 |
One of the best defensive soccer players to play at Old Dominion University.Neil Paynter was Co-Colonial Athletic Association's Player of the Year in 1991 andthe League's Tournament Most Valuable Player. The Bermuda native was a first teamAll-CAA selection, first team All-South Region pick and the team's Most ValuablePlayer.
As a senior in 1991, Paynter was the Monarchs top defender and scored scoredfour goals as well. Old Dominion compiled its best record ever at 18-2-2, captured theschool's first CAA Championship and ranked ninth nationally in the final collegiatesoccer polls. After capturing the CAA crown with a 1-0 victory over James Madison,the Monarchs advanced to the NCAA Tournament and played at Rutgers. Defense wasthe name of the game for Old Dominion as they allowed only nine goals all year whilescoring 45.
As a junior, Paynter helped lead the Monarchs to the 1990 Sun Belt ConferenceTournament Championship. The Monarchs tough defense registered nine shutouts thatseason.
After graduating, Paynter was a member of the Bermuda national soccer teamwhich played the U.S. Olympic team in front of a sellout crowd at the Monarchs soccercomplex. Paynter graduated with a degree in recreation and leisure studies and returnedto his native Bermuda.