Jay Ayres ranks among the top men's soccer players in Bruin history. The Valrico, Florida native earned Atlantic Sun Conference Defender of the Year honors in 2006 and 2007, and is one of three players in program history to earn first team all-conference honors in successive seasons. Second in Belmont history in matches started (68), Ayres was a 2007 National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA) All-South Region selection. The central defender became Belmont's first player to sign a professional playing contract in Major League Soccer (MLS), earning time with the San Jose Earthquakes.