make excellence possible every day. I’m grateful to coach such a special group and to represent the NAIA at the highest level." 

Adams was hired to lead KU on April 30, 2025, after half a dozen seasons in the same position at Campbellsville (Ky.). In his first season at the helm, Adams led the Seahawks to a 20-3-1 record.

Adams and company ranked inside the top 10 nationally in six different categories, including shots (491), goals scored (79), shots on goal (253), assists (89), corner kicks (156), and shutouts (13). In his first season, he coached the 2025 NAIA Player of the Year, Lauren Riley, along with two other All-Americans: Third-Team honoree Maria Vilhena and First-Team honoree Georgia Little.

Adams noted, "I can’t wait to continue to build on the reputation that Keiser University Women’s Soccer already holds."