SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Junior midfield/forward #Luke Holmes# has been selected as the 2010 NAIA Men's Soccer Player of the Year. Holmes was joined on the NAIA Men's Soccer All-American First Team by fellow midfielder, #Tom Mellor#.

Holmes and Mellor helped guide the Falcons to their first National Championship Final and a 23-1-0 record. In five games played at the event, Holmes netted five goals, assisted two others while being named the National Tournament Most Valuable Player. Mellor stepped up, tallying two goals and providing two assists in five National Championship matches.

“Luke is so deserving of this distinction,” said Athletic Director #Sue Hlavacek#. “Luke is not only an outstanding soccer player but he is an excellent student and an esteemed member of the college community."

Holmes, a junior from Oldham, England, ended his junior campaign as the program's all-time leader in goals (70) and points (164), and second in assists (25) behind Mellor's 30. Holmes ranked third nationally in goals (24) and points (58), eighth in points per game (2.42), and ninth in goals per game (1.00).

He is the first NAIA National Player in program history and follows up a Second Team honor in 2009 to become one of two Falcons to be named First Team NAIA All-American along with Mellor.

“Luke's National Player of the Year award is well deserved,” said Coach #Michael “Mac” McBride#. “He had a magnificent season, culminating in an exceptional performance at the national tournament. Luke is a talented player, a team player. He would be the first person to recognize his opportunity to stand out on the national stage would not have been possible without the considerable efforts of his teammates. He exudes humility."

A Second Teamer in 2009, while leading the nation in goals (29). He becomes the Falcons' first player to win the NAIA Men's Soccer National Player of the Year while also being named 2010 Men's Soccer Scholar-Athlete. Holmes led his team to their first National Championship Final with nine goals and two assists in the post season.

“Luke is the consummate student-athlete; he excels both in the classroom and on the pitch,” said McBride. “This is evidenced by him recently being named a Scholar-Athlete. He is a shining example of the type of student-athlete that Notre Dame College Athletic Department strives to recruit.”

Mellor, a sophomore from Shaw, England, finished his season as the program's all-time leader in assists (30), fourth in points (64), and eighth in goals (16). Mellor ranked first nationally in assists (19) and third in assists per game (.79).

An Honorable Mention in 2009, while leading the team in assists (11). He joins Holmes as the program's first; First Team All-American's.