Jeff Paulus took the reins of the NAIT Ooks this season and led them to first place in the ACAC north division. The NAIT Ooks finished the regular season with an 11-0-1 record. NAIT finished first in points in the ACAC with 164 and a shooting percentage of .263%. 

Paulus is no stranger to the NAIT Ooks program. In 2004 he made his NAIT men's soccer coaching debut. He stayed with the team until 2012, when he accepted a position with FC Edmonton. He was initially brought in to develop and lead the FC Edmonton Academy. Still, he saw his role advance to the assistant coach of the senior professional team, where he was then promoted to the Head Coach when FC Edmonton moved to the Canadian Premier League. Paulus left FC Edmonton in November 2020, and in 2021, Paulus returned to NAIT as the women's soccer head coach for one season before shuffling back to the men's program in 2022. Paulus has also had opportunities to coach in Canada Soccer's National Training Centre and help with various provincial programs throughout his career.

"Jeff is very deserving of this award. This season saw him return to coaching our men's soccer program, and he had immediate success. Jeff's resume brings instant credibility to our soccer program, and his vast experience is invaluable. The men's soccer team's undefeated season is a testament to Jeff's constant attention to detail. NAIT Athletics would like to congratulate Jeff on this prestigious honour," said NAIT Athletics Manager Jordan Richey. 

This prestigious award will be recognized at the 2022 ACAC Men's Soccer Championship hosted by Lethbridge College in Lethbridge, AB.