Virginia’s Monica Lovett-Groat and Wisconsin’s Xavier Rico honored at Awards Gala

BALTIMORE (Jan. 15, 2016) — The recipients of the 2015 US Youth Soccer Competitive Coach of the Year award for Boys and Girls were announced tonight at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, held in conjunction with the 2016 US Youth Soccer Workshop in Baltimore. The national US Youth Soccer Competitive Coaches of the Year award winners are Monica Lovett-Groat of Stafford, Va., (Girls) and Xavier Rico of Milwaukee, Wisc., (Boys).

Hilary Kennedy, host of The US Youth Soccer Show, set the stage for the night as the master of ceremonies for the more than 1,000 in attendance. Boys and Girls Recreation Coaches of the Year, Young Referee of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year and the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award were also presented during the Gala, and the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductees were honored, as well.

Monica Lovett-Groat coaches multiple teams and instills a sense of family, both on and off the field, with all of her players. She is a former collegiate and professional player who holds several coaching licenses and is currently in the process of obtaining her USSF “D” License. Lovett-Groat has a talent for helping her players understand the game and has created an environment in which her players enjoy spending time together and developing their skills.

Xavier Rico encourages ingenuity and creativity in his players, and his coaching has helped his SC Waukesha team develop into one of the top teams in US Youth Soccer Region II and qualify for the US Youth Soccer National League. Rico holds the USSF “B” License and is always looking for ways to study the game. He is also very involved in the community — helping with fundraisers and launching his own website to promote cancer awareness.

Recipients of the Competitive Coach of the Year awards are selected by the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors on the basis of sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and community involvement (citizenship).

For bios on each of the regional award winners, click here.

These coaches have committed to continued education and self-sacrifice to give back to the sport they love with the hope that they might enhance one of their players abilities and quality of life. US Youth Soccer is proud to highlight these Competitive Coaches of the Year for their time and efforts in contributing to America's youth through the great game of soccer. By promoting teamwork, discipline, fitness and fair play these coaches are making a difference.

For more information about the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala and award winners, go to USYouthSoccer.org/workshop/galaawards.