US YOUTH SO CCER
AWARDS GALA 2022
JANUARY 22, 2022 • KANSAS CITY
To all of tonight’s winners! To all coaches, players, administrators and volunteers, we appreciate the positive impact you have on our game.
Uniting Coaches Around the Love of the Game UnitedSoccerCoaches.org
US YOUTH SO CCER
AWARDS GALA 2022
ORDER OF EVENTS Introduction
Master of Ceremonies Dean Linke, Sports Broadcaster
Welcome Save of the Year Goal of the Year Young Referees of the Year TOPSoccer Coach of the Year TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year Volunteer of the Year Administrator of the Year Recreation Coaches of the Year Competitive Coaches of the Year Chair’s Remarks Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chair
USYS Outstanding Leadership Award Dr. Thomas Fleck Award Hall of Fame Introductions Adjournment
BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chair
Dale T. Burke, South Region Representative
Todd Lockhart, Vice Chair
Dan Popp, West Region Representative
Thomas Sowinski, Secretary
Sarah Jennings, Independent Director
Tina Rincon, Treasurer
Pat O’Toole, Independent Director
Jim Kuntz, East Region Representative
Louis Mateus, Member at Large
Jim Martella, Midwest Region Representative
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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WELCOME TO THE US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA! Our Awards Gala banquet and celebration honors every aspect of our great sport: the Young Female and Male Referees of the Year, the TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, the Volunteer of the Year, the Administrator of the Year, the Girls and Boys Recreational Coaches of the Year, the Girls and Boys Competitive Coaches of the Year, the Best Goal of the Year, the Best Save of the Year, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award honoree and the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductees. My congratulations to all of the Regional nominees and National winners. Many players would not be where they are today if it was not for your continuous commitment to this wonderful sport. We take time tonight to recognize your special contributions — through your time, energy, and effort, you have made US Youth Soccer the great youth soccer organization it is today. The Awards Gala is one of the major events of the US Youth Soccer Workshop, which we are proud to hold in conjunction with the 2022 United Soccer Coaches Convention here in Kansas City. The Gala and all of the other events and activities at the Workshop could not be a success without the valuable efforts, support, and assistance from a great many people and organizations. Our thanks and appreciation to our hosts, the Missouri Youth Soccer Association and their president, Jim McCarthy, for their support of the US Youth Soccer Workshop. All of our sponsors and partners are an integral part of US Youth Soccer. Without their support, our programs would not be as effective or prestigious as they are today. Our thanks to the following invaluable sponsors: AmericanEagle.com, A.E. Engine, Anthony Travel, Aspen Institute: Project Play, Bag Tags, Dick’s Sporting Goods, ExpandaBrand, U.S. Futsal Federation, Hospital for Special Surgery, InjureFree, Keeper Wars Ink, Major League Soccer, MOJO, Next College Student Athlete, Nike, Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, NWSLPA, National Women’s Soccer League, Premier International Tours, ScoutingZone, Soccer Parenting, TiPEVO, Team IP, Trace, TrueSport, United Futsal, United Soccer Coaches, U.S. Soccer Foundation, U.S. Soccer, and Wilson Trophy Company. We are also very appreciative to the US Youth Soccer national office staff, who have worked tirelessly in handling the arrangements and organizing of the Workshop. Please let them know you are grateful for their fine efforts. Please enjoy yourselves this evening as we look back on another great year, to celebrate the countless wonderful people who continuously contribute to youth soccer around the nation. I also encourage you to take the time to experience the outstanding education and networking opportunities available this weekend. Return safely home with new knowledge and skills, new friends, fond memories, and a renewed love for the sport. Sincerely,
Dr. Pete Zopfi, Chair 2
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
TO O U R PA R T N E R S
THANK YOU
American Eagle Anthony Travel Aspen Institute: Project Play Bag Tags, Inc. Dick’s Sporting Goods ExpandaBrand Hospital for Special Surgery InjureFree Keeper Wars Ink Major League Soccer
MOJO National Women’s Soccer League NCSA Nike Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Premier International Tours ScoutingZone Soccer Parenting
Team IP Trace TrueSport United Futsal United Soccer Coaches U.S. Futsal Federation U.S. Soccer Foundation U.S. Soccer Wilson Trophy Company
TiPEVO 2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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2021 MALE
YOUNG REFEREE OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER BRADSHAW HARRIS MOREL From the outset, Morel had pursued his own professional development as a referee with zeal, energy, and an impatience to perfect his craft. When Bradshaw became fifteen years old, there was one gift that he asked from his parents. That gift was a single book, and that book was the “Laws of the Game”. Bradshaw not only officiates the great game of soccer, but also plays as well. Morel has served as caption of his high school soccer team and is a member of the Bavarian Soccer Club.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: DOMENIC HOXHOLLI Somerville, Massachusetts
JACOB COHEN Hurst, North Texas
KEVIN AU Hawaii
Hoxholli is a proactive and reliable member of
Cohen’s outstanding work ethic and constant
Soccer, whether playing it himself or refereeing,
his community, who always takes initiative to
need for a new challenge have allowed him to
has shaped Au into a hardworking person
create a positive impact on and off the field.
excel as a young referee with a promising future
who can handle anything that may be thrown,
ahead of him.
or kicked, his way during a game and life in general.
2021 FEMALE
YOUNG REFEREE OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER YUZIM VALENCIA In 2018, Yuzim received their first badge and has strived to improve ever since. Valencia has also worked in the Illinois Youth Soccer’s Presidents Cup games, Midwest Presidents Cup game, MLS Next games, Illinois Women’s Soccer League, and other Illinois Youth Soccer Association events. Currently Yuzim is working on achieving an associates degree in Nursing and is a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: AMELIA COUTTS Mills, Massachusetts
TRYSTYN CABELLO Austin, South Texas
SOFIA TRUJILLO Washington
Coutts has made a true difference in the soccer
Cabello’s commitment to become a great referee
Trujillo is truly unlike anyone else, she has no
community through her compassionate attitude,
and learn all she can, there is no doubt that
problem buckling down and putting in the extra
resiliency, and willingness to go the extra mile.
she is a positive influence in the youth soccer
effort because she is committed to achieving
community.
great things in the world of soccer.
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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2021 TOPSOCCER
BUDDY OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER KEEGAN DONACA Donaca became a TOPSoccer buddy in 2018 while playing soccer with Pacific FC, a local soccer club. In the spring of 2021, Keegan served as Lead Buddy for the TOPSoccer program which included mentoring newer members and working with TOPSoccer coaches. Keegan’s expanded responsibilities for the TopSoccer program would eventually include managing equipment for practices, crafting communications to the participants, and managing the player/buddy partnerships. In June of 2021, Donaca graduated with honors while earning the SMT Magnet certificate.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: MOLLY JENDRYKA Mendham, New Jersey
GEORGE HAGEAGE IV Midland, Michigan
MATT SHELTON Fort Worth, North Texas
Jendryka’s involvement and leadership in
Hageage is a great Buddy that goes above and
In any way that Shelton can a difference in the
TOPSoccer speak volumes about her passion to
beyond in hopes to have a positive impact on
youth soccer community, he does, whether that is
give all members of the youth soccer community
the lives of the youth soccer community, even if
talking about soccer skills or the interest of just
unique, valuable opportunities.
their lives look different than his.
one player – he makes his Buddies feel special.
2021 TOPSOCCER
COACH OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER STEVE MCCOLLUM McCollum brings over three decades of experience and serving as a valuable member to Cincinnati TOPSoccer. Outside of coaching TOPSoccer teams, Steve is heavily involved recruiting volunteers, gathering donations, and securing raffle prizes to support the TOPSoccer program. Steve continues to serve as a coach with the wheelchair division within the Cincinnati TOPSoccer program. McCollum also plays an active role in promoting the league and seeking out more volunteers in the local community.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: MIYA CARMICHAEL Binghamton, New York West
COLLEEN HILTONEN Saint Johns, Florida
BRIAN LONGBOTTOM Cheyenne, Wyoming
Carmichael’s leadership and willingness to go
Every player matters to Hiltonen – the bond
Longbottom has positively impacted many lives,
the extra mile has made her involvement with
she makes and the guidance she gives them is
throughout the whole state of Wyoming, over
TOPSoccer bring a positive light to special needs
second to none.
the last six years due to his hard work and
players in more local areas.
dedication to the TOPSoccer program and the athletes they serve.
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- Sk i p G i lbe r t , CEO, US Youth Socce r
2021 YOUTH
SOCCER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER PAT FERRE Patrick Ferre has spent over forty years volunteering and giving back to the soccer community in the Northern California. In the early 1970s, Ferre moved to Visalia, Calif. Visalia had no soccer programs or leagues when he arrived, so Ferre organized the city’s first-ever soccer league. The program quickly grew to over 1,500 members and 150 teams. Ferre was also involved with establishing referee programs and even became a United States Soccer Federation licensed referee. Patrick continues to serve the local soccer community to this day.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: LORRAINE SCHUBERT Cranford, New Jersey
DARIN WEBER Brookings, South Dakota
SCOTT THOMPSON Maumelle, Arkansas
Through Schubert’s passion, she has done
Weber has proven to be a critical part of the
There is no end to what Thompson is willing to do for
an outstanding job being a part of the youth
youth soccer community, through forming long-
this wonderful sport – he does everything he can to
soccer community and creating a great, fun
term key relationships that have allowed his local
make sure all the kids have as much fun as possible.
environment for everyone involved.
club to grow.
2021 ADMINISTRATOR
OF THE YEAR
NATIONAL WINNER JENNY FERGUSON Ferguson serves as the Director of Coaching and as a team coach for the Auburn Thunder Soccer Club. Jenny currently holds a “C” United States Soccer Federation coaching license. Ferguson recently oversaw the transition of the Auburn Thunder Soccer Club to an independent entity from the City of Auburn. In the spring of 2020, Jenny served as Covid-19 coordinator to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the soccer club’s players. Off the field, Ferguson also organizes parade marches, community service trips and team meetings for the club’s members.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: MELISSA RIEMER Arlington, Virginia
CHAD COLLETT Fond du Lac, Wisconsin
RYAN YOUNGBLOOD Tigard, Oregon
From idea to execution, Riemer is an integral
Collett has been involved in every aspect of the
Both on and off the field, Youngblood’s effort and
part of advancing the game of soccer – she is
soccer community in hopes to provide a better
positive impact on the youth soccer community is
committed to making the game more accessible
environment and experience to all the children
truly remarkable
to all kids in the community.
participating.
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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2021 BOYS
RECREATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER MEAGAN KALCHBRENNER Kalchbrenner has been active in the Arlington (Va.) soccer community while also serving as an elementary school teacher. Coach Kalchbrenner played college soccer at Marymount University in Arlington and more recently has played forward in the Arlington Women’s Soccer league in the master’s division. Meagan leads with kindness and ensures that everyone on the team is recognized for their contributions to the team. Coach K also is always open to new and creative ways to teach skills and sportsmanship to all the players who play for the Hawks.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: JACOB PLUMMER Atwater, Ohio
GARY MIRACLE Rockledge, Florida
ZACHARY RAMIREZ Salem, Oregon
Coach Plummer cares deeply about developing
Coach Miracle strives to create an environment
No matter how unfair some games were, Coach
his players’ skills and truly goes above and
that all kids can learn, grow, and thrive,
Ramirez always reminded his athletes to play to the
beyond for any athlete that needs extra
regardless of their playing abilities, just as long
best of their ability, as he wants to create a positive
assistance, or motivation.
as they’re having fun.
environment for his team.
2021 GIRLS
RECREATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER DEANA MORESHI Moreshi has achieved both an “E” and “F”” licenses and has been a participant in the Positive Coaching Alliance’s course. Deana has led the formation of the Town Relations Committee at Needham Soccer Club with the mission to encourage players to give back to the town of Needham, including an annual holiday gift giving program for underserved children. Deana has made sportsmanship a key pillar of her team’s philosophy. During Spring 2021, Moreshi led her team to a MTOC Championship.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: CLEYO HARRIS Canton, Michigan
IMRAN QAYYUM Katy, South Texas
ABBI FORWOOD Cheyenne, Wyoming
Coach Harris believes that through positive
Everything that Coach Qayyum does is to ensure
Coach Forwood’s passion for coaching these kids
reinforcement and engagement soccer can give
his players have fun while learning lessons that
and dedication to the future of soccer in her town
players the opportunity to try their hardest, work
they can utilize on and off the field.
has truly changed the lives of youth soccer in
as a team, and build their character – all while still having fun.
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2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
Cheyenne for the better.
2021 BOYS
COMPETITIVE COACH OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER DILLON NINO Nino has instilled the importance of competition, sportsmanship, and respect for the opposing team. Coach Nino has also encouraged his players to cheer on their opponents and their fans after a competition which has been a trait of Nino’s leadership. During the pandemic, Nino conducted socially distanced, small group training sessions that followed all local and state safety guidelines. Currently, Nino provides his coaching expertise to multiple New Mexico Rush teams, the New Mexico Olympic Development Program, and a high school in Albuquerque.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: FAYANGA KEITA Huntington, West Virginia
NICOLE LUKIC Hudson, Wisconsin
LEONARDO SANTIN Huntsville, Alabama
Although Coach Keita is always pushing his athletes
Coach Lukic works hard to develop her team into
Devoted to continuously bettering himself, Coach
to do more, play more, and train more – he is
great soccer players, but also great people, with
Santin brings all that knowledge to the teams he
always willing to do what is in the best interest of the
sportsmanship and motivation she truly brings out
coaches, so his players can be challenged to grow
players and club.
the best in each player.
and be successful in soccer and life.
2021 GIRLS
COMPETITIVE COACH OF THE YEAR NATIONAL WINNER ERIN COPPERNOLL Coppernoll is heavily involved in the Wisconsin soccer community both at the collegiate and youth levels. With over 25 years of soccer experience, Coppernoll holds a United States Soccer Federation “C” license, is a former member of the NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Championship and the NSCAA’s NCAA Division III Women’s Soccer Regional Ranking committees. While serving as the University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh head soccer coach, Coppernoll also coaches multiple Oshkosh United youth soccer teams.
OTHER NATIONAL AWARD NOMINEES: MARTIN DICOLA Peekskill, Eastern New York
TAREYN BLANTON Frisco, North Texas
LUCIANE WENTZ Portland, Oregon
Coach DiCola is always challenging his team to
Coach Blanton is constantly challenging and motivating
Coach Wentz is very involved with her teams and
become better players and better people, which he
her team, she invests in each player in their own way to
knows exactly how to talk to her players so they can
leads by example through his sportsmanship and
better develop their skills and passion for the game.
be encouraged, engaged, yet still challenges them to
fair play.
enhance their soccer skills.
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2021 DR.
THOMAS FLECK AWARD MIKE BARR at Kennett High School. In Mike’s first 20 years coaching at Strath Haven High School, his team’s won 13 league titles, five D1 titles, and five PIAA state championships. He has been a coaching instructor on and off the field - through US Soccer coaching Licenses to lectures and workshops, not only state & regional, but also nationally. In his early years of supporting ODP, Mike worked tirelessly to develop the girl’s side of the program. But now, as the Director of ODP, he is responsible for coordinating coaching courses throughout the state.
A
former special education teacher for 30 years, Mike Barr decided to blend his career with his passion for soccer. At Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer, Barr is currently an instructor and mentor for TOPSoccer - the program for special needs players – and the Technical Director of the Olympic Development Program. He is also the high school coach
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2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
Also, as National Staff Coach for U.S. Soccer, Mike is a National Youth Licensed Instructor and played a critical role in developing U.S. Soccer’s new Grassroots Coaching Pathway, which was implemented in January 2018. Mike’s true passion is with kids on a soccer field - it shows to everyone who meets him, and it inspires all of the teams he has had the pleasure of coaching or mentoring.
HALL OF FAME
ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTEE DAMARCUS BEASLEY including attending IMG Academy. DaMarcus’ career blossomed as a star for the United States U-17 and U-20 teams and then the Men’s National Team where he has 126 appearances. All his hard work paid off, as he is retiring from the Major League Soccer team the Houston Dynamos this year.
F
rom DaMarcus’ early years in Ft. Wayne, he would travel long and far just to play larger, more competitive teams to challenge himself and better his skills. His coaches were always impressed by his speed and abilities on the field and knew from an early age that Demarcus would be a star.
However, DaMarcus is not done yet with the soccer community, especially the growth of youth soccer because as DaMarcus put it “it starts with our youth.” For the past four years, DaMarcus has operated a network of youth soccer camps in the Ft. Wayne area, just like the ones he went to growing up, and in his retirement, he is hoping to run even more. Although DaMarcus does not aspire to be a coach when he is at those soccer camps, he can’t help but to show and teach those kids all that he learned in his soccer career, that has made him an international star and one of the most celebrated US players of all time.
His youth success in Indiana gave him many opportunities,
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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HALL OF FAME
ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTEE PAT PULLEN the soccer community could face such as insurance risk transfer techniques, sexual abuse prevention, and goal post safety. Pullen Insurance Services has also provided many educational workshops, at both state and national level, in hopes to support the objectives of the USYS Risk Management Committee.
P
at Pullen has been serving the soccer community as a trusted insurance and risk management advisor and has become the broker of choice for the majority of the state soccer associations over the last 20+ years. Pat and his team have worked closely with the US Youth Soccer Risk Management Committee to advise and assist on various issues that
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2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
He has also sponsored numerous meetings and luncheons for US Youth Soccer, as well as launched online trainings over topics that fit the USYS Risk Management Committee’s objectives. Under Pat’s leadership, he and his company have participated in 135+ risk management and insurance workshops at both USYS Workshop and for State Soccer Associations. After over 40 years as an insurance professional, with the past 23 years serving the US Youth Soccer community, Pat decided to retire and begin the next chapter of his life. In May 2019, Pullen Insurance Services was acquired by K&K Insurance Group. Pat’s youngest son, Dan Pullen, joined K&K and is responsible for the management of the US Youth Soccer book of business.
HALL OF FAME
ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTEE KATHY ZOLAD found their college teams. Much of Kathy’s success comes from her ability to recognize from the beginning that the world of soccer administration is dynamic and continually evolving. Thus, she has always been prepared to adapt her approach to meet new challenges and has always been driven to learn and, just as importantly, share her knowledge with the rest of the soccer community.
K
athy has been involved in all facets of the game of soccer, from starting as a team manager for her children’s teams to supporting women and girls playing the game, even when the Federation did not. If not for her strong relationships and desire to open the world of soccer to young ladies, many women athletes would not have
Kathy’s passion and dedication have given her many opportunities, and success in advancing the game of soccer. As a visionary and leader in the soccer community, she has always put the interests of the organization, its members, and players ahead of her own. She uses her talents in a positive way to share knowledge about the game and encourage more people to take on challenges in the soccer community.
2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
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HALL OF FAME
ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTEE TOM MENDOTH
T
om led the implementation of a round-robin tournament for Region IV and the 14 states that it encompasses. That experience gave him great insight as to the issues involved in the singleelimination format that tournaments previously used. Tom then took that experience and helped the National Championship Committee to
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2022 US YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS GALA
begin the round-robin format to give teams more opportunity to compete in that tournament. Over his years of service to Region IV and the National Championships, the tournament has grown from a weekend event to now a week-long event. The changes in the format of the National Championship tournament are a perfect testament to the work that Tom has done. When he is given a challenge, he takes responsibility, solves the situation, and does his job well.
HALL OF FAME
ADMINISTRATOR INDUCTEE JESSE HARRELL
T
here is no one in South Texas that has spent so much of his adult life promoting youth soccer than Jesse Harrell. For nearly four decades, Jesse has always been a passionate supporter and advocator of youth soccer. Although Jesse’s efforts started at club level, he continued to have an impact in the soccer community through the state, regional, and national levels.
Throughout his experience and some trial-and-error, he has discovered what works well, and what does not, in providing youth soccer programs to the Regional and National levels. Jesse always had his heart set out to do more with youth soccer than just his local association. He has contributed so much to the youth soccer community by being involved in almost every facet of the game as a soccer parent, coach, player, referee, volunteer, and administrator.
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