Washington’s Angela L. Huber and Arkansas’ Patrick McCrory honored at Awards Gala

BALTIMORE (Jan. 15, 2016) — The recipients of the 2015 US Youth Soccer Recreation 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 at the NSCAA Convention in Baltimore. The national US Youth Soccer Recreation Coaches of the Year award winners are Angela L. Huber of Rochester, Wash., (Girls) and Patrick McCrory of Vilonia, Ark., (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 Competitive Coaches of the Year, Young Referees of the Year, Administrator of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Goal and Save of the Year, TOPSoccer Buddy and Coach of the Year, the Dr. Thomas Fleck Award, and the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame inductees were honored, as well.

One word to sum up Angela Huber’s coaching style is “fun.” In more than three years as their coach, her players have increased their competitiveness but continue to enjoy their soccer experiences. Huber mixes in drills she knows the girls will love, and she has an ability to relate to each individual on her team by understanding how to motivate each player. She encourages her players to compete on their school teams and supports them in whatever athletic pursuits they take on.

Patrick McCrory and his wife, Barbara, took over the struggling Vilonia Soccer program a few years ago and turned it into a club for which the town can be proud. McCrory began as a volunteer coach and has since obtained several coaching licenses and certifications. He is a regular at coaching meetings in the state and focuses on the physical and emotional development of young athletes. He has been instrumental to his club as both a coach and leader.

Recipients of the Recreation 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 Recreation 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.