The memory of Goaziou, who was involved in soccer for more than 25 years as a coach and administrator, is honored with two one-year scholarships in the amount of $1,250 to be awarded to one male and one female attending a post-secondary education institution for the first time in Fall 2022. The scholarships are awarded based on community service and giving back to the game of soccer.
Goaziou served as treasurer of US Youth Soccer and the Florida Youth Soccer Association, as well as chairman of the US Youth Soccer Budget and Olympic Development Program Committees. In 1994 he took office as the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Treasurer and was re-elected three times (1998, 2000 and 2004). Beyond the soccer world, Goaziou also served his country in the U.S. Marine Corps.
2023 Female Winner: Willa Pratt
Biography: Pratt will bring the success she had at the high school level with her as she embarks on the next step of next journey. She was the Mohawk Valley Player of the Year and a won the 2021 New York State Class A Championship with New Hartford Senior High School -- in addition to four USYS Eastern New York State Championships with the Coliseum Inferno.
Pratt successfully navigated a rigorous schedule full of advanced placement classes at New Hartford while leading her team to consecutive state championship appearances, earning academic recognition by way of the President’s Award, AP Scholar status, and induction into the National Honor Society.
Pratt is also an active volunteer and has long credited her Coliseum Inferno coaches as one of the reasons she started giving back. Her benevolent efforts, particularly with Little Kickers and in the creation of an annual STEM camp, have cemented Pratt’s legacy in central New York State.
College planning to attend: University of Delaware
2023 Male Winner: Kai Hatten
Biography: Hatten’s experiences in soccer, including playing with the Boise Timbers Thorns and serving a five-year stint as team captain of the Idaho Olympic Development Program, have been decisive factors in his growth and contributed to the winning that Hatten’s high school, Timberline, became accustomed to. During his last three years of secondary school in southern Idaho, Hatten propelled his team to a district championship, state championship, and three academic state championships -- while placing in the top five percent of his class.
Hatten’s academic achievements are just as impressive, including being an AP Scholar with Distinction, a National Merit finalist, a U.S. Presidential Scholar candidate, a Johnson Scholar candidate, and a member of the National Honor Society.
Hatten is also a successful referee and a frequent volunteer at local hospitals, food banks, assisted living centers, and domestic violence shelters.
College planning to attend: Santa Clara University