For more information about US Youth Soccer's Responsible Coaching winners, click here.

Alex Tomlinson
Team Name: Kicks Xtreme
Team Location: Huntsville, AL
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
The perfect coach would be someone who guides your child's athletic spirit through such means as demonstrating skills instead of verbal mandates; challenging players to execute the skills they've been taught; encouraging players to do their best, improve their game, to become a better player, teammate, and person; striving to achieve success not only on the field, but in their personal lives. He would not belittle or berate, would instill passion for the love of the sport, and would be a role model in all aspects of life. He would put education and family above all and promote that success is not merely based on wins. We found that coach 4 years ago – Alex Tomlinson. To us, he is more than a coach, he is a friend. But most of all, he is the epitome of what a coach should be.

Alan McGinty
Team Name: Eclipse Soccer Club
Team Location: Fairbanks, AK
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
This recommendation for Alan is long overdue. Alan demonstrates the highest level of responsibility to the game through his attitude and philosophy of coaching. Alan's commitment to the players in the entire club is significant. Alan's mature approach as a relatively young coach is well beyond his years. Alan is ultimately responsible for himself, his family, his club and his state and holds all of the responsibilities steady with enthusiasm and compassion.

Will Maffitt
Team Name: Wildfire
Team Location: Hot Springs, AR
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
You would need a lot more than 150 word to describe all the ways that Coach Will is a responsible coach. Coach Will stresses teamwork and the tools for the girls to do better, try harder. Coach Will is also on the lookout for safety issues at Munro Field constantly. Be it if a player is out on the field at practice without shin guards or checking the condition of the fields, he is constantly monitoring things. Patient, ready to help, positive words for all the kids, he is making a difference.

Kenneth Laird
Team Name: CISCO 94 White Lightning
Team Location: Phoenix, AZ
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Kenny's team is almost completely underprivileged and low income players and they are all top performers. He exemplifies a positive role model on and off the field; He helps with their school work when their parents cannot. We value his time his efforts and his ability to motivate kids that would not normally have a good role model. He is more than a coach; he is a friend, a parent, a priest, an advisor and a disciplinarian. We really appreciate having him.

Steve Hindman
Team Name: Lavender Lightning
Team Location: Los Altos/Mountain View, CA
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Steve Hindman is a responsible coach because he really cares about his players. He puts their safety above all. Steve also puts learning above winning. In a recent game, he purposely chose to play the girls in positions that were not their strongest, in order to give everyone a chance to practice different skills. Steve uses positive feedback, pointing out improvements in all players. He also emphasizes good sportsmanship, and ensures his players show their respect and appreciation for the other team. Several parents and kids have said Coach Steve is the best coach their child has ever had -- Responsible Coaching Shows!

Jeff King
Team Name: Durango Youth Soccer Association Gunners
Team Location: Durango, CO
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
In addition to teaching my son soccer skills, respect for the rules, and a love of the game, Jeff has brought out qualities and characteristics in my son through this sport which will last long beyond his playing days. He consistently provides verbal feedback to players and their families. During games, he consistently praises individual actions ("Good thought") and emphasizes teamwork over individual glory. Jeff upholds a high standard of sportsmanship and respect for himself, his players, opposing teams, and referees. For these gifts, as a parent, I am grateful to Jeff for devoting himself to improving my son (and the other boys on the team) as a player and a person.

Todd Howe
Team Name: Danbury Patriots
Team Location: Danbury, CT
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Todd Howe represents a rare breed of youth coaches. One who is committed to not only teaching kids a sport, but life lessons, built on a foundation of fundamentals such as character, honesty, teamwork, work ethic & sportsmanship. A large percentage of In-House players he's coached, have gone on to join Travel Teams, as he encourages his girls to excel in this wonderful game of Soccer.

Mike Zdradzinski
Team Name: CDSA Arsenal
Team Location: Dover, DE
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
I feel that Mike Zdradzinski should receive the Responsible Coaching Award for many reasons. Mike agreed to take on the challenge of coaching a boys U13 soccer team that had experienced failure since beginning competitive play at the age of U9. He stressed good sportsmanship and 100% effort at all times. He expected players to split their time in other sports 50/50 with soccer and never penalized a player for missing an event when they were playing another sport. He knew that participation in another sport would benefit the player in the long run. He stressed the importance of education and good grades. He taught the boys respect, hard work, and responsibility. He brought the fun of the game back to the players and did so with style and elegance. He was a leader by example and had a great rapport with each of the boys. The boys were recently named co-champions of the DELCO US Clubs Division 1 soccer league.

Tony Goiran
Team Name: Central Pasco Spartans
Team Location: Land O Lakes, FL
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Tony is a coach who is always positive with his players and works to identify and build their strengths so that each player can be successful on the field. He has great relationships with the parents of his players and always keeps the lines of communication open. He has achieved his "E Coaching License" from the Florida Youth Soccer Association and plans to take the "D" Course in the spring, ultimately planning to achieve every coaching certification throughout the levels. His medical skills are valuable in preserving the health and safety of his players and he monitors their hydration and physical well being throughout practices and games. He expects his players to do their best academically and he is pleasant and approachable in all his interactions with his team, opposing coaches, field officials and league officials. He loves soccer and his enthusiasm shines through!

Joe Negrete
Team Name: Hamilton Rovers
Team Location: Hamilton, GA
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Joe is a responsible coach because he always put the needs and welfare of the players first. As a coach he does an outstanding job of promoting education because he tells the parents as well as the team if they are not getting their school work done then they don't practice but study instead. I nominate Coach Joe because out of 5 seasons of volunteer work he has never complained and he has put his heart and soul into the kids. I can honestly say coach is definitely one of a kind.

Jose Dydasco
Team Name: Honolulu Bulls
Team Location: Honolulu, HI
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Jose epitomizes what it means to be a responsible Coach. Not only does he possess a profound technical understanding of the game of soccer, but he also understands and manages the emotional ranges that vary so often with the youth player. The dedication and commitment that he fosters in these players translates to the soccer field, but it also seeps into other aspects of their lives, as they learn that they are capable of achieving their goals through their hard work and discipline. He is in essence shaping their character and resolve more than anything else.

Casey Mann
Team Name: Des Moines Menace 90-91 Boys
Team Location: Des Moines, IA
Team Level: Under 19
Nominator essay (edited):
The quietly generous man- that donates his tournament per diem to under privileged team members so that they may attend the costlier, college search tournaments with the rest of the team. The role model- Confident, yet polite. Competitive, yet sportsmanlike. Full of expectations for his players but not demanding. Constantly teaching and learning, the game and about life along with our players. That's what a coach should be.

Allen Brown
Team Name: LC United Blue Ice
Team Location: Lewiston-Clarkston, ID
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Allen Brown has tremendous respect for the sport of soccer and in the abilities of each and every team member. Instilling integrity, skill and teamwork are goals that Coach Brown requires for each of his players. Without him, the sport would not continue to thrive and grow in this area. We thank him for his generosity of time, strength, teaching abilities and concern. He is a Responsible Coach both on and off the field.

Ali Basaran
Team Name: NP United Dragons U12 Boys
Team Location: New Palestine, IN
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Ali is passionate about the sport, but he is equally passionate about children. He has taught the soccer team that it is not about winning, but it is about giving it your best, playing a good game, and working as a team. He works with the kids to teach them about respect, attitude, and hard work. He also has worked with the parents on what it means to be a responsible coach, and what the parents can do help foster positive growth in their children.

Alan Jones
Team Name: KC Fusion
Team Location: Lenexa, KS
Team Level: Under 19
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Jones is first and foremost, honest. He gives you an evaluation of your son in no nonsense terms, and helps you to decide which direction you as a parent should continue with your player. Is the same example on the side lines he shows and expects of us parents during a game. Each player is important to him, on or off the field. My own son calls Coach Alan his hero because he has taught my son how to not just play, but to play with dignity and class. Coach Alan Jones is the epitome of calm and determination. These are the life skills we all want our children to apply in their lives. He takes that responsibility to heart when teaching our sons.

Tim Keeton
Team Name: Cyclones
Team Location: Winchester, KY
Team Level: Under 8
Nominator essay (edited):
My son has been involved in the Winchester Youth Soccer League and we have had a great experience with this season's coach, Tim Keeton. He exemplifies what a coach should be. He molded a team of great players because of his self taught style and his belief that all players can be good if they work hard. The Cyclones were undefeated this season but more importantly the players had fun and feel good that they are all good players. Coach Keeton shares his talents At any given practice there were multiple coaches and teams practicing with the Cyclones.

Christopher Albright
Team Name: Baton Rouge Soccer Association U8 Boys Red Dragons
Team Location: Baton Rouge, LA
Team Level: Under 8
Nominator essay (edited):
I read the 'what is a responsible coach?" and Coach Christopher is quite literally everything on the list. I met him 8 months ago, and my children have quite simply never had a more inspirational, caring coach. He never brings his personal issues into the game and is at every practice. To coach as he does, to be as involved as he is to his team, to encourage them always with positive motivation and never a negative word is such an inspiration.

Rich Frongillo
Team Name: Franklin Youth Soccer
Team Location: Franklin, MA
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Rich has always coached soccer for the love of the game. He does not coach to win. He coaches to give each player a love for the game and to help them become the best possible player that they can be. He has always cared for his players on and off the field.

Anthony Welch
Team Name: FCF Academy U-11 Boys
Team Location: Frederick, MD
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
I met Anthony Welch back in 2002 while coaching in the same Recreational league. From the first day I met him I knew that I was dealing with a class act. Throughout his entire career Anthony has taken advantage of every opportunity to expand his knowledge of the game and coaching. Not only is Anthony Welch a great coach he also helps under privileged kids play club soccer by raising funds from the community in which they live. If you ever get a chance to meet Anthony Welch I know that you would agree that the smile on his face is genuine because everyone who wants to play soccer gets a chance to play.

Daniel Mallett
Team Name: Terriers U-16 Girls
Team Location: Winslow, ME
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
Dan Mallett is a soccer advocate and a positive and supportive Coach for all his players. Dan encourages his players to learn from every experience, incorporating life lessons into practices, games and team building. Dan stresses the importance of having priorities by encouraging his players to maintain the order of family, school, and sports. Dan exemplifies self-control and fair play on and off the soccer field.

Todd Mattson
Team Name: CW3 Extreme GS 99 Red
Team Location: Commerce Township, MI
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Mattson embodies many of the qualities of the responsible coach. First and foremost, Todd's philosophy is that the kids must be having fun or they won't want to learn or play. Todd teaches them the skills, the rules of the game, but also works to build their confidence. He has a team huddle/chat before the game, at half time and after the game, reviewing what is going well and what they need to do differently. He also provides individual feedback to the girls when he sees a coachable moment. This is always done in a positive way. The girls all love playing for him!

Gene Evers
Team Name: Cambridge-Isanti
Team Location: Cambridge, MN
Team Level: Under 19
Nominator essay (edited):
Gene makes sure every child in his club and team get the most from their sport experience. Gene educates players in the skills and tactics, but more importantly challenges every child to work hard and be a good sport on and off the field. Gene encourages his parents to be respectful of officials and of the opposing parents and to applaud the efforts of both their own team and the opponent. Gene is "the" responsible coach.

Gregg Hibbeler
Team Name: QWEST Soccer Club, QWEST Rangers
Team Location: Kansas City, MO
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Hibbeler makes each practice fun and exciting for the children in a safe and encouraging environment. I have had the pleasure to work with Coach Hibbeler and know firsthand that his approach to teaching the game builds confidence, pride and self-esteem within the children that goes beyond the soccer field into everyday life. His teams exhibit outstanding sportsmanship to opposing teams and referees alike. He ensures that all children play and improve their skills and are recognized equally at the end of each season. Whether he is coaching his teams, promoting youth soccer, or upgrading his license, Coach Hibbeler's dedication is definitely visible in the community.

Ron King
Team Name: GGSA Extreme
Team Location: Leakesville, MS
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
We watched Coach Ron give of himself to help them become team players. His determination for each player to be involved and informed allowed them to love the sport of Soccer as much as he does. He remained consistent with his praise and with the constructive criticism while all along keeping the game fun. These years will always be a fond memory for my daughter as she looks back at the real beginning of what is now her favorite sport and favorite thing to do.

Charlie Webster
Team Name: Kootenai Rapids
Team Location: Libby, MT
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Charlie instills in our co-ed league the positive fun of playing competitively. Charlie focuses on every person's strengths; 'awards' at the end of the year include most assists, most encouraging player, best positive attitude, and other team- promoting rewards. Charlie will not allow ref-bashing and insists on positive reinforcements among our team, the opponent, the refs, and the parents.

Walter Ortiz
Team Name: FCCA U12 Boys Classic "Gauchos"
Team Location: Harrisburg, NC
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Walter exemplifies all the qualities of a responsible coach and is by far the best coach we have had the opportunity to work with. He demonstrates a personal commitment to both his team and the individuals he coaches - achieving excellence both on and off the field. He fosters a "team environment"" and focuses not only individual skill development but team mastery – resulting in highly effective soccer teams and young athletes with a passion for soccer. His passion and love of the game is contagious. We have learned so much from him and are truly grateful to have had the opportunity to work with him over the years. He is most deserving of this recognition.

Mario Zuniga
Team Name: Toro Spirit
Team Location: Omaha, NE
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Mario Zuniga not only teaches us fundamentals, foot work, techniques but he also make the game of soccer fun. On any given night there can be 4 or 5 Toro teams practicing and he will know each and every girl because he has coached them at some point. Mario knows soccer inside and out. He is a very tough coach but he never yells. Mario encourages me to be a better athlete, soccer player, and teammate. Thanks to Mario I am, where I am!

Bill Doucet
Team Name: Newmarket United
Team Location: Newmarket, NH
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
He believes in developing the best abilities in each player and adapts his communication techniques to the needs and abilities of each player. He works very hard to improve his coaching technique. The players respect him and work very hard to improve. He is an asset to the entire community.

Dan Manson
Team Name: Wall Wombats
Team Location: Wall, NJ
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Dan's focus is every single player getting the most out of the sport. He cares about every player not just as a player but as an individual. He has tremendous soccer knowledge but his best trait is that he teaches his players more about right and wrong and life lessons through the game that they all play. He is always a great sport and always is calm and leads by example on the field and off. He is amazing at making every player feel that they are the most important person on the team. I have never seen a coach create such a great family/team atmosphere. He truly is a responsible and dedicated coach and is deserving of this award.

Matt Geisel
Team Name: Racing
Team Location: Rio Rancho, NM
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Matt Geisel goes above and beyond what a volunteer coach needs to do. It is obvious that Matt does an outstanding job by watching his kids play with so much energy and excitement! Matt is a true ambassador to the sport and a wonderful role model for our youth. It is an honor to know such an outstanding citizen in our society. Matt is a true difference maker!

Willie Richard
Team Name: Las Vegas Empire Soccer Club Empire '94
Team Location: Las Vegas, NV
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
He pushes all of his players toward excellence both on and off the field, using academics as a gauge of success. His teams play top-notch soccer by acquiring technical skills and demonstrating tactical knowledge. More importantly, his players develop individual pride and harvest recognition as a group. Coach Will reminds us that success in life is measured by how many people remember your kindness.

Robert (Bob) Johnson
Team Name: Webster Soccer Association (BU15 and BU17 teams)
Team Location: Webster, NY
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
Bob Johnson consistently demonstrates, emphasizes, and expects sportsmanship from his players and parents. He leads by example and is calm on the sidelines. Bob is knowledgeable in the game of soccer and demonstrates the joy of soccer. He helps each player improve and enjoy soccer. Bob gives input to players that fosters development opportunities and good self-esteem. He continues to learn soccer by playing, watching, and studying.

Patrick O'Brien
Team Name: Lakota United Firehawks
Team Location: West Chester, OH
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
It is seldom that you find a coach with the combination of technical sports knowledge and the depth and breadth of what I would call "soft skills" that Coach O'Brien has. His ability to communicate, effectively to both players and parents, to model behavior that any parent would want their son or daughter to emulate, to treat players, coaches and parents with the ultimate of respect sets Pat O'Brien apart. Coach O'Brien is as much about developing men as he is about putting W's on the board. You could not ask for a better Responsible Coach Role Model.

John Crouch
Team Name: Tulsa Soccer Club Boys 97 White
Team Location: Tulsa, OK
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
John Crouch exemplifies a ""Responsible Coach"". He is unique in is his dedication to sportsmanship. He shows respect to players and referees without fail. He teaches players to respect each other and builds trust. He describes games as learning opportunities and his philosophy is contagious. Our parents now see tough teams as important competitors instead of enemies. The following excerpt is from a recent email and illustrates John's commitment to responsible coaching, ""We as parents/adults/coaches need to prepare ourselves before the tournament to handle whatever outcomes/results we get as either a great test that we learned from, or perhaps a great event that we excelled in. We've already had both and both have proven to be useful in the long-term journey of these players' development. We shouldn't invest so much in the chance to WIN, but in the chance to do our best and see where that gets us."" 

Helen Evans
Team Name: Salem United Newcastle
Team Location: Salem, OR
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
My boy is a better person, a better teammate, and a better soccer player for the experience to play under her direction... and I'm probably a far better sideline parent for her example and expectations. Helen is exactly the kind of adult that should be coaching. She's a fine soccer coach but her real strengths are in teaching our next generation about sportsmanship, hard work, citizenship, and leadership.

Sam Lee
Team Name: Lighthouse Wave
Team Location: Philadelphia, PA
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Sam has coached my twin boys since 2003, even though he is a very busy man. He has seven children of his own and still takes the time to coach two teams in our all volunteer club. He is always pleasant and kind in everything he does. Both of his teams show excellent sportsmanship, something they learned from him. Many of the boys and girls on his teams are also great friends off the soccer field, again something that he instills in them. You could not find anyone move deserving of this recognition.

Tom Conrad
Team Name: MYSC U19
Team Location: Middletown, RI
Team Level: Under 19
Nominator essay (edited):
Tom Conrad has been involved with the founding and continued activities of Middletown Youth Soccer Club since 1994. As with most youth coaches, he wanted to get the best program availble for his child. That child has long since 'graduated' from the youth soccer ranks. U19 age group is a difficult enough age group to coach, but without the spur of family, not many choose to undertake the challenge. Tom has and continues. Five years ago, Tom's health declined. He needed a liver transplant. Although he didn't feel well at all, he never mentioned "retiring" or a season off. Fortunately for the team, Tom has a new liver, and he continues with his inspired coaching.

Barry Whittington
Team Name: Hampton-Varnville Storm
Team Location: Hampton-Varnville, SC
Team Level: Under 19
Nominator essay (edited):
Barry Whittington has coached the Hampton-Varnville Storm Girls team for over eight years. He encourages the kids to aim higher. He has taken girls to college camps for training. He also encourages the girls to take risks by playing positions out of their comfort levels. These girls look up to him. He is an outstanding coach and leader in our community. He truly loves soccer and without him in our club some things just would not happen for the kids.

Dan Davis
Team Name: Challenge Destiny
Team Location: Rapid City, SD
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
I nominate Dan Davis for the Responsible Coach Award. He exudes a respect and passion for the game and encourages this in his players. Dan expects his players to be good role models be it mentoring for younger players, volunteering at a league soccer picnic to doing their part for the community attending a City Council meeting in show of support for a Soccer Complex that would benefit the whole community. They are expected to be responsible for themselves, be on time and prepared for practice or a game, while having fun. Dan's teams show the top of the line sportsmanship whether or not they win or lose. Some may go on to play soccer in college or professionally, but rest assured, they will remember the great life lessons taught by this coach.

Ashley Halter
Team Name: Brentwood Beat
Team Location: Brentwood, TN
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
Ashley Halter is the best representation of what I want my daughter to grow up to be. She has been an inspiration for my daughter and others for the last five years. She has instilled self confidence in the girls that she has touched. She has made academics a priority for the girls that she coaches. She encourages truth and honestly from all of the girls that she coaches. Because of these qualities these girls that play for her will leave this program better prepared to become citizens of the world.

Gary Rodriguez
Team Name: Knights
Team Location: Frisco, TX
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Gary is incredibly professional. He plays by the rules. He has gained the respect of the children thru his actions...he does not yell at them and is amazingly patient. The children are rotated thru during playing time...no one "star" plays the entire game. Coach Gary is a positive role model for the children! I have never heard him complain, he's always on time and is truly dedicated to his team! His initial email of the season to the parents includes the following information... Also we will review the 3 R's Respect for Yourself, Respect for your Teammates, Respect the Game. Our team philosophy is simple we want the boys to develop basic soccer skill fundamentals, respect for good sportsmanship (which includes the above) and most importantly to have fun.. GO KNIGHTS!

Justus Koelliker
Team Name: Sparta 96 Premier Blue
Team Location: Sandy, UT
Team Level: Under 12
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Koelliker's way of teaching soccer is by example as he demonstrates techniques and uses patience and kind words of encouragement. He also recognizes the value of example in teaching life skills, sportsmanship, and personal excellence. When a player makes a mistake on the field, coach Koelliker usually tries to personally let the player know what he did wrong, tells him the right way, and follows up by asking if they understand.. He tries to catch them when they make the right move or play and lets them know of their accomplishment. On the field and off, coach Koelliker cheers for his players. He wants them to learn to love ""the beautiful game"" and grow into ""beautiful"" adults. At Coach Koelliker's wedding in 2005 the players came to the reception and gathered around and gave him a cheer! They, too, appreciate and want the best for their coach.

Tara Hagy
Team Name: CYA (Chantilly Youth Association) Mako Sharks
Team Location: Herndon, VA
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Tara Hagy is the definition of a truly responsible coach. She clearly exhibits ALL of the skills you define as a responsible coach. Her first rule was about respect for self, team, coaches, parents, opponents and referees. She supported their personal growth as well as skill improvement. If girls needed to miss a practice because of a school project, all that was requested was that the player (not the parent) contact the coach. Teaching responsibility was a core skill. ""Play hard, have fun"" was the chant at the beginning of each game. She ensured all girls played equal game time, rotating positions, attempting to expose girls to all aspects of the game. At the end of every game, after the players shake hands with opponents, she taught her players to go over and do the same with the referees. I saw no other team do that! She infuses these lessons, extending them to her ""Life Lessons"" for the girls. Coach Tara is truly and outstanding and responsible coach!

Ken Ward
Team Name: KMSC Lasers Girls U16 1st Division
Team Location: Wales, WI
Team Level: Under 16
Nominator essay (edited):
He has brought the girls from U11B up to U16 1st Division through hard work & personal goal setting by the team & individual players. He has talked to them about making good choices regarding drugs & alcohol & the effect of these choices on their life in & out of soccer. He keeps up with their school work & encourages the girls to keep family & education first. I believe that each member of his team will grow up to remember Ken as a life changing adult in their life.

Mike Cox
Team Name: Wildcats
Team Location: Bainbridge Island, WA
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Mike Cox has always put the responsibility of teaching the bigger picture of sports ahead of winning or losing the game. He has not only taught our sons how to become better soccer players he has also taught them how to become better young men. His commitment to our sons, their families, and ""Having Fun Playing the Game"" make him my Responsible Coach of the Year.

Heather Awbery
Team Name: Rivercity Strikers
Team Location: Spokane, WA
Team Level: Under 14
Nominator essay (edited):
Heather has coached many of the same girls since they first began soccer which demonstrates the girls' commitment to her as a fabulous coach both in skills and character. She's a role model on and off the field and has set her goals in perspective for life's true lessons that are linked to a team sport and not just connected to a "win" defined by a higher score at the game. She teaches what really matters in life for these young girls' years and for functioning in "real life" through adult years.

Ed Salcedo
Team Name: U9 Red Devils
Team Location: Washington, DC
Team Level: Under 10
Nominator essay (edited):
Coach Ed has has put good sportsmanship as his first priority, behind every other aspect of team sports. He has demonstrated his own great sportsmanship in the face of some other coaches who were forgetting they were supposed to role model for their kids. And he never let that slip, no matter the provocation. Because of this, our kids have become a team in a way that you often do not see at this age and level. It has been thrilling to watch the skills excel on that kind of a foundation. We are all proud to have a child on his team.