Paoli native and Drexel University senior Chris Donovan has been named the Colonial Athletic Association’s Men’s Soccer Player of the Year, as well as a second-team Scholar All-American by the United Soccer Coaches.

Donovan, a Conestoga High School graduate, ranked ninth in the nation in goals (12) and 15th in total points (26). His 12th goal of the year was a true golden goal, as he scored a header in the 102nd minute against rival Delaware to propel the Dragons to their second consecutive CAA Tournament appearance.

Donovan scored a hat trick in a 4-0 win over UMass Lowell in an early-October match. During his four seasons at Drexel, he has tallied 30 goals and 73 points.

The Dragons finished the 2021 campaign with an 8-8-1 record.

A sport management major, Donovan was one of 30 finalists in the country for the 2021 Senior CLASS Award. An acronym for Celebrating Loyalty and Achievement for Staying in School, the Senior CLASS Award focuses on the total student-athlete. It encourages students to use their platform in athletics to make a positive impact as leaders in their communities.

For Donovan to be considered as a nominee, he had to show dedication in four separate areas, including competition, community, character, and classroom.