For the first time in school history, the Loyd Star Hornets won an MHSAA boys’ soccer playoff game.

The Hornets reached the quarterfinals of the Class I playoffs before they were eliminated by the eventual state runners-up from Sacred Heart.

For his leadership in taking the team further than it’s ever been before, Lea has been named The Daily Leader 2023 All-Area Boys’ Soccer Coach of the Year.

This is the first time for Lea to receive the honor after twice being tabbed COY on the girls’ side.

Loyd Star finished 16-7 this season and was coming off a 13-8 mark in 2021-2022. That was good enough to earn the Hornets a playoff spot, but the team lost 8-1 at Clarkdale in the first round of the playoffs.

The intended goal from the jump this year was for the team to surpass the first round and the Hornets did that with a 2-0 win over Southeast Lauderdale in the first round of the postseason. They kept the momentum rolling with a 4-1 win on the road at Crystal Springs in the second round.

With just one senior starter to replace next season, the expectations are for the Hornets to again compete again near the top of Region 7 and in Class I.