Much of what MHS Assistant Soccer Coach Mike Dayton does for his team occurs behind the scenes. His work helping students with academics, college recruitment and life skills in general won’t make any headlines in the sports pages.

But his work is noticed by his colleagues and now it has been recognized by the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association (IHSSCA). In November, Dayton was named IHSSCA Assistant Coach of the Year for section 4, which includes 31 schools, including teams from the North Suburban Conference.

“Mike deserves immense credit for the success of Mundelein’s soccer program,” said MHS Boys Soccer Head Coach Sebastian Falinski, who nominated Dayton for the award. “His commitment and impact on our program are nothing short of extraordinary.”

Dayton, an MHS English teacher, has been a cornerstone of the school’s soccer program for the past 31 years, working under four different head coaches and assisting with the MHS Girls Soccer program as well, Falinski said. Outside of practices and games, Dayton works with student-athletes, helping them keep their grades up, assisting with college entrance applications and serving as their mentor.

“What truly sets Mike apart is his ability to build strong, positive relationships with every player. He uses soccer to implement life skills and lessons that will resonate long after they leave Mundelein High School and our soccer program,” Falinski wrote in nominating Dayton for the award.

While the IHSSCA hosts a banquet at the end of the high school season, awards were announced during the weekend of the state finals.