Western Kentucky women’s soccer assistant coach Dustin Downey was named Thursday to the National Soccer Coaches Association of America’s (NSCAA) annual “30 Under 30” class as announced by the organization. Downey was one of 15 men selected from a pool of 350 applicants for the honor.

“I’m very appreciative to the NSCAA and their ’30 Under 30’ selection committee for allowing me the special opportunity to further my soccer education under their tutelage,” Downey stated in a WKU news release. “I’m sure this will be an amazing experience, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for me throughout the year.”

The NSCAA’s “30 Under 30” program selects 30 coaches, 15 men and 15 women, from all levels of play each year in an effort to give participants exposure to the association’s membership. In addition, honorees are encouraged to take advantage of the organization’s educational offerings and are able to attend the NSCAA Convention.

The “30 Under 30” initiative was launched in 2013 and provides support for the selected coaches throughout the year, helping to maintain their growth at key points in their coaching careers.

Downey, who is entering his fifth year under head coach Jason Neidell in 2016, has helped the Lady Toppers to a 40-25-13 record over the last four seasons. A 2010 graduate of WKU, the Owenton native pushed the team to an 8-6-5 record in 2015 and its second consecutive appearance in the Conference USA Tournament.

The Lady Toppers are set to open their 2016 campaign with a home exhibition match against Northern Kentucky at 6 p.m. on Aug. 12, and WKU will kick off its regular season at UT Martin at 7 p.m. on Aug. 19.