US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame

2023 Inductees

Joy Fawcett | Player

Fawcett’s legendary career began in her early teenage years as a member of the Orange County Youth Soccer Club. She quickly stood out amongst her peers, and at just 14 years old, Fawcett was selected to both the Olympic Development Program and the United States Youth National Team. Having continued to make a name for herself against the best players in the country, Fawcett had her pick of colleges when it came time to decide where she wanted to further her career. Fawcett chose to stay close to home, attending the University of California, Berkeley, and went on to have an illustrious career for the Golden Bears. During her four years in Berkeley, Fawcett was a two-time national player of the year, three-time first team All-American, and still holds the program record for most goals in a single season (23).

Fawcett graduated from UC Berkeley in 1989 and began her professional career with Ajax, the Manhattan Beach Club’s team. Two short years later, Fawcett had reached the pinnacle of the sport as a World Cup winner in the first-ever women’s tournament. Throughout the next decade plus of her career, Fawcett, who appeared in a total of 239 games for her country, went on to win two Olympic gold medals and a second World Cup. Fawcett cemented an off-field legacy to go along with her record-setting career as a founding member of the Women’s United Soccer Association in 2001, just three years before she hung up her cleats for good.

Dr. Lauren Gregg | Coach

Dr. Lauren Gregg enters the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame having been a trailblazer her whole career. From her early days as a member of both the Massachusetts and North Carolina Olympic Development Programs, or when she was named an All-American with Wellesley High School, Gregg was paving the way for younger generations. She started her college career at Lehigh University — on the men’s junior varsity team. Gregg spent two years with the Mountain Hawks before transferring to Harvard University, where she named a first team All-American in 1981. Gregg then transferred to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she won an AIAW Championship and the first-ever NCAA Championship in 1982.

Once Gregg’s playing days were over, she quickly transitioned to the next phase of her career — coaching. She returned to both North Carolina and Harvard as an assistant coach and went on to win another National Championship with the Tar Heels one year after graduating. Gregg also coached the Virginia Cavaliers for nearly a decade, earning numerous coaching accolades and leading them to the first Final Four in program history along the way. In addition to Gregg’s collegiate-level coaching career, she has long been a coach at the professional level. Gregg was a member of the United States women’s national team staff during two World Cup winning campaigns (1991 and 1999) and an Olympic triumph (1996), and was most recently an assistant for the Nigerian women’s national football team that made a storybook run in the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Gregg’s inspiring career has seen her appointed to numerous committees, earn multiple awards, and even receive induction into the United States Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame.

Dave Laraba | Administrator

For more than four decades, Dave Laraba has transformed the sport of soccer in his state of West Virginia. Laraba has always found a way to make a positive impact on the game as a member of numerous U.S. Soccer, US Youth Soccer, and West Virginia Soccer Association committees/councils. Laraba is a championship-winning coach, too, having won three Region I Championships with the now-West Virginia Rapids, a club he founded, as well as three county championships with the Park Junior High School in only five years on the school’s sidelines. From his first day as the President of Beckley Raleigh County YMCA Soccer Association to now, three decades in as the Executive Director of the West Virginia Soccer Association, the Mountain State and US Youth Soccer owe many thanks to Laraba for his continued efforts in growing the game.

2022 Inductees

James Martella | Administrator

Martella’s diligence and determination were never done with the thought of personal accolades, but those were quick to follow. In 1985, Martella was honored as the recipient of the Bill Schrandt Award, given to an individual who has provided a substantial contribution to the Southeast Cincinnati Soccer Association. Martella has also received two awards from US Youth Soccer for his commitment to the sport: the Region II Angus Cameron Award (2005) and the National Administrator of the Year (2010). Martella’s legacy was cemented even more after his induction into the Ohio Soccer Hall of Fame (2011) and recognition on MLS’ 100 Top Soccer Leaders list.

Roy Smithers | Administrator

In just four years as President of the South Austin Youth Soccer Association, Smithers grew the club to become the second largest in the Capital Area Youth Soccer Association with more than 400 new players. In the two years Smithers spent with CAYSA, he was able to add five new associations to the membership, bringing the player registration to more than 8,000, which was the largest member association in South Texas. Smithers also worked tirelessly to grant more opportunities to girls in the sport, helping create their first select team and all-star program. He then oversaw the South Texas Youth Soccer Association for more than 10 years, which included 29 member associations and leagues that were home to more than 65,000 players.

2021 Inductees

DaMarcus Beasley | Player

DaMarcus Beasley has had a storied career in the professional ranks, culminating in 126 appearances for the United States Men’s National Team. For the past four years, Beasley has operated a network of youth soccer camps in the Ft. Wayne area in hopes of continuing the growth of youth soccer. Even though he has retired from playing, Beasley continues to show the kids what made him an international star and one of the most celebrated American players of all time.

Pat Pullen | Administrator

Pat Pullen served the soccer community as a trusted insurance and risk management advisor, and was the broker of choice for the majority of the state soccer associations, for over 20 years. He worked closely with the US Youth Soccer Risk Management Committee to advise and assist on various issues that the soccer community faced. Pullen Insurance Services also provided many educational workshops at both the state and national level in hopes of supporting the objectives of the USYS Risk Management Committee.

Kathy Zolad | Adminstrator

Kathy Zolad has been involved in all facets of the game of soccer, starting as a team manager for her children’s teams to supporting women and girls playing the game. If not for her strong relationships and desire to open the world of soccer to young ladies, many women athletes would not have found their college teams. Much of Zolad’s success comes from her ability to recognize that the world of soccer administration is dynamic and continually evolving. She is a visionary and leader in the soccer community as she has always put the interests of the organization, its members, and players ahead of her own.

Tom Mendoth | Administrator

Tom Mendoth is credited with leading the implementation of a round-robin tournament for Region IV and the states it encompasses. That experience gave him great insight as to the issues involved in the single-elimination format that tournaments had previously used. Mendoth was then able to use that experience and help the National Championship Committee begin using the round-robin format, giving teams more opportunity to compete in the tournament. It has since grown from a weekend event to a week-long event. The changes in the format of the National Championship Tournament are a testament to Mendoth’s work in youth soccer.

Jesse Harrell | Administrator

Jesse Harrell has been a passionate supporter and advocator of youth soccer for nearly four decades. Even though his efforts started at the club level, Harrell continued to have an impact in the soccer community through the state, regional, and national levels. He was able to discover what works well in providing youth soccer programs to the regional and national levels. Harrell’s contributions have been felt in nearly every facet of the game as a soccer parent, coach, player, referee, volunteer, and administrator.

2019 Inductees

Rick Tompkins | Administrator

For over three decades, Rick Tompkins has dedicated much of his time to the growth of the game of soccer. He’ s been involved in many aspects, from being active as a coach on the field to serving off the field as a member of the US Youth Risk Management committee Tompkins played an instrumental role in promoting the need for US Youth Soccer to develop a strong Risk Management program. He has served as member and chair of the US Youth Risk Management Committee for 14 years.

Susanne Conlon | Administrator

Susanne Conlon has been an active member in the soccer world, beginning in 1987 as a referee assignor , and assisting in the founding of the club which was the first Georgia Soccer affiliated club in the area. Conlon played a significant role in growing the TOPSoccer program in Georgia , as well as introducing TOPSoccer – Rama for the Special Needs school population. Serving the soccer community in various ways, Conlon has taken on the positions of club registrar, USSF referee, coach, program director, president, and vice president. Within those positions, Conlon also shared her time directly within many US Youth Soccer committees.

2018 Inductees

Brian McBride (Arlington Park, Ill.) | Player

Brian McBride is an American soccer legend who played in three World Cups and represented his country over 90 times. McBride grew up in Illinois and played soccer in his hometown of Arlington Park. He played his entire youth career for the Arlington Aces where his U10 team won the Illinois Youth Soccer Championship. McBride, known by all for his positive demeanor, was always a confident and aggressive striker from the beginning to the end his professional career. 

Jim Cosgrove (Plano, Texas) | Administrator

For nearly two decades, Jim Cosgrove helped push US Youth Soccer forward, serving in different capacities as he helped benefit the game for all kids. Cosgrove’s influence in US Youth Soccer can be felt in all aspects of the organization from budget creation to the implementation of new communications channels and technologies. 

John Sutter (Carrollton, Texas) | Administrator

John Sutter was elected President of US Youth Soccer in 2010 after serving three years on the US Youth Soccer BOD as Member at Large. During his six years as President, he was faced with many challenges. Believing strongly that US Youth Soccer needed to change; he restarted a strategic planning initiative that brought the entire membership into the process.

2017 Inductees

Amy Allman Griffin (Seattle) | Player

Amy Allman Griffin has dedicated her entire life to the game of soccer, beginning with 14 years as a US Youth Soccer player with Washington State Youth Soccer on various teams and within the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program. Griffin went on to play as a goalkeeper at the University of Central Florida, was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team, coached several teams at the college level as well as the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team.

Dennis Brumfield (Point Pleasant, W.Va.) | Administrator

Dennis Brumfield has been an active member of the US Youth Soccer family for more than 30 years. In that time, Brumfield first became involved in his home state of West Virginia before then using his accounting knowledge at the Regional and National levels to help implement sound financial practices into US Youth Soccer. In addition to his accounting background, Brumfield also is an active member of the referee community.

2016 Inductees

​Tony Buiniskis (Liverpool, N.Y.) | Administrator    

Anthony “Tony” Buiniskis became involved in soccer in 1979, when his son started to play. Buiniskis started out as a coach, and then became a board member of a major club in the Syracuse area, as well as a travel director and a State Cup director. Buiniskis had a passion for education and training at all levels and as a result, the game of soccer grew exponentially under his radar.

2015 Inductees

Evelyn Gill (Princeton, N.J.) | Administrator    

Evelyn Gill has been devoted to youth soccer on the local, state and national level for over three decades. Gill has been committed to strengthening and planning for the future in every position she has held. Gill has dedicated over 30 years to youth soccer to help develop, advance and promote programs and services for all players, and took to heart that youth soccer is “The Game for All Kids”. 

Peggy Neason (Eighty Four, Pa.) | Administrator
While her beginnings can be traced back to the simple desire to coach her kids and become a referee, Peggy Neason has now become synonymous with Western Pennsylvania youth soccer and was instrumental in the creating of TOPSoccer and its implementation across Western Pennsylvania. Neason believes fully in coaching from the heart, which in turn allows every player to be treated equally and be able to enjoy the game she loves. 

Bob Wertz (Baton Rouge, La.) | Referee
For more than 40 years, Bob Wertz has contributed to referee programs at the state, regional and national levels of soccer in the United States, and his influence can be seen in hundreds of officials across the country. Wertz is a life member of the U.S. Soccer Federation Referee Program, as well as State Referee emeritus and a National Assessor emeritus. The Bob Wertz award is presented to a participating referee at the US Youth Soccer Region III Championships who displays leadership and support to his or her fellow referees.  

2014 Inductees

Bob Abbott (Baton Rouge, La.) | Administrator
For more than 30 years, Bob Abbott has been a key part of soccer in the state of Louisiana and for US Youth Soccer as a whole. Abbott’s presence has become commonplace on a variety of US Youth Soccer committees. Bob was a member of both the United States Soccer Federation Constitution Review Committee and the US Youth Soccer Constitutional Rewrite Committee in the late 1990s.

Bob Brantley (Greenville, S.C.) | Administrator

Bob Brantley has served on the US Youth Soccer Risk Management Committee since its inception. He was the US Youth Soccer Region III (South) representative in the early 1990s before a risk management program even existed. The work of the committee came at a time when awareness was growing dramatically in society of the problems associated with child safety and of the extent to which organizations working with youth need to take steps to address the problems.

Wally Lyslo (Burnsville, Minn.) | Referee

Ever since soccer began to grow in Minnesota, Wally Lyslo has been there as a person everyone could look up to in the referee community. Wally got his start as a volunteer referee in 1973, when his son became old enough to play under Minnesota rules. Eight years later, he registered as a referee with the U.S. Soccer Federation — beginning his long run as a valuable referee, assignor and instructor at the state, regional and national level.

2013 Inductees

Dr. Thomas Fleck (Pinellas Park, Fla.) | Coach
For more than 40 years, Dr. Thomas Fleck fostered the physical, mental and emotional growth and development of America’s youth through the sport of soccer at all levels of age and competition. He was recognized in 2005 as the inaugural recipient of the US Youth Soccer Dr. Thomas Fleck Excellence in Youth Coaching Education Award, designed to honor a lifetime of dedication where one has with integrity, honor, humor and humility made extensive and far reaching contributions to the process by which youth soccer coaches are educated in America.

Virgil Lewis (Corpus Christi, Texas) | Coach and Administrator
For more than three decades, Virgil Lewis has been a very influential part of the growth of youth soccer in the United States as both a coach and administrator. Many of those close to Lewis will say that his endless pursuit to promote the game is motivated by his immense love of soccer and all it offers.

Charlotte Moran (Churchville, Pa.) | Administrator
Charlotte Moran was involved with youth soccer for 30 years as an administrator in nearly every way possible — helping advance the game at the local, state, regional and national levels. Her contributions to the game began when she worked as a team manager and grew through the years to soccer’s biggest stage, as she was a member of the Local Organizing Committee for the 2003 Women’s World Cup’s Philadelphia venue. .

Jon and Connie Bivens (Upland, Calif.) | Meritorious 
Jon and Connie Bivens’ involvement in youth soccer began as parents nearly 40 years ago when they were “drafted” as a coach, referee and team mom. From that point on, their influence on the game and their love of soccer continued to grow.

2012 Inductees

David Messersmith (McKinney, Texas) | Administrator

For more than 20 years, David Messersmith has dedicated himself to the development of youth soccer. His commitment and service has been diverse and extensive, and it culminated in his election and service as President of US Youth Soccer from 2000 to 2006. Messersmith remains active in US Youth Soccer and serves as the Executive Director of the North Texas Youth Soccer Association.

Lawrence Monaco, Jr. (Montross, Va.) | Administrator
Larry Monaco became actively involved in soccer in 1970, when he established “Soccer on the Hill,” the first Washington, D.C. youth soccer league. More than 40 years later, Monaco has a record full of service and positions held to further the advancement of youth soccer. He’s advised many others on issues in youth soccer and continues to give to the game today.

2011 Inductees

Adele Dolansky (Fairfax, Va.) | Administrator

Adele Dolansky began her dedication to youth soccer three decades ago when she first became coach for the Fairfax Police Youth Club. Since that time, Dolansky’s volunteer service to youth soccer in Virginia, Region I and beyond has impacted countless youth soccer players. Currently, Dolansky serves as the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series Region I chairwoman. 

Kasey Keller (Seattle, Wash.) | Player

Kasey Keller started his soccer playing career in the shoes of nearly every youth soccer player—he began with US Youth Soccer. Keller first laced up his cleats as an Under-7 player for the Woodlawn Cemetery Diggers Booters Soccer Club, a member of Washington State Youth Soccer. His youth soccer journey led him to several clubs and years on US Youth Soccer ODP Washington state teams, as well as US Youth Soccer regional teams and U.S. Soccer Youth National Teams. 

Irene Niemotka (Plano, Texas) | Meritorious

Irene Niemotka retired from US Youth Soccer as director of membership and business operations at the end of 2010 ending a memorable and influential 19-year career with the national office. Niemotka was involved in many of the national office firsts from launching a website and IT system, to the development of the marketing and coaching departments and the creation of the US Youth Soccer Foundation. 

2010 Inductees

Wayne L. “Chris” Christoffersen (Overland Park, Kan.) | Administrator
Wayne L. “Chris” Christoffersen was a founding member and the first president of the Kansas State Youth Soccer Association, a proud member of US Youth Soccer. Prior to the formation of the State Association, he was the vice president of the Heart of America Soccer Association. He was the US Youth Soccer Region II Director from 1994 to 2006, serving on the board of directors. During this time, Region II started the US Youth Soccer Midwest Regional League.

Dr. Robert “Dr. Bob” Contiguglia (Denver) | Administrator
Dr. Robert “Dr. Bob” Contiguglia served as president of US Youth Soccer from 1990 to 1996. He also secured the first national sponsorship and introduced Soccer Start (now Soccer Across America). In 1980, he served as president of the Colorado Youth Soccer, a proud member of US Youth Soccer. During his eight years as Colorado president, Contiguglia grew the organization from 3,000 to 33,000 members. He also introduced coach and referee training programs. From 1990 to the present, Contiguglia has served on the U.S. Soccer Federation board of directors, serving as president from 1998 to 2006. In 2010, he was honored with the Werner Fricker Builder Award by U.S. Soccer for his work furthering soccer.

Elmer Ehlers (Milwaukee) | Administrator
Elmer Ehlers served 10 years as Region II director on US Youth Soccer’s board of directors (1984-94). This was a period of great growth for youth soccer and membership increased by more than one million players. Also on the national stage, Ehlers remained involved in the US Youth Soccer National Championship Series after he retired as regional director. He contributed to the US Youth Soccer Region II Championships in whatever capacity was needed year after year. Because of his contributions to US Youth Soccer, the Under-14 Girls US Youth Soccer National Championship Cup was named the Elmer Ehlers Cup in his honor in 2002. Ehlers passed away in May 2001.

Darl Rose (Las Vegas) | Administrator
Darl Rose began his involvement as a charter member of United States Youth Soccer Nevada. From 1974 through 1988, he served as treasurer, vice chairman, chairman and past chairman. In 1980, Rose became involved in US Youth Soccer committees including the regional protest and appeals, National McGuire Cup and budget. He was elected US Youth Soccer Region IV Director in 1988 and served on the board of directors through 2006. Rose was also on the U.S. Soccer Federation board during that period. He served on several U.S. Soccer committees and served as the head of delegation for several National Team trips abroad. In 2001, Rose was awarded the U.S. Soccer President’s Award.

2009 Inductees

Karl Grosch, Founder
Karl Grosch wrote the initial US Youth Soccer constitution, bylaws and rules and regulation in 1974 with fellow Hall of Fame member Don Greer and Robert Nessler. Their actions led to US Youth Soccer uniting all youth soccer programs throughout the United States. Grosch, Greer and Nessler spent three days mapping out US Youth Soccer’s organization. Although it was revolutionary at the time, their goal was to provide a democratic structure to provide uniform rules and guidelines to facilitate intrastate, interstate and international play. In 1974 at the U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) annual general meeting in New York City, the 58^th Annual USSF Council officially formed and recognized US Youth Soccer as an affiliated, self-governing body for youth soccer in the United States. US Youth Soccer had 100,000 players at the time. 

Jimmie Wofford (Richardson, Texas) Founder
Jimmie Wofford discovered soccer when a local professional team visited her children’s school. That encounter lead to Wofford’s involvement in US Youth Soccer where she helped create the bylaws and she served as the first US Youth Soccer Region III director from 1974-1979. Wofford opened doors for girls’ soccer and was instrumental in creating a female interstate tournament for Region III.  In 1976, Wofford became the first women’s commissioner for U.S. Soccer. She was also the first executive director of North Texas State Soccer Association and also served as secretary. Within her community, she assisted in writing the bylaws of the Richardson (Texas) Soccer Association. 

Mavis Derflinger, Administrator
Mavis Derflinger began her soccer career coaching a girls’ team in Lee, N.Y., in 1969. In the 1970s, Derflinger teamed with Rael Vodicka to form the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS) where she served as treasurer. Derflinger was elected the president of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association from 1979-1981. She also held the position of Region I director for US Youth Soccer from 1981-1986. In the early 1980s, she became the first female board member of the USSF. In 1986, she was elected as chairwoman of US Youth Soccer, which put her on the USSF Executive Committee. She served as chairwoman through 1990. 

Julie Foudy, Player
Julie Foudy began playing team soccer when she was seven years old. She helped the Mission Viejo Soccerettes from California Youth Soccer Association South win the Under-16 Girls US Youth Soccer National Championship in 1986. She was the captain of the U.S. Women’s National Team for 13 of her 18 years on the team. Foudy is also a two-time FIFA World Cup champion (1991 and 1999) and participated in two other World Cups. She finished her National Team career with 45 goals, 59 assists and 271 international appearances (caps). Foudy was a part of the Olympic gold medalist teams in 1996 and 2004 and the silver medalist team in 2000. 

2008 Inductees

John Hilske, Founder
John Hilske was a visionary in the early years of soccer for US Youth Soccer. He labored tirelessly to develop youth soccer and helped elevate soccer to its current level of popularity. In 1969, Hilske became one of the founding fathers of the Nebraska State Soccer Association. In 1976, he was elected as US Youth Soccer Region II Director. He served on the board until 1984. He also served on the Hall of Fame, Rules and Sub-Olympic Committees. During his tenure as regional director, the membership in Region II grew from 20,000 players to over 165,000. Today, Region II has over 660,000 registered members. 

Julius Roth, Founder
Julius Roth was one of the first organizers and founders of US Youth Soccer. His greatest contributions were his persistent and generous efforts toward the development of youth and women’s soccer programs. Roth identified and organized US Youth Soccer State Associations in the Midwest, and lobbied to have women’s soccer recognized by the U.S. Soccer Federation. In 1974, he became the first US Youth Soccer Region II Director. In 1975, he was chairman of the James P. McGuire Cup, now part of the US Youth Soccer National Championships Series. In 1977, Roth served as Chairman of the Appeals Committee for US Youth Soccer Region II. In 1981, he served on the US Youth Soccer Region II Planning Committee. 

Michelle Akers, Player
Michelle Akers grew up playing US Youth Soccer in California and Washington. In high school, she won a state championship and was a three-time All-American. While playing for the University of Central Florida, she was a four-time NSCAA All-American and the first woman to be awarded the Hermann Trophy, as most outstanding NCAA Division I soccer player. Akers played in the 1991 and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cups and in 1999, she was named the FIFA Women’s Player of the Century. In 1996, she was a part of the U.S. women’s team that captured the gold medal in Atlanta. 

John Harkes, Player
John Harkes grew up playing with Thistle FC, proud member of New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association. He earned his first full international cap in May of 1987 playing with the U.S. Men’s National Team and played in the 1990 and 1994 FIFA World Cups. Harkes played in the 1988 Olympic Games and was also the founding player and captain of Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. Harkes had 167 career appearances with MLS and played in five All-Star Games (1996-2000). In 2003, Harkes announced his retirement from professional soccer, but continued to be active in the game as the US Youth Soccer spokesperson in the inaugural year of Youth Soccer Month and a commentator for ESPN.

Kristine Lilly, Player
Kristine Lilly is a standout in the soccer community and still gives tribute to her beginnings when she played US Youth Soccer in Connecticut. Lilly was honored at the 2003 US Youth Soccer National Championships, when the Under-15 Girls trophy took her name. Lilly’s soccer resume boasts three state championships in high school, four NCAA Championships, 340 appearances with the U.S. Women’s National Team, five appearances at the FIFA World Cup (two championships) and three Olympic Games (two gold medals). Each summer, she runs the Kristine Lilly Soccer Academy and also works with Special Olympics of Connecticut. Lilly will be playing in the new Women’s Professional League for the Boston Breakers. 

2007 Charter Member

Donald Greer, Founder
Donald Greer (1927-1998) was truly dedicated to the sport and aspired to influence its growth and organization at all levels.  In 1968, he founded the California Youth Soccer Association where he served as president until 1975. Greer’s vision wasn’t limited to the borders of California as he set to make an impact at a national level.  He served as the United States Soccer Federation vice president from 1972-1984. During this time, Greer founded US Youth Soccer in 1974. He served as its Chairman until 1984. Greer’s vision launched the James P. McGuire Cup, the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program and established regional and sub-regional youth programs for member State Associations.  Under Greer’s leadership, the number of players participating ballooned from 32,000 to over 1.3 million.  Today, US Youth Soccer is the largest youth sports organization in the nation with over 3 million registered players annually. In 1992, Greer received the US Youth Soccer Founder’s Award and in 1993, the US Youth Soccer Under-17 Boys National Championship was named “The Don Greer Cup” in his honor.