Ali Krieger (Player) - Inducted 2025

Ali began her soccer career playing for the Prince William Sparklers, coached by her father, Ken Krieger. While she was with the team, the Sparklers would become the Under 16 Girls National Runners-Up at the 2000 Snickers® US Youth Soccer National Championship.

 

She continued playing soccer throughout high school, receiving multiple honors as three-year team captain at Forest HS in Woodbridge, VA.

 

Ali attended Penn State University from 2003 to 2006. In her four years, she played in 94 matches, and by her senior year Ali was labelled Penn State’s Most Valuable Player. She became the only Nittany Lion to ever be given All-American honors at two different positions, having played as both a defender and midfielder for the team.

 

Ali continued her career after college and was invited to play at a professional level. She was first signed to the Washington Freedom in 2004 and bounced between various teams—such as the prodigious FFC Frankfurt, and Tyreso FF—over the course of her almost 20-year career.

 

In 2008, Ali competed in her first Olympics. She became a near-permanent fixture in the US Women’s National Team lineup and represented the United States at three World Cups (World Cup Runner-Up in 2011 and a World Cup Champion in 2015 and 2019). She played a key part in the defense that held opponents scoreless for a record 540 minutes during the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Final.

 

Ali officially retired from soccer in 2023, leaving behind a legacy of excellence and countless accolades too numerous to list in full.

Dan Karbassiyoon (Player) - Inducted 2025

Daniel “Danny” Karbassiyoon’s soccer career began at the age of six, when he joined the Roanoke Star Soccer Club. He played for the club for thirteen years, becoming a fixture of their senior team.

While playing for Roanoke Star, Danny played for the McDonald’s All-American team, along with the Olympic Development Program Regional team. He attended the Elite Soccer Program Camp in Wilmington NC, where he was then noticed by an Arsenal scout.

 

In 2003, Danny was officially signed by Arsenal. Although he joined the team as a forward, he would change his positioning to that of a left back as time went on. In the same year, he became a member of the US Men’s Under 18 Team. He had 4 appearances and scored 2 goals.

 

Danny made his Arsenal debut on October 27^th, 2004, during a League Cup match against Manchester City. He would make a dramatic first impression, scoring a goal in the 90^th minute, securing Arsenal’s victory with a 2-1 lead. He played for Arsenal for the rest of the League Cup year, until he was released in the summer of 2005.

 

A series of injuries left Danny unable to continue playing the game he loved, but he stayed involved however he could. In April of 2007, Danny returned to Arsenal as a scout, and he is credited for scouting talents like Costa Rican international Joel Campbell, as well as German-born Gedion Zelalem. He now serves as Arsenal’s “Head of Football Platforms,” and oversees designing, building and implementing analytical software utilized to manage both Arsenal players and their opposition.

 

In 2016, Danny published an e-book, The Arsenal Yankee, detailing his journey from club player to league scout. Alongside his impressive career as a player, Danny continues to make an impact in soccer by remaining in the sport he loves, however
he can.

Mark Dolansky (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

Mark Dolansky has dedicated over 40 years of his life to youth soccer. Once a player of the game, Mark serves as the Travel Commissioner and Board Member of the BRYC Elite Academy and Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC). With his innate game knowledge and business acumen, Mark has facilitated breakthroughs in youth soccer management that have bettered the sport for players, parents, and coaches. As someone who grew up fully immersed in the sport, Mark identified opportunities to leverage his passion for technology, and worked to innovate the administrative side of the game.  In his late teens, Mark became the principal architect of the original WAGS/NCSL scheduling program. His guidance and insight created new models by which club teams can be educated, tested, and effectively managed.

 

Mark’s work contributions have had major impacts on field development projects, including, but not limited to the creation of new turf fields and continued high-quality maintenance of Bermuda grass fields. He has led and fostered collaboration between competing clubs to create high-level development opportunities for players. Alongside this, Mark volunteers for weekly, monthly and yearly commitments, all for the sake of doing right by the players, coaches, and parents.

 

Rarely do you have an individual who has impacted the game from both a Business (Builder) and Sporting (Coach) perspective like Mark has. His passion has always been set in making soccer the best it can be at all levels for everyone involved. By creating and implementing new standards of excellence, Mark has modernized club soccer management.

 

While continuing his administrative work, Mark continues to volunteer as a coach. His work has had an undeniable impact on youth soccer.

Osman Orlando (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

Osman “Ossie” Orlando began his US playing career in 1974, traveling from his native Ghana to play for the Cincinnati Comets in the ASL. His skill was well established, having played for the Ghanian national team for seven years and participating in two Olympic games.

 

He led the Comets through a highly successful season. However, when Ghana submitted a letter of protest to FIFA—demanding Ossie’s return home—his professional career became stalled as he was made unable to play.

 

Ossie stayed in the US, continuing to play through coaching. He first became assistant coach for Washington’s St. Albans School, then head coach, leading them to a 16-1 record.

 

He coached for the Women’s Mclean Red Shins in the 1980s, leading them to the semi-finals of the USSF National Challenge Cup. On the same day, Ossie played for the Men’s Virginia Kicks, where they played in the Amateur Cup Championship (runners-up). In 1986, he coached the Fairfax Wildfire to the Women’s National Championship.

 

He served as coach for both the Men’s and the Women’s Metro DC/VA State Select teams, producing three National Team players, five MLS players, the first Virginia State Cup Champion from DC and the State Cup Runner-Up. From 1991-2007, he was the head coach of the University of the District of Columbia’s soccer team, and was named Adidas Division II Regional Coach of the Year in 2002.

 

Ossie continues his work to this day, creating and coaching the Washington Capital United’s development academy. He trains children 6-10 in soccer fundamentals, preparing them for the future. Ossie has dedicated his life to the sport, and has regularly gone above and beyond over the last 48 years of his career.

Bill Lanza, Sr. (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

Bill Lanza, Sr. played for the University of West Virginia from 1965-1968. He amassed a career record of 20 goals scored and remains one of the university’s five record-setters; having secured five game winning goals in one season (1967).

 

After college, Bill served in the United States Marine Corps for twenty years. He was a player/coach for Marine amateur teams in Norfolk, VA, Camp Pendleton, CA, and Quantico, VA. After his retirement from the Marine Corps, he went on to have an extensive coaching record. He coached for VYSA, Virginia high school varsity teams, and Woodbridge HS for a total of 41 years.

 

Bill has been on the field refereeing for almost the same amount of time, serving intermittently as a USSF referee from 1979 to the present. From 1983-1984, he served in the Prince William Soccer Board of Directors as the Director of Coaching.

 

Bill coached the PWSI 76’ers to their 1993 VYSA U15 Boys State Championship. While coaching for Woodbridge HS, he won over 100 games over nine years, recording 10 straight winning seasons. In 1996, his Woodbridge team ranked 2^nd in the nation after defeating Clover Hill in the VHSL State Final.

 

He was 1996 VHSL Coach of the Year, ALL MET Boy’s Coach of the Year, and Potomac News Boys Coach of the Year. He coached his final season at Woodbridge HS in 2004; being inducted into their School Hall of Fame in the same year.

 

Ten years later, in 2014, Woodbridge HS was without a head coach for their Boys’ Varsity team. The board took a chance and gave Bill a call, asking him to once again coach their team. Of course, Bill said yes. He coached Woodbridge HS again for another six years, before officially retiring in 2020.

 

Bill’s dedication and passion for the game is unmistakable. He has consistently found himself returning to the game he loves, and he has made an undeniable impact on the sport.

George Lidster (Meritorious) - Inducted 2025

George Lidster was born in Durham, England, and began his playing career with Newcastle United and Darlington FC. After moving to the United States and graduating from college in 1984, George officially transitioned into a coaching role— kicking off his truly impressive coaching career.

 

George coached the GW Colonials for 24 years (1987-2011), and in that time achieved multiple honors. He was named South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year in 1987, and was awarded Atlantic-10 Coach of the Year in 1989, 1992 and 2011. The GW Colonials had three NCAA Tournament appearances, and ten Atlantic-10 Conference Tournament appearances—becoming Champions in 2002 and 2004.

 

Alongside these accomplishments, George was creating excellence in both the ASL and APSL. He committed himself to assistant coach roles—simultaneously participating as a player—while he was with the 1986 Fairfax Spartans, 1988 Washington Stars, 1994 Richmond Kickers and 1995 Washington Mustangs. He was named NAIA All-American in 1982, ASL All Star in 1988, and was elected to the University of Illinois Springfield Hall of Fame in 2016.

 

From 1997 to 1998, he continued coaching during a year-long sabbatical in England. George worked in the community schemes of Millwall FC and Chelsea FC within the English Priemer League. George directed coaching courses and soccer academies—developing and identifying players throughout the south of England.

 

Throughout his career, George has been a powerhouse. Whether it was through his coaching or through his captaining, he led multiple teams to excellence and victory. His influence on the sport is immeasurable, and he has left his mark on every level of Virginia-DC soccer.

Frank Gorman, Sr. (Veteran) - Inducted 2024

(Born 1924 - July 11th 2017)

Frank Gorman, Sr. began his involvement in Metropolitan DC-Virginia area soccer in 1969, when he started a boys’ team with the Annandale Boys Club called the 1960 Annandale Cardinals. 

Around 1971 the 1960 Cardinals joined the Braddock Road Boys Club (BRBC). Frank held the position of BRBC Select Commissioner for the competitive teams. He designed the original crest for BRBC. He also became an active volunteer for the Annual BRBC Festival. He continued that involvement when, in 1976, the festival was renamed the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) Al Dougherty Memorial Tournament.

While coaching, Frank played a major role in the establishment of an Amateur’s Soccer Association.  From 1972 through 1975 he served as the first president of the Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association (MDCVSA). 

Frank Gorman’s Cardinals, from their start to their graduation as U-19s, were an extremely successful team. His team ended their youth soccer careers with an outstanding accomplishment, having lost only ten games cumulatively across their eight active years.

One of Frank’s driving forces to start coaching soccer was his son, Frank, Jr. As a coach and a mentor, he did an outstanding job in preparing and challenging his players to achieve their goal of playing collegiate soccer.  

As a builder, Frank Gorman, Sr. made a major impact on the growth of soccer for MDCVSA and VYSA.
 

John Schlenker (Meritorious) - Inducted 2024

John Schlenker has been involved in many areas of soccer in Virginia. He has coached in WAGS, NCSL and ODSL. He was the Founder and President of the Fauquier Adult Soccer League and the Warrenton Fields Association. He served as Treasurer and Board Member of the Fauquier Soccer Club, and has served on many Community Service Committees. 

Among all this, over twenty years ago, John Schlenker started one of the first TOPSoccer Programs in Virginia. The Outreach Program for Soccer, or TOPS, is a recreational sports program for children and adults with intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.  

He has been the Piedmont Soccer Club’s TOPSoccer Head Coach, a Special Olympics Coach, a Certified US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach, and a VYSA TOPSoccer Chair from 2002 to present.  
 
John, for his years of dedication to TOPSoccer, has received the VYSA Dave Williams Memorial TOPSoccer Exemplary Service Award, and the Virginia Soccer Association’s Circle of 
Excellence Award.  

For athletes with special needs, soccer coach John Schlenker is a superhero.  His nonstop energy is fueled by passion for “the beautiful game” – and a cause deep in his heart which began when his daughter Katie, who has Down syndrome, expressed an interest in playing soccer like her siblings.   

John Schlenker has made his mark in making the game of soccer “the game for ALL KIDS.”

Lula Bauer (Meritorious) - Inducted 2024

Growing up, Lula Bauer loved playing sports. Her passion for them continued throughout high school and college, wherein she studied physical education and earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from George Mason University.   

In 1981, she was part of the GW University Hospital surgical team that attended to President Ronald Reagan’s wounds after he was shot. She and her team went on to be featured in the movie “Saving of the President” and in the book, “Rawhide Down.”

Lula has been coaching soccer in the Lee Mt. Vernon Soccer Club (LMTVSC) for more than 30 years.  She is the Women’s Head Soccer Coach, and the Club’s Executive Director. 

Her proudest contribution to player development is when, while serving on the WAGS Board of Directors in 2004, she worked alongside Walt Lenar and Tom Goodman to introduce the “small-sided” format to league play. Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) had its first U-12 small-sided Cup competition in 2006, and the VYSA U-12 Girls Champion was the LMTV Patriots—coached by Lula Bauer 

During Lula’s educative career, she found that she was always either the only female, or one of two females, in her coaching courses. Desperately wanting to change that narrative, Lula paved the way for several historical soccer firsts: all-female coaching education and referee certification courses in 2018, and an all-female international coaching education trip in 2019—with all-female coaching education instructors. 

Since 2017, she has been serving as the Chairwoman for Women’s and Girls in Soccer (WAGS). Throughout her leadership in WAGS, she was instrumental in having WAGS be a major sponsor for the VA-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Committee’s Annual Golf Tournament.   

Lula Bauer was named the VYSA and Region I Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. She received the prestigious “DC Iconic” Woman’s Award, and is a member of the inaugural 2021 Class presented by the Washington Spirit.
 

Trip Ellis (Player) - Inducted 2024

Trip played his youth soccer for FC Richmond. He was a member of the original ’73 FC Richmond Magic Team.  

He was a VYSA ODP team member and Region I ODP team member from 1987 to 1992. He was selected to attend U-16 US National Pool Camp in 1990, and travelled with the Puma USA All-Star Team to Argentina and Brazil to compete in the 2nd Annual “Pele” Tournament in 1987.

From 1992 to 1995, he was the recipient of the NCAA Division I Full Scholarship at Philadelphia University (formerly Philadelphia Textile). He was part of the university team that became Soccer-7 Conference Champions, and was one of the two freshmen selected to Soccer-7 Conference All-Star Team. He later served as co-captain to the team in 1994.

From 1995 to 1996, he was the recipient of the NCAA Division I Full Scholarship for the University of South Florida (USF). In that time, he co-captained the team to a Conference USA All-Star Team Selection, and became 1996 Conference USA Champions, ranking 10th in the nation.

Trip was a 2nd round draft pick in 1996, member of the Philadelphia KiXX, and of the National Professional Indoor Soccer League. From then until 2000, he was a member of the Richmond Kickers Pro Soccer team (A-League). They won the 1998 Atlantic Division Championship. Trip finished his professional soccer career with the Raleigh Capital Express Pro Soccer team (A-League).

Trip Ellis currently serves as the FC Richmond Executive Director and Technical Director.  He holds a USSF “A” Coaching License and a USSF National Youth Coaching License. 

He played and coached in over 19 different countries on more than 27 International trips throughout South America, Europe, and the Caribbean Islands.  

He is a member of the FC Richmond Hall of Fame.
 

Claire Zimmeck (Player) - Inducted 2024

Claire played her youth competitive soccer in WAGS with Braddock Road, RFC Milan, and the Chantilly Milan. The Chantilly Milan were U-19 Region I Champions and National Runners-Up.  

She was a member of the VYSA State ODP Teams in 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003.

She was a Varsity starter for Woodson High School.  She was named to the Washington Post Al-Met First Team, NSCAA/Adidas All American Team, and All Virginia Northern Region Team. 

Claire was a four-year starter for the College of William & Mary.  In her four years she played in 83 games, starting in 80 of the 83. Her 25 game-winning goals, for the College of William & Mary, ranked her first, in the school’s history, in career game winners. She ranks third in career goals with 57 and fifth in career points with 126.  

She is a two-time NSCAA Al-American Selection, two-time M.A.C. Herman Trophy Semi-Finalist, three-time NSCAA All Region Selection, four-time All-CAA Selection, four-time Soccer Buzz All-Region Selection; and four-time VASID All -State Team Selection. In 2020 Claire was inducted into the College of William & Mary Athletes Hall of Fame. 

In 2009 Claire was drafted in the 9th round of the Inaugural Year of the WPS. She played for the Washington Freedom.  In 2010 and 2011 she played for the Boston Breakers.

Due to a series of concussions Claire was forced to give up playing the game she loved. 
 

Kristin Stannard (Player) - Inducted 2024

Kristin Stannard played her youth soccer with FC Richmond Mystx and Richmond FC. 

At Clover Hill High School, she was a four-year varsity starter, and captain her senior year. She was selected for Four-Time All League, All District, All Metro, and All State.

She was a member of the VYSA ODP and Region I ODP player pool/teams (U-13 through U-17). Kristin was a member of the US Women’s National pool/team and camps from U-14 through U-20. 

Kristin attended all six US Women’s U-17 National Team Camps. She competed on the National Team in Mexico and Brazil. A member of the US Women’s U-20 National Team at two National Camps and competed in Mexico.

Kristin accepted a soccer scholarship to Stanford University, as a Soccer Buzz Top 15 recruit. In her freshman year, she was with the All-Pac-10 Second Team, and was named the All-Pac-10 Freshman Team’s fourth leading scorer. She was a two-time Pac-10 All Academic Honorable Mention, and received Top-Drawer Soccer National Team of the Week Honors. In her senior year, she became the third player at Stanford to record a hat-trick in 12 years, when she scored three goals in 27 minutes.

Kristin Stannard graduated from Stanford with a BS in Civil and Environmental Engineering, and has since enjoyed a career in tech at VC firm Expa and venture-backed startups Calm, Foursquare, Modsy, Rocket Fuel, and Bloom Energy. She married Ryan Kent in September 12, 2020 while living in San Francisco, and has since brought 2 wonderful boys, Calvin, and Brooks, into the world. She now lives in Los Angeles. She joined HP as Director of Product Management in November 2023.

Colin Calvert (Veterans) - Inducted 2023

(November 20th 1934 - July 11th 2021)

Colin Calvert was born in Grimsby, England and grew up in Leeds as an avid Leeds United fan. He left England with his wife Anne and sons Andrew and Nick and arrived in New York in 1967 with their destination being Chantilly, Virginia in 1969.

Colin was devoted to the game of soccer. Where he lived in Chantilly there was a little league baseball club called Battlefield and they begged Colin to start a soccer program for them. It was only a matter of time before Colin did just that.

Around 1971, he started the Chantilly Soccer Club which later became the Chantilly Youth Soccer Association (CYA). He also started the “Adult Sunday Kick-Around Games”. These games were started to help dads - who had never played soccer or even seen a soccer game – better understand the game they had volunteered to coach. The “Adult Kick-Around Games” grew into the “Northern Virginia Coaches Soccer League”.

Thanks to Colin’s leadership and dedication the league grew and was able to be divided into over 30 and under 30 age divisions. In the late 1990’s at RFK Stadium Colin Calvert was honored with a farewell tribute when he stepped down from running the Northern Virginia Coaches Soccer League.

Colin was a Certified USSF Referee was well known as a superior referee. He officiated Collegiate games, Virginia HS games, NCSL and WAGS games. In the days of the Washington Diplomats, Colin was assigned to Diplomat games as a Backup Referee now known as a “4th Official”.

In 1977, Colin along with Don Hood were primarily responsible for establishing a Referee Program in Virginia. This was at the time when there were only 49 referees in the state and controlled by the Metropolitan Washington Soccer Referee Association (MWSRA). Colin Calvert was a contributing builder to soccer in Virginia and DC before and after the Virginia Metropolitan Youth Soccer Association (VMYSA) was established in 1975.

Brian Ahearn (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Brian was a valuable and dedicated official with the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) and the Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program for three decades.

He served in the following capacities: (1) USSF Certified Referee for 23 years, 1986 to 2008; (2) USSF Referee Instructor for 17 years, 1992 to 2008; (3) USSF Referee Assessor for 17 years, 1992 to 2008; and (4) USSF Assignor for 20 years, 1995 to 2014.

As a Referee he officiated league games for NCSL and WAGS, and VYSA State Cup games. He also officiated Semi-Pro League games. As an Assessor he assessed USSF Referees officiating NCSL and WAGS Games and VYSA State Cup games.  Brian was selected to be a member of the VYSA Assessor contingent attending the US Youth Soccer Region I ODP Tournament and the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships for 7 years, 1992 though 1998.

The VYSA Board of Directors appointed Brian as the State Youth Referee Administrator (SYRA). He served in this position from 1992 to 1998. During his tenure as the SYRA, he worked closely with the State Referee Administrator and the State Referee Technical Staff to improve the quality of soccer refereeing for all youth games. In addition, he served as a member of the State Referee Committee (SRC). Brian’s dedication, expertise, and hard work for both VYSA and the Metro-DC Virginia State Referee Program made him a very valuable asset to both organizations.

Doug Engstrom (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Doug Engstrom is a former Marine and a retired teacher in the Virginia public schools. Doug started in soccer coaching his son and earned his USSF Soccer “C’ License.

Doug began refereeing at the age of 41 taking his first assignments with Prince William Soccer. As a former US Marine, he was indeed fit and able to keep up with the players in their matches. He then requested assignments with NCSL and WAGS and his career as a referee was now on a fast pace despite his late start. Doug persevered, taking assignments from Richmond to Baltimore and beyond.

Doug officiated Youth games for 22 years, 1988-2010, officiated Amateur games for 11 years, 2000-2010; officiated Collegiate games for 11 years 2000-2010, and officiated Professional games for six years 2005-2010. In the year 2000 at the age of 53 Doug became a USSF National Referee and remained at that grade for four years before stepping back to a USSF Regional Referee and remained at that grade for two years.

Doug became a National Emeritus Referee in 2006 and retired from refereeing in 2010. The Emeritus Status is an Honor to show respect for a distinguished career). Doug did not hesitate to share with his fellow officials his unparalleled knowledge and experience in developing and maintaining referee-specific fitness. Self-effacing to a fault, Doug focused on commending the accomplishment of those who assisted him when refereeing or the accomplishments of those who refereed when he served as an AR or 4th official.

Peter Mehlert (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Peter Mehlert was an outstanding player for Walter Johnson HS in Bethesda. In 1965 and 1966 he was First-Team Selection, Washington Post and Washington Star All-Met DC HS Soccer Team. Player for Boston University, 1968-1970 named to the Greater Boston Collegiate Soccer Conference All Star Team; In 1968 named All-New England (College Division) and in 1970 named All-New England (University Division; and in 1970 named Boston University, Most Valuable Player.

Peter was the Head Men’s soccer coach at American University from 1972-1991, with an overall record of 201-122-38. During that time, AU appeared in NCAA Division I Tournament four times, 1978, 1979 (quarterfinals), 1984 (round of 16), 1985 (NCAA Final); over the years, team had an average of 3-1/2 scholarships out of 11 allowed; During these years, the soccer team also had the greatest number of academic All-Americans, more than all other sports at AU.

He petitioned for and coached the first-ever Women’s team at American University (1990). Had a .785 winning percentage, and still holds many of the teams’ records to this date, including the longest unbeaten streak (12) and the longest winning streak (9).

From 1974-1976 he was an Assistant Coach/Chief Scout/Trainer, for the Washington Diplomats and from 1976-1980 a Chief Scout (US Collegiate Players) for the New England and Jacksonville Teamen. 1993-1995, VYSA ODP Director of Coaching, Northern District; 1988, Director, USYS Region I ODP Summer Camp; 1988, 1983-1986, Assistant Head Coach, Region I Boys ODP; 1988, Staff, Coach/Selector, National Camp for U-18 US Men’s National Team, US Olympic Training Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado; 1987, Head Coach (Interim) Region I Boys ODP and Team Administrator, Region I U-16 Boys ODP Team in the Under 16 National Tournament for selection to the Under 16 US National Team, US Olympic Training Center.

Peter earned many honors and awards throughout his extensive and dedicated coaching career. In 1998 he was inducted into the American University Hall of Fame. In 1985 named National Coach of the Year, NSCAA (NCAA Division 1); 1985, 1984, 1979, Three-Time Coach of the Year, Mid-Atlantic Region Coach of the Year, Intercollegiate Soccer Association of America (NCAA Division 1); 1986, 1985, 1983 and 1979, Four-Time Coach of the Year, Capital Collegiate Conference (Greater Washington DC Area Universities; 1985, CAA Coach of the Year; 1984, Coach of the Year, ECAC-South Soccer Conference; and 1979, Coach of the Year, East Coast Conference.

Chris Norris (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2023

Chris was a team leader on and off the field when he played for WT Woodson HS in Fairfax and with his club team the VISTA Hurricanes - two-time U-19 Boys VYSA State Champions, USYS Region I Champions and in 1992 the USYS McGuire Cup National Champions.

Norris was already kicking around the idea of a soccer coaching career when he arrived on the William & Mary campus as a freshman in 1991. He played in 84 games with 81 starts from 1991 through 1994. A Team Captain his senior year, he led the tribe to a then-school record 18 wins in 1994. Selected First-Team All-CAA 1993 and 1994, First-Team All-State 1994 and Second-Team All-South Atlantic Region in 1994.

In the fall of 1995 Chris became an Assistant Coach for the men’s team under Al Albert. During his tenure as Assistant Coach, he helped lead the Tribe to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, four CAA tournament Championships, three CAA regular season crowns and in 1996 the team set a school record for wins (20). In 2004 Chris Norris took over the helm as Head Coach for the men’s team. He guided the Tribe to the NCAA Tournament four times (2008, 2010, 2013 and 2017), including a berth in the Sweet Sixteen in 2010, guided the Tribe to a pair of CAA Championships in 2010 and 2017, named CAA Coach of the Year and NSCAA South Atlantic Regional Coach of the Year in 2010, a two-time VASID State Coach of the Year selection, 2010 and 2017 and in 2018 for the third time named the William & Mary Alumni Association Coach of the Year.

Chris Norris has coached three All-Americans, two CAA Player of the Year, one CAA Defensive Player of the Year, one CAA Rookie of the Year, 20 All-Region selections, 61 All-CAA players, and 24 All-Rookie selections. Academically, Norris-coached players have earned seven Academic All-American honors and his team own eight United Soccer Coaches Team Academic Awards. A long-time member of the Tribe men’s soccer program Chris Norris wrapped up his 32nd season overall at the College of William & Mary and his 19th as the program’s head soccer coach in 2022. A 1995 graduate of William & Mary, Chris Norris has significantly impacted the programs history of success.

Janet Caswell (Player) - Inducted 2023

Janet was a pioneer in girl’s and women’s soccer. She was a member of the Braddock Road Cougars from 1975-1983. The Cougars were one of the most successful teams to play in WAGS, winning countless league and tournament championships. They were nine-time VYSA State Champions and five-time US Youth Soccer Region I Champions. They were the first Virginia girls’ team to compete in the National Championships, coming away with a bronze and silver medal in consecutive years. She returned from college to compete with the Braddock Road Bluebelles and captured the National Championship gold medal.

Janet was a member of the first Virginia State ODP team and was named to the Region I ODP team in every year she participated. As a 4-year Varsity starter at Lake Braddock HS, Janet was the team Captain, MVP, and leading scorer. She was named to the All-District, All-Region, and All Met 1st Teams. She was one of two female athletes in Virginia to receive the Joe Theismann Scholarship for athletics and academics. Janet had an illustrious career as a youth player and was heavily recruited for collegiate play. Despite many opportunities at universities far more established, including the likes of UNC where she would be celebrated and could instantly compete, she chose the University of Virginia (UVA). At the time, UVA was just a club program, and there were no guarantees that it would become a varsity team during her time. Janet wanted to make a difference. She, along with another teammate, were instrumental in the fight to gain varsity status for the women at UVA. In 1986, Janet’s junior year, UVA officially became a varsity program.

While pursuing her graduate degree, Janet received one of the first UVA women’s scholarships. She led the team (as Captain, MVP and leading scorer) to its first NCAA Tournament berth and National ranking of #7. Janet was the leading scorer in all 5 years of play and earned numerous accolades including Academic All American, ACC Honor Roll, All South and All ACC Honors. She completed her UVA career in 1988 on the sidelines as a Graduate Assistant Coach while earning her Master’s Degree in Commerce.

David Stokes (Player) - Inducted 2023

David Stokes played his club soccer with the Braddock Road Warhawks where he won three Virginia State (VYSA) Championships, the 1999 Under 17 Boys USYS Region I Championships, and the USYS National Championships. David attended C.D. Hylton HS in Woodbridge where he won back-to-back VHSL AAA State Championships and received a number one National ranking in 1998. Led his team to four District and three Regional Championships. Named First Team All-Met and the Washington Post Prince William County Player of the Year in 2000. He was a three-time All-State selection, four-year letterman, and Team Captain his senior year.

Moving from club and high school soccer Stokes brought his winning ways on to the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He was selected to the ACC All-Tournament team his freshman year. Selected Defensive MVP in the NCAA Division I National Championships in 2001 when UNC defeated Indiana. In 2002 he was a M.A.C. Herman Trophy Award Nominee, All ACC Candidate, and an All-American Candidate.

David was a member of the US Under 20 Men’s National Team and the US Under 23 Men’s National Team also known as the US Olympic team from 2001-2004. Played with team in qualification rounds, notching game winning assist in the group phase play vs Honduras which locked the team into first place going into the semi-final.

After his Junior year at UNC Stokes signed a Project-40 Contract with the MLS and was selected 5th in the MLS draft by D.C. United. He helped D.C. United win the MLS Cup in 2004. After his tenure with D.C. United he signed with the Carolina Rail-Hawks (USL). Stokes helped Carolina to Back-to-Back Southern Derby Cup Championships in 2007 and 2008. While playing for the Rail-Hawks David was able to return to school and graduated from UNC-CH in 2009.

Edward "Ed" Reynolds (Veterans) - Inducted 2022

Ed Reynolds was indeed one of the true pioneers of soccer in Northern Virginia.  In 1960, Ed became the first public High School Soccer Coach in Northern Virginia, at Wakefield HS in Arlington. There were no other Virginia public high school teams to play in the first several years, so the team competed against high school teams from Montgomery County and freshman college teams. The two other Arlington County High Schools at the time started fielding teams approximately four years later..  In 1965, Ed joined the Washington Metropolitan Soccer Referee Association (WMSRA).  He refereed games at the high school, college, and semi-pro level.  Served as the WMSRA President for one year and its parliamentarian for three years.

In 1971, Ed started coaching in Vienna Youth Soccer (VYS) as a pee-wee boys/girls coach and soon thereafter became the league commissioner.   During his tenure at Vienna Youth Soccer, he served in a plethora of capacities including Director of Training and Chief Referee.  In 1978, Ed started a 1967 VYS girls travel team that competed in Division I of the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS) for 5 years.  In 1985 he started a 1975 VYS girls travel team that also competed in Division I of WAGS.  In addition to coaching in WAGS, Ed served on the WAGS Board of Directors as the Referee Coordinator and was a committee member for the WAGS Tournament for several years.  In 1967, Ed served as the PA Announcer for the Washington Whips and in 1968 served as a media coordinator.  

He was the PA Announcer for Oakton HS Girls Varsity Soccer Team from 1982-1985, and the PA Announcer for the Madison HS Girls Soccer Team from 1985 to 1988.  Ed’s many Hall of Fame Inductions include:  1986 - Oakton HS Volunteer Hall of Fame;  1989 - Madison HS Volunteer Hall of Fame; and 1992 - Vienna YS Hall of Fame. 

Eugene "Gene" Mishalow (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2022

Gene Mishalow played collegiate soccer at Southern Illinois University from 1973 to 1976. He played professionally for the Washington Diplomats in 1977 and 1978 and the Cleveland Force in 1979.  

Gene joined the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) in 1980 and was the club’s first Technical Director. He was responsible for building the club’s infrastructure from scratch, hiring, and mentoring the coaching staff, and developing the playing curriculum and identity.  The club flourished under Gene’s leadership developing a powerful local, regional, and national brand capturing 46 VYSA State Cup Championships, 17 USYS Region I Championships, and 1 USYS National Championship in the first 10 years.  Over the course of Gene’s 28-year tenure as TD/DOC for BRYC, the club captured 102 VYSA State Championships, 29 USYS Region I Championships and 3 USYS National Championships.

In addition, to building the BRYC Travel Soccer program, Gene also enjoyed coaching success with youth, and adult programs at Northern Virginia Majestics as well as DC United.  He was the Assistant Coach at George Mason University when in 1985 George Mason defeated UNC to become the Women’s NCAA Champions.  In 2000, Gene was named the VYSA Boys Competitive Coach of the Year and the USYS Region I Boys Competitive Coach of the Year.  In 2009, Gene was named the US Development Academy Director for McLean Youth Soccer.  He served in that position from 2009-2011.

Keith Tucker (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2022

For forty years Coach Keith Tucker has nurtured and grown the game of Soccer in the District of Columbia at every level from the Division 1 college to US coed recreational youth soccer.

Born in Bermuda, Coach Tucker came to the United States to attend Howard University as an undergraduate, and to play varsity soccer for the Division 1 Howard University Bison under Lincoln Phillips.  In 1981, Coach Tucker became the Head Coach of Howard University’s Men’s Soccer where he remained for the following 27 seasons.  In 1988, he was named Division 1 Men’s Coach of the year by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America.

In 2007, Coach Tucker was named the Head Coach of the Bermuda National Team.

Along with a stellar collegiate and international career, Coach Tucker did not neglect the local youth soccer scene in DC.  Working with the DC Department of Parks and Recreation, Soccer ’94 and the US Soccer Foundation, Coach Tucker brought soccer programming to Recreation Centers in every ward in DC.  At the club level, he coached and inspired a legendary group of young players, both boys and girls, at the Takoma DC Recreation field.  As a result, most of these players went on to attend college and graduate school.  Many played at the collegiate level.  Some went on to play for the US National Team and professionally.  Since 2011 Coach Tucker has continued to coach soccer for DC Scores.  Coach Tucker remains a beloved figure on DC Scores fields. 

Keith Lenert (Player) - Inducted 2022

Keith Lenert played his youth soccer, as a goalkeeper, with the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) 1964 Condors.  In addition to being perennial challengers in the Fairfax County Soccer Association (known now as the National Capital Soccer League), the Condors appeared in 23 tournaments. During which they had 9 first place finishes, 8 second place finishes and 4 third place finishes.  Keith was a three-year varsity player for Annandale High School. In 1982, he was named to the Washington Post’s “Virginia AAA All-Northern Region Team”.  He also earned All-Region honors. 

After high school Keith was a four-year player, and two-year starter, for the University of Virginia’s men’s soccer team.  In 1984, he made the All ACC “Honorable Mention” and was named UVA’s “Most Improved Player”.  In 1985 he was named to the ACC 2^nd Team and to the All-South Atlantic Region 2^nd Team.  After college, Keith was a two-year starting goalkeeper for the Washington Diplomats.  During their inaugural season, Keith led his team to the championship where he was named most valuable defensive player. 

Keith served as a goalkeeper coach for UVA from 1996 – 1998; for Georgetown University in 2000; and for the US Under 18 Men’s National Team from 1999-2000.  Keith’s dedication to the beautiful game has continued beyond the field.  He now serves as the Director of Operations for the Maryland SoccerPlex.  

Carrie Moore O'Keeffe (Player) - Inducted 2022

Carrie Moore played for the Roanoke Star Soccer Club from 1987 to 1995.  In 1996 Carrie joined the McLean Zephyr who went on to become the U-18 VYSA State Champions, the USYS Region I Champions and the USYS National Runners-up.  In 1997 the Zephyr moved to the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) and as U-19’s they were the VYSA State Champions and the USYS Region I Runners-Up.  As U-20’s the BRYC Zephyr went on to become the U-20 State Champions, the USYS Region I Champions, and the USYS National Champions.  Carrie was a member of the VYSA ODP State Team from U-14 through U-19, and a member of the USYS Region I Regional team from U-16 through U-19.  She was a four-year varsity starter for Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke.

At the collegiate level, Carrie was a four-year starter for William & Mary.  As a defensive midfielder, she was a key component of the squad during one of its most successful eras.  She was selected as one of the TOP 25 players in the Women’s Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) history.  She earned All-CAA selection all 4 years, earned First Team Honors for 3 years, and earned CAA All Region selection for 2 years.  She was 5^th in W&M Most Appearances:  90 Games played, including 88 starts. Carrie was inducted into the William & Mary Hall of Fame – Class of 2014.  

After college, Carrie was a first-round draft choice for the Washington Freedom; 14^th overall pick of the inaugural WUSA Draft.   She played central defender for the Freedom from 2001 to 2003, earning a spot on the WUSA All Star squad in 2002.  

Marcelo Valencia (Player) - Inducted 2022

As both a player and a coach, Marcelo Valencia has been a mainstay in the Northern Virginia soccer scene for the past 35 years.  Marcelo hails from Valparaiso, Chile, arriving in the United States in 1981 at the age of 9.  Marcelo graduated from J.E.B. Stuart High School in Falls Church, Virginia.  While at Stuart, Marcelo was a three-time 1^st Team All-Met selection and, in 1990, was the Washington Post Player of the Year.  Marcelo led the Raiders from the late 80’s to the 90’s as one of the most exciting high school teams to watch.  Marcelo culminated his youth playing years by winning the USYS Under 19 Boys McGuire Cup National Championships with the VISTA Hurricanes.

 

After his youth career, Marcelo attended George Washington University.  While at GW, Marcelo was the only player in GW history to be named a four-time 1^st Team Atlantic 10 selection and to amass over 25 goals and 25 assists in his career.  After his sophomore campaign, Marcelo was named the Atlantic 10 Player of the Year.  In 2008, Marcelo was inducted into the George Washington University Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

After GW, Marcelo played five years of professional soccer. He began playing during the 1995 season and last took the field during the 1999 campaign. Marcelo scored 60 goals and recorded 61 assists in his 123-game career with the Washington Warthogs, Tampa Bay Terror, Philadelphia KIXX, and the Baltimore Blast.   

After his playing career Marcelo has successfully translated his soccer knowledge to coaching where, over the past 20 years, he has helped develop premier soccer players and teams in the Washington DC metropolitan area.  Marcelo is currently entering his 20^thseason as the boys’ soccer head coach at the Potomac School and has been a youth coach with McLean Youth Soccer for over 15 years.   

Reed Saunders (Veteran) - Inducted 2021

Reed Saunders was lifelong educator, committed to providing access to college educations for people of all financial backgrounds. Throughout his professional career, Reed played a key leadership role in designing and implementing the Pell Grants program and other state and federal aid programs to support students in obtaining their college educations through awarding grants, loan guarantees, and scholarships. 

A resident of McLean since 1969, Reed was instrumental in helping develop youth soccer in the Virginia-DC metropolitan area. Reed began coaching soccer in the early 70s.  He strongly supported girls’ participation in sports and assisted his daughter in becoming one of the first girls to play for the McLean Boys Club. He was one of the leaders in the migration of McLean Boys Club soccer to McLean Youth Soccer. From 1975 to 1977, he served as the first President of the VYSA. During that time, Reed wanted to ensure that no child was left behind in the sport because of financial constraints. In that endeavor, he was committed to keeping costs to a minimum so all children could participate. To address the limited coaching pool, Reed insisted on programs to encourage coaching development. For Reed, sportsmanship was not a word simply uttered, but one truly practiced. He was dedicated to ensuring that it was something “lived” by both coaches and players alike.   Reed was quoted in the minutes of an executive committee meeting held in 1977 “Our principal interest…. is the good of soccer.  We hope to make this a better game for kids.”

John "Jack" Nolan (Veteran) - Inducted 2021

John “Jack” Nolan moved to Fairfax County in 1974.  He enrolled his 8-year-old son in Southwestern Youth Soccer and later to a club closer to his home, Springfield Youth Club (SYC). In 1975 Jack stepped up to coach the SYC Hornets.  After two years coaching recreational soccer, one of Jack’s sons tried out and was selected for a travel soccer team.  Wanting to stay involved in his son’s activities, Jack became the assistant coach to Gene Mishalow in Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC).  Jack’s other son continued to play in SYC.  In Spring 1980 Jack was nominated and elected to the SYC Board of Directors as the Vice-President of Operations.  Also, in 1980 Jack was the appointed SYC representative to the Fairfax County Soccer Council and soon after became the Fairfax County Soccer Council alternate to the Fairfax Council Athletic Council.  In the 1980’s soccer organizations in Fairfax County began to grow rapidly.  Fairfax County’s “Field Allocations” were a huge issue.  In 1981, Jack was elected as the President of the Springfield Youth Club and served for multiple terms. Later that same year, Jack was elected as the Fairfax County Soccer Council President.  During Jack’s tenure, his contributions were epic, extraordinary, revolutionary and yes, legendary.  He raised awareness of players in financial need in Fairfax County in all sports. He was involved in new schools being built and in field improvement and maintenance.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karen Kelser (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2021

Karen Kelser is currently the Grassroots Director at FCV Ashburn under the umbrella of The St James.  She has been the Director of Coaching Education and a head coach at Arlington Soccer.  She worked 17 years at DC Stoddert, where she earned Coach of the Year.  She worked there in Coaching Education, as an Age Group Director, coaching and developing players.  She instructed the first all-women’s coaching license for the state.  Many players spent their formative years in that program and later advanced to NCAA DI and DIII, and moved on to national pools and teams.  She earned the US Soccer Grassroots Coaching Instructor License.  She has a BS in Exercise Science, and holds a current US Soccer National A Level Coaching License and National Youth License, KNVB Dutch Youth Coaching Diploma, and the NSCAA Advanced National Coaching License. She has been a Virginia State Coaching Education Instructor for VYSA since 1997.  She has been a Director for the girls’ North District Development-ODP program. She has also worked with West Central District D-ODP and ODP, and North District and State ODP programs.  She was also a Regional Director for Coerver Coaching of Virginia.  She played NCAA DI soccer at GWU, has head coached collegiately at Marymount University.

Paul Ellis (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2021

Paul Ellis is currently the Technical Director at SYA Soccer, in Centreville VA. Prior to taking this position, he has spent the last 42 years working at all levels of the youth game. He coached at both Lake Braddock and TC Williams High Schools, before joining George Mason Women’s program for 8 years helping them to an NCCA D1 College Cup Final and 2 Final 4 appearances. Paul worked with the Region 1 Girls ODP program as Head Coach for the u17 age group, taking those teams to China and Europe, later becoming the assistant coach with the u15 and u17 Girls National Teams. Paul was the lead Scout for the USWNT at the 2004 Athens Olympics, in which the team won the Gold Medal. With his many club teams, he was won 4 state cup titles and one Region 1 Championship and was named VYSA Girls Competitive Coach of the year in 2019. Currently he is a member of the VYSA coaching Education Staff holding a US Soccer A License and USC Premier Diploma.

Pat Delaney (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2021

Pat Delaney began his passion for soccer when he was 5 years old. Pat’s dad was in the US Air Force.  The family was stationed in Madrid, Spain and lived across the street from Real Madrid’s stadium (Estadio Santiago Bernabeu).  Pat’s dad would take him to the rooftop of their apartment building where they would be able to watch Real Madrid play.  More than 50 years later, Pat has been involved with soccer in some fashion as a player, referee, instructor, assessor and administrator.  When Pat’s family moved to the United States and the DC Metro Areas, he began his playing career.  Pat played for Annandale Boys and Girls Club, Braddock Road Youth Club and Little River Soccer Club.  Pat played on the Virginia U-16 State team.  He also played for Bishop Ireton High School.  After graduating from Bishop Ireton, Pat attended the US Military Academy at West Point, NY where he led his company team to the Corps Championship his Plebe (Freshman) year.  After graduating from West Point, Pat’s first duty station in the Army was in Germany.  Pat played on a semi-professional soccer team, and played on, and Captained, the Nurnberg Military Community Soccer Team that won the United States Army-Europe (USAEUR) Championship 2 of the 3 years he was on the team.  Upon being stationed back in the United States, Pat continued to play or coach recreationally in North Carolina or back in Virginia when the Army sent him to graduate school.  At the University of Virginia, Pat played on the team that won the UVA Intramural Championship.  While at graduate school, Pat began his refereeing career.  Following graduate school, Pat was assigned as an Assistant Professor of Systems Engineering at West Point.  Pat became an Officer Representative for the Army Men’s Soccer Team.  He traveled with and mentored many of the soccer players.  Pat also began to rise in the ranks of refereeing in Eastern New York.  He was selected as the Senior Assistant Referee for the U-17 USA vs Mexico Boys Soccer Match at the US Soccer Hall of Fame stadium in Oneonta, NY.  By the time Pat returned home to Virginia and was stationed at the Pentagon, he was a National Candidate Referee.  The Metro-DC and Virginia State Referee Program selected Pat to attend US Soccer’s National Referee Camp in 2000, where he earned his National Referee badge and joined the less than 1% of US Soccer Referees who achieve this grade.  Highlights of Pat’s National Referee career include being selected as one of twelve referees to officiate the annual US Amateur Soccer Association National Championships.  In this competition, he was selected to referee the Women’s U-21 National Championship Game and Assistant Referee for the Men’s Final.  Pat also officiated several college and other professional level matches; highlighted by his selection as the Senior Assistant Referee for a “tune-up” match between the US Men’s National Team and DC United in preparation for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.  While refereeing, Pat became an Instructor and State Assessor.  In 2006, Pat became only the 3rd Chairman of the Metro DC and Virginia State Referee Program, and in 2007 had dual hats as the State Referee Administrator (SRA) until fellow referee and FIFA AR, George Vergara became the SRA in 2010.  Pat’s achievements and commitment to soccer in Virginia over the past decades illustrate his meritorious service that supports his induction into the Virginia Soccer Hall of Fame.

Simon Cargill (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2021

Simon served in many different capacities in soccer in Virginia whenever there was a need.  He coached the 1973 Herndon Sabers from 1983-1986.  He was the age group coordinator for the 1973 Division II in the Washington Area Girls Soccer League from 1983-1986 and also served as the age group coordinator for the WAGS Tournament for the 1973 B flight from 1984-1986. Simon also served as the R&D Director for the WAGS League and was on the WAGS Board of Directors from 1986-1995. Simon also served in many positions with Virginia Youth Soccer Association.  He served as the VYSA Girls State Cup Chair from 1985 - 1986 and on the VYSA Board of Directors as Girls North Travel Commissioner from 1988-1990.  In late March or early April of 1989 VYSA took on the challenge to host the 1989 US Youth Soccer National Championships about 4 months before the Opening Ceremonies.  Simon eagerly took on the job of being Host Chair. Simon also served as the Adjudication Committee Chair for VYSA. He not only accepted the very difficult position, but did a professional and outstanding job adjudicating any complaints sent his way.  Simon also served as a representative to the State Referee Committee as the first representative when it began in 1992 per direction of the United States Soccer Federation. Simon’s dedication, expertise, passion, and hard work for both WAGS and VYSA made him a very valuable asset to both organizations.  He was indeed an outstanding builder for the Virginia Youth Soccer Association. Simon was awarded VYSA Volunteer of the Year in 1991.

Abe Thompson (Player) - Inducted 2021

Abe Thompson played as a striker for the Braddock Road Warhawks (1999 U-17 USYS National Champions), WT Woodson Cavaliers (2000 AAA VHSL State Champions), U-17 US National Team (fourth place at the 1999 U-17 FIFA World Cup), and the Maryland Terrapins. At the University of Maryland, he helped the Terps win the 2002 ACC Championship, advance to three straight NCAA College Cup Final Fours, and finished his career as the school's all-time points leader. Following graduation, Abe played professionally for eight seasons: five in Major League Soccer for FC Dallas, the Kansas City Wizards, Boulder Rapids now the Colorado Rapids and the Houston Dynamo; and three in the North American Soccer League for the Fort Lauderdale Strikers. Abe has been a coach at BRYC Elite Academy since 2014, working with the U15-U19 girls to help the players to further their development and prepare them to be recruited and to excel at the next level.

Missy Wycinsky Pruden (Player) - Inducted 2021

Missy played most of her youth soccer for the McLean/Braddock Road Zephyr (aka Astros); in 1998, her Zephyr team won the USYSA National Championship. She was a member of the Region I ODP team from U-14 through U-19. Missy played her collegiate soccer at the College of William & Mary; she remains W&M's leader in points (202), assists (52), and games started (92). Missy was a 3-time NSCAA All-American, was twice named the CAA Player of the Year, was a 2-time Hermann Trophy finalist, and 3-time CAA Scholar Athlete. In her senior year, Missy was named W&M's Female Athlete of the Year. She was inducted into W&M's Hall of Fame in 2011 as an individual; her entire 1997 W&M Women's Soccer Team was later inducted in 2019. Missy was drafted by the San Diego Spirit in the inaugural 2001 WUSA draft and played there for 1 season. After retiring from soccer, Missy graduated from the University of Richmond School of Law; she practices law and lives in Richmond with her husband and two kids.

Clarence Goodson (Player) - Inducted 2021

Clarence Goodson IV began his soccer career with the Braddock Road Warhawks, where he won five Virginia State (VYSA) Championships, the USYSA 1999 U-17 National Championship, and the 1999 North American Indoor National Championship.  In 2000 Clarence won the Virginia State AAA Championship with WT Woodson High School. Clarence attended the University of Maryland, advanced to two ACC Championships, winning one and two Final Four appearances. Clarence was twice named, Defender of the Year for the Terps. Clarence was selected 7th overall in the MLS 2004 Super Draft by the Dallas Burn (F.C. Dallas).  He was twice named team FC Dallas Defender of the Year. In 2008-2010 Clarence played for IK Start in Norway.  In 2009 he was rated the Best League-Wide player. 2010-2013 Clarence played for famed Danish Superliga team, Brondby IF, where he served as Team Captain and helped the team gain qualification into the UEFA League.  In 2013 Clarence returned to the US and signed for the San Jose Earthquakes, where they rose to one of the strongest defensive teams in the MLS.  Clarence was twice named team Defender of the Year, and served as elected MLS Player Representative for Major League Soccer Players Association. In 2007 Clarence was first called up to the US Men’s National team. Clarence played Central Defender for the US for seven years and served as an elected US National Team Executive Board member.  Clarence played in the Gold Cup in 2009 and 2011, winning the 2013 Gold Cup Championship as Vice-Captain. In 2010 Clarence was selected to the United States Mens National Team Roster for the South African World Cup.   Clarence was also an alternate for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.  Clarence earned 46 caps and scored five goals for the US.Today Clarence works for Major League Soccer Players Association as Player Relations Manager. Alongside wife Kelsey, Clarence is Youth Director for 120+ Bay Area youth in their church, and he coaches the next generation of youth elitists.  The Clarence E. Goodson IV Mini Pitch was dedicated in September 2017 at his alma mater Springfield Elementary School. Clarence & his wife Kelsey partnered with the US Soccer Foundation to build a mini soccer pitch where children, in underserved communities, are provided a free and safe place to play the beautiful game.

Matt Borgard (Player) - Inducted 2020

Matt was a standout player for the FC Richmond Magic and Prince William Spartans programs and Douglas Freeman High School. During this time, Borgard was twice named to the US National Team, once at the U18 level and once at the U20 level. After a trip to West Germany and Holland with FC Richmond, Matt was invited to stay in Germany with SV Meppen in the 2nd  Division Bundesliga, where he played with the U18 A Junge Team. During his time in Germany, Matt was also selected to the Neidersaxon Fussbal Verbrand Select Team in the state of Neidersaxon, Germany. Upon his return to the states, Borgard was twice named to the Parade High School All-American Team in 1988 and 1989 and then he was named to the NSCAA High School All American Team in 1989. Matt played with the University of South Florida to continue his soccer career at the collegiate level. While at South Florida, he was named to the All Sun Belt Conference Team three times and the Soccer America Team of the Week during his senior year. He led the Bulls in assists during his career at the school. After graduating from South Florida, Borgard continued his playing career at the professional ranks for six years that included stops with the Tampa Bay Terror, Tampa Bay Cyclones, and the Richmond Kickers. 

Marie Onorato Schweitzer (Player) - Inducted 2020

John Daly (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2020

John Daly is an English American retired Collegiate Soccer Coach born in London, England to Irish Parents. He began his coaching career in London.  With Certification from the FA, he coached and played for St. Thomas Youth Cub in Fulham.  He later moved to the United States where he worked at soccer camps across the country run by the US Military Academy.  John came to William & Mary in 1979 and initially worked as an assistant coach for the Women’s team, which was a club team until 1981. He was also an assistant coach for the men’s team under Al Albert.  In 1986, John became a full-time assistant coach for the women’s team under John Charles, before succeeding Charles in 1987. W&M has had a winning season every year of his tenure, making William & Mary and the only program to have a winning season in all 36 years of NCAA Women’s Soccer, along with North Carolina the most successful school in the sport. As Head Women’s Soccer Coach, John Daly made the William & Mary Program into the most successful in the Colonial Athletic Association with a total record ending 2017 of 413 wins, 176 losses and 57 draws (.683) overall and a mark of 156 wins, 45 ties and 18 draws (.753) in the Colonial Athletic Association.  John Daly is the winning-est coach in W&M history, and the ninth coach in the history of Division I Women’s Soccer to achieve 400 wins; only Anson Dorrance (UNC), Len Tsantiris (Connecticut), and Jerry Smith (Santa Clara) have done the same at one school. Fifteen of his players won a total of 32 All American honors, while two, Megan McCarthy and Natalie Neaton won NCAA Player of the Year Honors.  Many players including Jill Ellis, Coach of the US Women’s National Team, went onto successful coaching careers in their own right.  Throughout his tenure as the W&M Women’s Soccer Coach, he has received countless Collegiate Personal Awards and Honors.  Among his peers, John Daly by all, means, ranks as one of the Top 20 Coaches in NCAA History.

Pam Wilks (Veteran) - Inducted 2020

Pam Wilks started her soccer service with McLean Youth Soccer Association where her son’s and daughter played soccer. She was also a Team Manager and served on the Mclean Youth Soccer Board. Pam was also involved at her children’s HS and established the first snack bar for girls soccer that evolved into snack bars for many sports and is now dedicated in her name. Pam was the Virginia Youth Soccer Association’s First Administrator. She started May 13, 1987 and retired October 1992.  Pam ran the VYSA State Office from her home.  Pam worked endlessly to start the First VYSA Workshop held on February 4, 1989 at the Holiday Inn Fair Oaks in Fairfax, VA.  Her duties as VYSA Administrator included VYSA Library- Librarian for the Northern Virginia Tape and Book Library.  She also Assisted the Touchline Editor, Carol Cason, by providing Carol a compilation of ever changing facts. While VYSA Administrator she was also the VYSA Joint Coaching Program Administrator. Pam Wilks was short in stature, but she was a giant and a leader when it came to running the State Office and was a great asset to VYSA with her ability to network with other Region I State Association offices and the National Office.

Luis Rendon (Player) - Inducted 2020

Luis played majority of his youth career for FC Richmond, under coach, mentor and fellow VA-DC Hall of Fame inductee, Dave Amsler. He was a member of the Under 18 National Team competing against other National Teams in competitions in Israel, Portugal, and Northern Ireland. He was awarded the 2011 Gatorade National Boys Soccer Player of the Year, being recognized as the top high school player in the country and the first Junior to win this award. Luis attended Duke University, which he played in 49 games with 10 starts and finished his collegiate career with three goals and four assists. He is also a member of FC Richmond's 25th Anniversary Team.

Bob Maynes (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2020

Bob Maynes has been dedicated to the development of recreational players and training of their coaches. He started with McLean Youth Soccer in 1985 and in 1987 began 22 years of service as the volunteer DOC. He also started their ref training program and severed as a ref for 22 years and ref instructor for 25.

One of his most satisfying achievements was, with the guidance of Tom Fleck and Ron Quinn, developing the Continuous Play model for small sided games for U8 and younger. He did sessions throughout the state to spread small sided games in the 90’s. This model is found throughout Virginia and now in many other states.

Bob has been on the VYSA Board since 1999. He was the first VYSA Director of Club Development, a Rec Rep to the VYSA Board and Rec Chairman. He has been VP and finance chair of VYSA since 2010. Bob was instrumental in the development of the Virginia Soccer Training Center, visiting over a dozen facilities and overseeing the creation of its business plan and supervising its construction.

Bob Maynes not only brought his recreational soccer knowledge to the board, but also his political experience as a US Senate press secretary. Whatever VYSA needed Bob was there. He traveled the state to gather knowledge and expertise. No task was ever beneath him. He was proud to be the garbage man in year one of regionals at the complex and in year two he worked parking all day. President Denise Edwards said, “I would not know how I could have done the job without him.”

Larry Best (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2020

Larry began his coaching career in 1982 under the mentorship of Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Member Dick White.  This started Larry on a path to a successful career with highlights of winning National Championships in 1986, 1996 and in 2012 with the latter being with BRYC Elite Academy.  Successful campaigns as National Semi Finalists in 1987 & 2014 along with being US Youth Soccer National League Champions in 2013 & 2014.   In addition, Larry won National Indoor Championships in 2010, 2011, & 2012. Larry was the National Promotions Manager for Lanzera USA which sponsored and supported the University of Virginia as NCAA National Champions in 1991, 1992, 1993, & 1994. In 2012 Larry was named the VYSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year, US Youth Soccer Region I Girls Competitive Coach of the Year, and US Youth Soccer National Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. Larry most recently served as the Girl’s Technical Director for BRYC Elite Academy and left that position at the end of 2018 to take on the role of Chief Executive Officer for the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League. During almost 38 years of service to the game, it’s with great pleasure to recognize many people who have been a huge part of Larry’s success.  The Baldwin Family, The White Family, The Milone Family, The Dolansky Family, The Riehl Family, The Madsen Family, The Harkes Family, The Sharon Family, The Burke Family, The Mishalow Family, with Special Thanks to Steve Baldwin, Bruce Arena, Richie Burke, Shannon Cirovski, Anson Dorrance, Wendy Gebauer, April Heinrichs, Bill Lynch, Joe Morrone, and every Coach, Teacher, Teammate, Player and everybody that has helped Larry on his journey to the incredible honor of being inducted in the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame.

Bonnie Ahearn (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2020

(May 24th 1945 - December 14th 2017)

Bonnie played a part in the Virginia soccer community for over three decades. Beginning in 1980 as a soccer mom/VYS travel coach, she became one of the premier referee assignors on the East Coast. 

Bonnie assigned league games in WAGS, NCSL, and VHSL. She assigned almost every tournament in Northern Virginia, including the WAGS Tournament, the NCSL Capital Cup, the Springfield Virginian Tournament, the Cherry Blossom Festival Soccer Tournament, as well as the  Virginia State Cup and Virginia ODP games.  At the Region I level, Bonnie served on the Referee Committee and helped to assign games for the Region I Youth Championships/ODP Tournaments. 

Bonnie took pride in developing young referees. Her promotion of them paid off, with many of her nominees earning State and Regional recognition.  Three of her nominees went on to win USYSA Young Referee of the Year-- Annalisa Pawlosky (2001), Alexandra Hallas Button (2005), and Cassandra Ferrari (2007). 

Julie Kennedy (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2020

Julie started her career as an entrepreneur, founding and leading DC SCORES and AMERICA SCORES, a US-based educational non-profit organization that inspires urban youth to lead healthy lives, be engaged students, and have the confidence and character to make a difference in the world. Her work at AMERICA SCORES earned her a number of local and national awards, including Washingtonian of the Year, in Washington, DC, a Daily Points of Light award from President Clinton, and a finalist mention for the Presidential National Service Award. Today, Julie is the Chief Operating Officer of Trusty.care, a healthcare and insurance technology company focused on simplifying the most vexing healthcare and insurance decisions. Trusty.care creates precision benefits tools which delivers a benefits picture unique to each person. The Company’s first go-to-market products focus on Medicare, and older Americans aging into the Medicare system for the first time. Prior to Trusty.care, Julie was founder and CEO of a New York-based strategy and finance advisory firm that worked with high-potential entrepreneurs in frontier markets.  Previous positions include: Program Director for Pioneers of Prosperity, Central America and the Caribbean, at the OTF Group, overseeing a program that provided financing and technical support to small and medium-sized enterprises across the region; Director of Monitoring and Evaluation for the Millennium Promise Alliance - one of the executing arms of the Millennium Villages Project; and, Director of the Girls’ Education Initiative at Magna International. Julie also held research positions at Harvard and Columbia Universities. Julie holds a BA in comparative governments from Georgetown University, an MPA from Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government, and a Certificate in Program Design, Evaluation and Monitoring of International Projects from the University of Bologna. A native of Canada, Julie speaks French and Spanish.

George Vergara (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2019

George Vergara played soccer in a number of Virginia youth teams and then at the Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) from 1978 to 1980 before becoming a referee.  In 1980 he became a referee and has been actively refereeing for almost 40 years. He went from a Grade 8 in 1980 to a Grade 4 in 1996 to ultimately becoming a Grade 2 FIFA Assistant Referee in 1999.  

George Vergara is the only US Soccer referee from Virginia to become a member of the US Soccer FIFA panel of referees and assistant referees. He has officiated Youth, Regional and National, Region I Adult Finals, Major League Soccer, MLS All Star and MLS Cup Finals. He also officiated in COPA CARIBE, Central American Club Championships, World Cup Qualifiers and numerous International matches in many countries. Professional Club Matches include Manchester United, Bayern Munich, AC Milan, Barcelona, Roma, Liverpool, Fiorentina, Juventus, Palientankos, Ajax, Feyenoord, and others. George has also served as a National Referee Instructor (2005), National Referee Assessor (2005-2015) and National Referee Coach (2015 to present). In these capacities, George has mentored and developed hundreds of referees sharing his passion and expertise in officiating the beautiful game of soccer. George also holds a USSF “A” Coaching license and lead the Richmond Strikers to the U11 State Cup Championship in 1983 and FC Richmond U12 State Cup Championship in 2014 to 2016. George has served as the State Referee Administrator for the Metro DC Virginia State Referee Program (MDCVASRP) which is responsible for the certification and training of all US Soccer Referees in DC and VA. MDCVASRP has produced several regional and national young referees of the year both male and female.  

George is also a founding member of the Professional Soccer Referees Association (PSRA) that established a union for collective bargaining with MLS and US Soccer to enhance the training, well-being, and treatment of professional referees. He served as President of the PSRA from 2008-2018.

Anita J. Hood (Veteran) - Inducted 2019

(November 23rd 1937 - January 4th 2022)

Anita J. Hood’s served a 41 year uninterrupted career as Referee Assignor, League Secretary (30 years) and ‘At-Large’ delegate (25 years) to the Adult State Soccer Association.

As Referee Assignor, she worked with most of the Virginia, DC, West Virginia and some Maryland leagues as they developed over the years.  During her tenure she made 134,000 – 150,000 individual assignments to the Youth, Adult, Co-Ed, High School, and International matches.

She assisted in the development of Referee training programs that increased the number of DC/No VA registered referees from 49 to well over 1200. As the State Youth and Adult programs developed, she lent her expertise assisting and training new assignors. She worked with administrators, coaches, and league officials as a referee advocate for dispute resolutions. 

Judie Churchill (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2019

Judie Churchill got her start in soccer with the Braddock Road Youth Club (BRYC) and the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS) in the 1980’s. Judie’s three daughters played travel soccer with BRYC and WAGS. Judie also was an active volunteer for the WAGS Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament.  She, along with Charlotte Moran, served as the hostess and greeters for all the College Coaches that came to the tournament. They made sure the College Coaches had profiles and schedules for all players and games and answered any questions the college coaches and/or club coaches put forth. Judie was indeed a valuable asset to the WAGS Rael Vodicka Memorial Tournament –Judie along with Margaret (Mike) Gardner were VYSA Girls ODP Co-Chairs and Judie served from 1991 through 2002.

 Judie Churchill was a dedicated administrator to the VYSA Girls ODP Program. She put her heart and soul into the program and her passionate contribution to managing a well-run Girls Program greatly contributed to the success of the VYSA Girls ODP. Judie also served as a member of the VYSA Board holding the position of Recreational North Commissioner from 1994 to 2002. Judie served on the Region I Girls ODP Committee and for the seasonal years 2001-2002 and 2002-2003 Judie held the position of the US Youth Soccer Girls ODP National Chair.  Judie was the East Women’s Soccer Team Administrator for the Regional Olympics in the US. She and Mike also served as team administrators for the U15/16 DC/VA Girls ODP team that traveled to Bergen and Norway. As Girls ODP National Chair, Judie was the representative of the US Delegation for the US U19 Women’s World Cup CONCACAF games in Trinidad and Tobago. Judie and her family moved to Montgomery, Alabama in 2002. She now resides in Florida.

Bill Lanza (Player) - Inducted 2019

Bill Lanza began playing soccer as a youth player for Prince William Soccer Inc. He was very fortunate to have three great youth coaches that inspired a love for the game.  Bill Lanza Sr., Earl McEachron, and Ken Krieger were his travel team coaches through his youth playing days. The travel teams competed at the state and regional levels. In High School Bill was a Virginia Gatorade Player of the Year, Parade All-America, a USSF All-America and Washington Post All-Met.  Billy was a member of the Virginia ODP, Region I ODP, and was selected for the United States U-18, U-20, and US-23 National Teams. Bill was a member the US U-20 National Team that competed in the U20 World Cup in Melbourne, Australia in 1993. During his tenure with the ODP programs Bill had the opportunity to be coached again by many great coaches including Manny Schellscheidt, Bob Bradley, Gordon Bradley, Bobby Howe, Tony Di Ciccio and Glenn Myernick. He attended the University of Notre Dame to play for Coach Mike Berticelli on a full athletic scholarship. He had the opportunity to play a fifth season with the University of Virginia and Coach George Gelnovatch as a postgraduate student, since he had red shirted a year. After Bill stopped playing competitively he continued to coach the youth of Virginia.  His goal as a coach has always been to inspire players, as his youth coaches had done for him. He began coaching youth teams with Prince William Soccer and Stafford Soccer. He is former Technical Director of Coaching at Fauquier County Soccer Club and Northern Virginia Soccer Club. He currently resides in Fredericksburg coaching at Commonwealth Futbol Club and continues to coach both boys and girls and serves as a soccer role model for the soccer youth of Virginia.

Tom Frank (Veteran) - Inducted 2019

Tom Frank became involved in soccer in 1974 when he coached his son’s team in Chantilly Youth Association. Besides coaching for CYA, he also was the first director of their travel program and director of their referee program.

Tom played in the Northern Virginia Coaches League from 1975 until 1985. Tom first certified with USSF as a referee in the fall of 1975 and has remained certified since then.  His officiating career was mostly focused on adult games; however, he made sure that he more than exceeded the required number of youth games required as a senior referee each year. His highest referee grade level was State Level Grade 5 and he was a national candidate. He started refereeing high school games in 1980 and continued until 2005 refereeing in many District, Regional, and State Title games. Tom became a USSF Referee Instructor in 1982. Tom started refereeing college games in 1984 and continued until 1994. During his referee career Tom officiated an estimated 5,000 games, has been teaching referee classes for 36 years, and assessed referees for 12 years.  He received assignments for many final games in tournaments, state cup, and college games.  Went to the Senior Regionals eight times, Youth Regionals four times (once as referee and three times as an assessor), refereed professional games for about 10 years, and refereed numerous International Friendlies involving teams from Europe, Central and South America. He was the President of DC/NOVA Soccer Referee Association, and Area Director of Instruction. Tom currently holds US Soccer certifications as a Grade 5 referee, Grade 5 Instructor, Grade 5 Assessor, and Grade 8 Assignor. For the past 10 years he has been the State Referee Registrar for Metro DC-Virginia State Referee Program, registering approximately 6,000 referees per year with US Soccer. He also manages their Risk Management Program.

Kathy Carter (Player) - Inducted 2019

Kathy Carter is another outstanding women’s soccer player to come out of the Northern Virginia area. She started playing club soccer at age 7. Her team, the 1969 Fairfax Police Flyers, went on to play in WAGS. She was their goalkeeper and team leader. Kathy was a member of VYSA ODP teams, Region I player pool and ODP Teams. She was the goalkeeper for the Robinson High School Varsity - freshman through her senior year. Also a High School All American, she attended William & Mary and was goalkeeper on the Tribe Soccer team from 1987 to 1990. She is tied for the lowest goals against average in program history (0.87). Kathy went on to play goalkeeper in adult soccer leagues across the United States. Playing Women’s pro soccer was out of the question as there were no Professional Leagues at the time of her college graduation. Kathy was introduced to members of the 1994 World Cup Organizing Committee via a friend on an opposing Amateur League team. As a result of that introduction, she was able to make the game her profession. Kathy worked for the Organizing Committee for the 1994 FIFA World Cup. She then became a founding member of Major League Soccer and from 1996-1999 was its Vice President of Corporate Marketing. In 2003, Kathy joined Soccer United Marketing, the marketing branch for US Soccer and MLS. In December 2010, she was promoted from Executive Vice President to President. In addition, Kathy served as the US Representative on FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup. In April 2018, after a second-place finish for the elected position of US Soccer President, Kathy decided to leave her position as President of SUM to pursue her next challenge.In October 2018, Carter was appointed Chief Revenue Officer for LA28, the organizing committee for the LA 2028 Olympic Games, and CEO of the U.S Olympic and Paralympic Properties, the joint venture created by LA28 and the U.S. Olympic Committee to control all Olympic commercial rights in the US from 2021 through 2028.

Colette Cunningham (Player) - Inducted 2019

Colette Cunningham played competitive club soccer for the Braddock Road Youth Club Shooting Stars as a Forward/Striker under Denise Mishalow. Her team won the VYSA State Cup in 1989.  She was a member of VYSA ODP and Region I ODP player pool and teams. Colette was also a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team Player pool and team earning two Caps in 1992. In High School Colette was a 4 year varsity player for Lake Braddock High School where they were District, Regional and State Champions her senior year. She attended Marymount University her freshman year where she scored 39 goals and 20 assists in 18 games. She is still the record holder for Division III for goals per season (39) and points per season (98).  While playing striker for North Carolina State University her remaining 3 college seasons, she recorded the following points: 106 points with 42 goals, 22 assists and 230 shots. She was named to the All Atlantic Coast Conference First Team in 1991 and 1992. Colette was a letter winner for N.C. State from 1990-1992 and the third time leading scorer with 42 goals (in 3 seasons). In May 1994, Colette Cunningham, signed with the Men’s Continental Indoor Soccer League’s Washington Warthogs. Colette was the FIRST woman to play in a men’s professional league and she was also the FIRST woman to score a point in the Continental Indoor Soccer League when she assisted on a goal against San Jose. Colette played overseas with S.S. Lazio, a Division 1 team, out of Rome, Italy. After playing 3 seasons with Lazio she transferred to a Division 1 team Sporting Sorrento in Naples, Italy for two years. There she led both teams in scoring and points. Colette was a member and one of the top leading goal scorers for the Maryland Pride Women’s Team from 1997-1999 prior to beginning her career in Law Enforcement. Colette Cunningham is currently a patrol Lieutenant with the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office serving under Sheriff Michael L. Chapman.

Dick Whalen  (Veteran) - Inducted 2018

(Died August 13th 2019)

Captain Dick Whalen, U.S. Navy (Retired), graduated from the Naval Academy in 1963. He served thirty years at sea and ashore, including as Commanding Officer of two warships.  Both vessels were recognized best-in-class recipient of Atlantic Fleet Awards for athletics, leadership, and personnel retention.  

Dick began parent-coaching soccer of his eldest son’s recreation team in 1977 while on duty in the Washington area, followed by first coach of the highly successful ‘72 boys Springfield Youth Club “Express” travel team. As “Officer Representative” while Director of Professional Development at the U.S. Naval Academy, he mentored varsity soccer athletes, coached a Bowie, Maryland travel club and, subsequently, Pascagoula, Mississippi recreational and State ODP teams. After reassignment to Hampton Roads, Dick formed the “Parent’s Soccer Association of Virginia Beach:, successfully lobbying the School System to change high school soccer from afternoon to an evening format, increasing player recruiting visibility and families ability to see offspring in action.  While President of Beach FC for several years, he focused on improving player college recruiting and was instrumental in the creation of the Hampton Roads Soccer Council (HRSC) and its premier 75 acre Soccer Complex.  To generate Complex revenues, Dick led creation of the “North American Sand Soccer Championships (NASSC) in 1994, now the largest amateur and pro/am sand/beach soccer festival worldwide.  In its 25th year, NASSC has hosted 200,000 youth and adult players, raising millions of dollars for the Complex. He was selected as a Tourism Ambassador” by Virginia Beach.

Joe “Eric” Baer (Veteran) – Inducted 2012

Joe was born in Germany and emigrated to Baltimore when he was ten.  He achieved All-American honors at the University of Maryland and was named to the US Olympic team in 1952.  After some time away from the game, Joe again became involved with the formation of Montgomery Soccer, Inc.  His MSI travel team was a high-quality team that was allowed to play Virginia teams and enter what later became the National Capital Soccer League, which he helped organize and develop.  Joe received the Founder’s Award from NCSL for his efforts in the development of youth soccer in the DC/Virginia/Maryland region.  He was also a referee for many years.

Richard Broad (Veteran) - Inducted 2016
Richard is a television analyst for Fox Sports and The American Sports Network, and is president of American Soccer Programs and Director of 
Middle States Soccer Camp.  He was the head men’s coach at George Mason University, where he raised the program from Division III status to the Division I level, and was twice selected South Atlantic Region Coach of the Year. Prior to that, Richard was head men’s coach at W. T Woodson High School, where he took his teams to the State Tournament four times. He also coached several successful club teams.

Garland Carter (Veteran) - Inducted 2017

Garland Carter served as Treasurer of VYSA for three years from 1982 through 1985.  He brought professionalism into the position through his accounting based background.  During his tenure as the VYSA Treasurer he secured tax exempt status as a section 501(c)3 organization.  Also during his tenure, he took on the responsibility of reorganizing the DC/VA State Referee program. The State Youth and Amateur Associations were having growing and organizational difficulties with the Referee organization.  Garland was appointed by both State Associations to be the State Referee Administrator. With his experience as a USSF referee, and a Youth Association officer, he was able to reorganize the program and returned the confidence to all three organizations.

Garland also was a coach in WAGS for many years; he coached the 1969 FPYC Flyers.  His daughter Kathy Carter the goalkeeper for the team, is now the President of Soccer United Marketing, a position which, oversees the commercial and marketing aspects of Major League Soccer.  Kathy also served as the United States representative on FIFA’s Committee for Women’s Football and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

John Ellis (Veterans Service) - Inducted 2007 

 John was born in England, and during the 1960’s and 70’s was a staff coach for the English Football Association, where he worked with the  youth and National teams in developing soccer in Trinidad and Tobago, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Malaysia. He was the Director and Staff Coach for National Coaching Qualifying Courses and the Director of the English Schools Player Development Program.  As a coach and player, John also served as the Director of Soccer Coaching and Head Coach to the Combined Military Services of Great Britain. He was head coach of several semi-professional teams while also helping to develop the National team program. He came to the US in the early 1980’s and immersed himself in youth soccer coaching, including leading several teams to National Championships. He was the US Women’s National Team assistant coach when the team won a silver medal at the 2000 Olympics and a gold medal at the CONCACAF Gold Cup. John was a member of the VYSA Coaching Education Staff, president of Soccer Academy, Inc., and, in 2001, was recognized by the NSCCA with the “Lifetime Award” for services to youth soccer.

Hicabi "Turk" Emekli (Veteran) - Inducted 2014

(November 17th 1925 - December 11th 2015)

Emekli's soccer career began in Turkey in the 1930's and continued in the United States from 1951 - 2010.  Turk played an instrumental role in advancing college and professional soccer.  As head coach, Turk led the Washingon Whips during the inaugural season of the NASL. Under Turk as player-head coach, Catholic University set national scoring records and won Mason-Dixon titles in 1956 and 1957; Catholic still surpasses the all-time best NCAA Division I records for team and individual goals scored per game average in a season. Turk, First Team All-Mason Dixon and 1992 Catholic Hall of Fame inductee, coached Catholic for 21 seasons. Recognized as the best player on the field by Galatasaray legend Gündüz Kılıç, Emekli played with Genclerbirligi Soccer Club, the Greek Americans in the German American Soccer League, Central Valet, Lido, and the Italian Americans in the National Soccer League.  Turk later enjoyed a 40-year officiating career.

Susan Frank (Veteran) - Inducted 2016

(Died November 19th 2015)

When Susan started refereeing in 1975, there were no women referees in DC or VA. Susan became a USSF referee in 1975 and over a career of 37 years, she refereed youth, senior amateur, high school, college, and professional games – over 6,000 in all. She was the first woman in Virginia to become both a State Grade referee and a State Referee instructor. Some of her other accomplishments include: first woman to referee a men’s league final; first woman from Virginia to be invited to referee at the NCAA final four; and first woman to referee in both a professional league and an international friendly. Susan was also a referee assessor and secretary for the National Soccer League of Washington, DC.  

Nelson Kobren (Veterans Service) - Inducted 2006

(Died August 9th 1996)

Nelson was a Washington, DC, native who played tennis and football in high school. He continued playing tennis while on active duty in Germany and earned the title of US Army in Europe tennis champion in 1955. The following year, Nelson and seven others co-founded the D.C. Soccer Referees Association, which later became the Metropolitan Washington Soccer Referees Association. During his 40 years with the MWSRA, he served as Commissioner, Treasurer, President, and Executive Board member. In addition to actively serving as a soccer referee, he was a basketball official and softball umpire. After teaching physical education classes at the University of Maryland at College Park for four years, Nelson taught physical education and driver education at Montgomery Blair High School for 35 years. There he coached successful tennis and soccer teams and served as the Athletic Director. Nelson was inducted into the Maryland State Athletic Directors’ Hall of Fame in 1990. The Nelson Kobren Memorial Gymnasium was dedicated at Montgomery Blair High School in 1998.

Pat McStay (Veterans Service) - Inducted 2009

(August 1st 1950 - August 11th 2024)

Pat coached in many different capacities during his life.  He was a high school coach for 16 years, an assistant coach at Old Dominion University, an ODP coach, and a head coach with Hampton Roads Piranhas for three seasons.  He led the Piranhas to a National Championship appearance.  Pat also was the Director of Coaching at the Norfolk United and Atlantic Soccer Clubs.  He worked as a field producer at the 1994 World Cup in Florida and at the 1996 Olympics.  Accepting this award is his wife, Joan, and his son, Pat. 

Everett Merritt (Veteran) - Inducted 2015
Everett started his amateur career in the German American league in New York as a teenager. He then played his collegiate soccer at the University of Bridgeport and led his team to the finals of the first NCAA Division I tournament in 1959. He was selected to the All-New England squad 3 years running. After graduation, he played with three National Soccer League teams in Washington, DC: Maggies, which finished second in the League and won the Roland Cup; the Washington Internationals Soccer Club; and the British Lions. He coached in the National Capital Soccer League for about ten years, during which time his teams won two NCSL Division One titles and Virginia State Championships, along with five consecutive Arlington Invitational Fall Tournament titles. Everett was inducted into the University of Bridgeport Hall of Fame in 2009, which was the 50^th anniversary of the first NCAA final.

Bill Shellenberger (Veteran) – Inducted 2010

(Died September 7th 2009)

Sports Illustrated called Bill “the winningest coach ever in college soccer” in 1978. He was the first collegiate soccer coach to win 300 games, completing his career with 371 wins and 31 consecutive winning seasons at Lynchburg College. He introduced soccer to the Lynchburg area in 1952, and two years later his Lynchburg Hornets became the fourth team in Virginia to play collegiate soccer. Bill was a coach, professor, and athletic director, and is credited with being a major force in the growth of collegiate soccer. He has been inducted into eight Halls of Fame, including the National Soccer Hall of Fame, was named Coach of the Year 28 times, and was recognized in 1991 by the Virginia General Assembly for his “Unparalleled Record of Achievement”. He also received the NSCAA’s Honor Award. 

Dennis Viollet (Veteran) – Inducted 2011  

(September 20th 1933 - March 6th 1999)

 Dennis was a forward with Manchester United, where he scored 179 goals in 294 matches and played a big part in the winning of League Championships in1956 and 1957.  He moved to Stoke City in 1962; the team won two Second Division Championship medals and one League Cup runners’ up medal.  He coached the Washington Diplomats of the NASL for several years, and then moved to the New England Tea Men.  The team relocated to Jacksonville, where Dennis became head coach at Jacksonville University.  He then joined the Richmond Kickers, who in 1995 won the USISL Premier League title and the US Open Cup championship.  Dennis finished his coaching career with the A-League Jacksonville Cyclones.

Richard White (Veterans Service) - Inducted 2006

 Richard was born in England and moved to the United States after World War II.  He served in Suwon, Korea in 1951 - 1952.  He had soccer balls shipped to him to kick around with the local children which he gifted to them when he returned home.  He played soccer at the University of Florida from 1956-1960. In 1961, he played with the British Lions in Washington, DC, and several other teams, and finished his playing career with the Annandale “over 30 gang” in 1991. Richard began his coaching career in 1967 with the Annandale Boys Club 1964 Rebels/Apprentices, who in 1982 won the Maguire Cup in Omaha. He also coached many teams in Annandale, Vista, Braddock Road, Fredericksburg, and Stafford. From 1979 through 1983, Richard coached U16 Boys, U18 Girls, and U16 Girls State Select teams that participated in Region I competition. He retired to Tennessee, where he currently coaches the Adamsville High School boys’ and girls’ soccer teams, as well as Parks and Recreation Department soccer teams.  He is in his 48th year coaching soccer.

Bill Willis (Veteran) – Inducted 2011

Bill became involved with youth soccer when his sons joined the DC Stoddert Soccer League, where he served as coach and commissioner.  While he was volunteer chairman of the Board of Directors of DCSSL the club doubled its membership. Bill instituted club partnering with other soccer organizations, including Georgetown University Men’s Soccer, created the Cherry Blossom Festival Soccer Tournament, and aided in the development of inner city soccer programs.  He assisted with the development of DC Scores and served on its Board. Bill was involved with the upgrade of existing inner city soccer fields and the creation of new fields in the city. He also served as VYSA’s Director of Field Development.

 

Jim Sadowski (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2018

Jim Sadowski has been involved in many capacities in Soccer in the Virginia/DC area.  He played at George Washington University as a walk on from 1985-1987, and was captain the Arlington Tigers and GWU Colonials competitive men’s teams 1986-1999.  Jim played and served as manager for the Mall Rats Coed team from 1994-2009. The Mall Rats dominated coed soccer in the area for more than 10 years winning the league title more than 10 times as well as multiple tournament titles. Jim’s Mall Rats Team also won the USASA open and U30 Coed Cups in 1999, 2003, 2009. Jim also played with the Richmond Lions Masters U40 team at the Neptune Soccer Classic.  Jim has served the Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association for many years.  He was Vice President from 2001-2002 and has served as President since 2002.  Jim has also served at the Adult representative of the State Referee Committee since 2002.  Jim founded and ran the Capital Coed Soccer League from 1994-2002, the first USSF affiliated coed league in the District. Jim has also refereed at every level of youth and adult soccer since first becoming a Grade 8 referee in 1986. He was a national referee from 2009-2014 and a volunteer referee for eight Veteran’s Cups. Jim also served on the USASA Coed Cup Committee from 1999-2006 as the Region 1 representative, then as Chair from 2007-2009. Jim was a DC United season ticket holder from its inaugural year in 1996 to 2013. Jim was also the referee liaison for the Women’s World Cup in 2003, the USMNT vs. Panama World Cup Qualifier at RFK, and for several games for D.C. United. Jim was a member of the US Soccer Foundation Grants Committee from 2008- 09. He has also attended six straight World Cups to support the USMNT and he attended all but one of the USWNT matches at the 2003 Women’s World Cup.

Danny Beamer (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2018

Danny began coaching in the early 80’s as a teenager in Greensboro, NC. He coached 6 NCYSA State Champion teams with one of his teams advancing to the finals of the Southern Regionals losing to North Texas. He moved to the Roanoke area in 1986, where he helped start Roanoke Valley Youth Soccer Club and turn it into a Roanoke Star. He is now in his 32nd year in charge of that club. Danny has been active locally with a number of local Boards of Directors, as well as providing opportunities to play for underprivileged youth in Roanoke. Throughout his time in Roanoke, he has helped over 700 players achieve their dreams of playing soccer at the next level collegiately.  Danny has helped bring professional soccer to the Roanoke Valley, through amateur and exhibition games. Locally, Danny has impacted the economic growth through hosting tournaments since the late 80's. Danny was one of the pioneers in helping form VCCL in the 90’s, which has now turned into the CCL (Club Champions League) where he currently serves as the President. For 22 years, Danny has taken players to Europe to compete in the Gothia Cup. In 2015, he was recognized by the Gothia Cup for his consistency and loyalty, and welcomed into their Hall of Fame. He continues to take coaching education trips to help further his knowledge of the game, and build relationships with other clubs domestically and internationally. In 2016, Danny started a tutor/ESL program in partnership with the Blue Ridge Literacy Program and Junior Women’s League, to help local soccer players thrive academically in order to participate in Roanoke Star. Danny served on the VYSA BOD for a number of years and served as VYSA ODP Director for many years. He recently helped open a brand new soccer facility (Countryside Sportsplex) with 6 grass fields in the heart of Roanoke.

Ferdinand Paciolla (Veterans) - Inducted 2008
  Ferdinand Paciolla had a major impact on youth soccer in Northern Virginia. He was involved in the creation and administration of the National Capital Soccer League, and served as Chair of the Rules and Discipline Committee, League Commissioner, and President. He was instrumental in the development of the Springfield Youth Club, particularly the establishment of the travel soccer program. He helped to establish a standardized coaching program. He also started the WAGS Tournament and the Capital Cup. Ferdinand holds a USSF “C” License and coached the Springfield Boys Club ‘67 Raiders, the Annandale Boys Club ‘67 Sabres, and the Annandale Boys Club ‘70 Cavaliers, all NCSL Division I teams, for many years. He is also a USSF-FIFA Licensed referee.

Al Albert (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2005
 Al was the head men’s soccer coach at the College of William and Mary for 33 years, after graduating from that college in 1969. Over the course of his coaching career, his teams have amassed 401 wins, made 12 NCAA appearances, and finished in the Final 8 in both 1980 and 1996. He is one of only eight Division 1 college coaches to have won 400 games.  Al has owned and operated the Tidewater Soccer Camps for over 30 years. He helped to establish the Williamsburg Soccer Club in 1974, and is still a director. He is an officer in many local and national soccer organizations; he is past president of the National Soccer Coaches Association. He received the Bill Jeffrey Award from the NCSAA to honor his longtime contribution to college soccer. Al is currently the Associate Director of Athletic Development at the College of William and Mary. He is a past president of the NSCAA and has received the Bill Jeffrey Award and the Honor Award from the association. He presently chairs the NSCAA Foundation.

 

Gary Allen (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2008

Gary Allen led his Randolph-Macon College team to the Virginia College Athletics Championship in 1972. While still in college he was named 
as an alternate to the US Olympic Team.   After college he began his coaching career, coaching both Men’s and Women’s Division I College programs, high school teams, state and regional Olympic Development teams, and a Women’s State Team that won three National Championships. Gary became the youngest coach in Virginia to attain the US Soccer “A” License, was Virginia’s first ODP coach and one of the first two Coaching Education instructors in the state. In 1980 he was appointed as Co-Director of the Eastern US Regional Camp for the Olympic Sports Festival. In 1994 he became a member of the US National Coaching Staff. Over the years, Gary has coached 31 players who made All-American in college and 17 players who made the US National Teams. He has received national attention for his many articles concerning youth soccer development in the United States.

Dave Amsler (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2005

(March 22nd 1948 - June 1st 2021)

Dave’s soccer career began at the age of six. He went on to become a three-time All South Selection and four-time Most Valuable Player at  Campbell College, NC. In 1971 he organized a summer soccer league in Richmond, in 1976 he formed the Richmond Strikers, and in 1985 he founded the FC Richmond Magic. Dave was active for 20 years in both boys and girls ODP as a Region 1 staff coach and a Virginia State team coach. He also served as Director of the JCP State Coaching School for ten years. During his career, Dave has coached and participated in the development of 12 National Team players, several college, high school, and Parade All-Americans, 20 professional players, and 3 professional-level coaches. Among his proudest achievements is the Virginia Club Champions League, which he formed in 1997. The VCCL has grown to eight clubs from all over Virginia and continues to be one of the most progressive and competitive leagues in the country.

Bruce Arena (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2002
Arena has been coaching soccer since his college graduation. At the University of Virginia he won five NCAA Division I Championships and received seven ACC Coach of the Year honors, along with the National Coach of the Year Award in 1993. He led D. C. United to victory in the MLS Cup during its inaugural season, and the following year earned MLS Coach of the Year honors. In 1998 he took over as head coach of the U. S. Men’s National Team with the goal of qualifying for the 2002 FIFA World Cup in Korea/Japan. His team finished in third place at the FIFA Confederations Cup in Mexico in 1999 and in first place at the 2000 Nike U. S. Cup. As he approaches his 50^th game at the helm of the U. S. Men, Arena has compiled a 22-12-12 record.

Mike Berticelli (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2003

(April 26th 1951 - January 25th 2000)

 Mike’s soccer career began at the University of Maine at Farmington, where he was a goalkeeper and team captain. His collegiate coaching career began at Maine’s Thomas College. He then led UNC-Greensboro to NCAA Division II national titles in 1982 and 1983. Next, at Old Dominion, his team won the 1987 Sun Belt Conference Championship. In 1996, Mike guided Notre Dame through its most successful season, when they won the Big East Tournament Championship. He was the National Director of Coaching for the NSCAA, the NCAA National Coach of the Year, Division III, in 1982, and the Midwest Conference Coach of the Year in 1993 and 1994. Mike was honored by the Maine Sports Hall of Fame with the 1997 Outstanding Achievement Award and the 1995 Presidential Award, and was inducted into the Maine-Farmington Sports Hall of Fame in 1999, shortly before he passed away. 

Julie Caramanica (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2014

Julie's career in soccer began when her oldest started playing.  She was a team mom and a team manager, then became an NCSL registrar in 1985 and head NCSL registrar a few years later.  She was hired as VYSA Administrator in 1992 and opened the first State Office, where she had overseen the growth of VYSA from fewer than 50,000 players to more than 150,000. For many years Julie was also the administrator of the ODP and Coaching Education Program.  She  served as VYSA Workshop/Convention Administrator for more than 20 years, and as the VA-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Administrator since its inception.  Julie has also done much as a volutneer, including working at the 1994 World Cup, helping with the Men's and Women's National Team games hosted at RFK, and helping the Federation staff in managing it's AGMs.  She was inducted to the VA-DC Soccer Hall of Fame in 2014 and received The Adele Dolansky Exemplary Service Award in 2015. Julie retired from VYSA in November 2015 after 23 years as VYSA Administrator, but continues to volunteer as the VA-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Administrator.

Robert Childs (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2012   

Jac Cicala (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2006

Jac is currently the boys’ varsity head soccer coach at Centreville High School as well as a U15 WAGS coach. Prior to taking those positions,
he spent 13 years as the head women’s coach at George Mason University, where his teams made five NCAA tournament appearances and where he won College Division I Coach of the Year Honors in 1993. Jac was a Region I ODP girls’ head coach for 17 years and ODP boys’ staff coach for three years. The women’s U20 National Team was the winner of the first U20 European Championships while he was the assistant coach. His Olympic Sports Festival Women’s team won a silver medal in 1993. Jac was the boys’ varsity coach at Lake Braddock Secondary School for 10 years, where the team won four state championships and he earned National High School Coach of the Year Honors in 1983 and 1990. He was named the 1987 US Youth Soccer Boys Coach of the Year. Jac was also a VYSA charter Board member.

Kevin Denson (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2017

For the last 36 years Kevin has coached at the club, league, state, college, and regional levels and has had a major and sustained positive impact on the development of soccer in Virginia. He was one of the founders of Beach FC Travel Soccer where he coached very successful teams. Kevin served on the VYSA Board of Directors as Boys South Travel Commissioner from 1990-1992 then as Southeast Rec Commissioner in 1993. He served as a VYSA Boys and Girls State Team Coach for six years, and a Region I Girls ODP coach for 11 years. Kevin was named Virginia High School League Soccer Coach of the Year in 1987 and 1997 and NSCAA National HS Coach of the Year in 1997.  He was awarded VYSA Coach of the Year in 1989.  He entered the Virginia High School League Hall of Fame in 2009. Kevin is a US Soccer “A” licensed coach and holds an NSCAA Premier Diploma. He continues to coach Boys’ Varsity Soccer at First Colonial High School, is the Assistant Coach for Boys Varsity at Norfolk Academy and Assistant Coach with Beach FC Fury U-12 Advanced team. Kevin also serves as the NSCAA Boys Youth Advocacy Chair.

Mavis Derflinger (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001

(September 30th 1935 - October 14th 2010)

Derflinger began her soccer career when she coached a girl’s team in Lee-Mt. Vernon (1969). She teamed with Rael Vodicka in the early 1970’s 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 (VYSA) and was named the Region I Director for United States Youth Soccer Association (USYSA) by the mid-1970’s. She became the first female Board member of the US Soccer Federation (USSF) in the early 1980’s and in 1986 was elected Chairman of US Youth Soccer, which put her on the USSF Executive Committee.

Derflinger fought tirelessly for funding for the US Women’s program and saw the US Women’s development as one of her proudest achievements. USSF voted her a “Life Member” in 1990. She received the Sporting Goods Manufacturers of America “National Heroes Award” in 1995 for her dedication to soccer in the local community. In 2004 Mavis was inducted into the CONCACAF Hall of Fame.  In 2009 Mavis was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame and the US Youth Soccer Region I Hall of Fame.

 Adele Dolansky (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001

Dolansky started her soccer work in 1974 as a coach for Fairfax Police Youth Club (FPYC), moving on to coach in the Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS) in 1976. She served as FPYC’s Vice President during this period. Dolansky was elected WAGS President in 1977 and served in that role until 1997. Her tenure with the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) included serving as Vice President from 1982-1985 and as President from 1985-1994. Dolansky became a Sub-Regional Director for US Youth Soccer (USYSA) in 1994 and served on the founding Board of US Soccer Foundation and as Secretary from 1994-1997. She served as Region I Champions Chair from 1985 to 2014 and as the US Youth Soccer Region I Administrator from 1997-2014.  In 1998 Adele was awarded the first VYSA Volunteer of the Year award.  Dolansky received USYSA’s Region I Female Volunteer Recipient Award in 1991 and was selected VYSA’s first “Adele Dolansky Exemplary Service Award” in 1996. Adele received an NSCAA Letter of Commendation in 1997 and was selected for NSCAA’s “Youth Long-Term Achievement Award” in 1998.  In 2003 Adele received the NSCAA Women's Committee Award of Excellence. In 2009 she was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Region I Hall of Fame (its Inaugural Year) and in 2011 was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame.

Denise Edwards (Meritorious Service) - Inducted in 2014

Died December 2024

Denise devoted more than twenty years to serving the soccer community at the local, state, regional, and national levels.  She coached and has served as SEVYSA Administrator; area commissioner, parliamentarian, and president of Norfolk Youth Soccer League; Executive Director of Virginia Rush (formerly Virginia Beach Soccer Club); administrator of the Virginia Soccer League, Inc., and VYSA Vice President and later VYSA President.  On the regional and national level Denise was a respected and sought-out state president.  Her knowledge of the soccer business, construction business, and local government political processes, along with her perseverance, allowed VYSA to break ground on the VYSA soccer complex.  Denise's skills in organization, financial management, and leadership were invaluable to youth soccer in Virginia and the District of Columbia. 

Ed Fath (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001

(Died 1985)

Eddie Fath served soccer in Washington DC for 30 years until he passed away in 1985. He founded the Washington Internationals Soccer Club and Myron Corwell, organized Washington All-Star teams, and staged numerous “soccer events” for the Washington DC area. Fath used his position at the Washington Star and contact with the Baltimore papers to continually promote the game. Fath could rightfully be called “Mr. Soccer” in Washington DC during the period from the mid-1950’s through the mid-1970’s. Also a player, Fath’s strengths were in continually organizing and promoting the game in our area when it was still considered a “foreign sport”.

Jim Ferguson (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2013

Jim Ferguson began his involvement in soccer more than 25 years ago when he was drafted as a substitute coach for his son’s rec team.  He has been a team manager and a club rep to NCSL and the league’s Virginia Commissioner.  Jim served on the VYSA Board of Directors, first as Boys North Travel Commissioner, and then as President from 1995-2000.  He is past chairman of the US Youth Soccer Rules Committee and has been a member of the USSF Rules Committee.  Jim co-founded the Washington Soccer Club in 1990 and is currently its president.

Ed Foster-Simeon (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2017

  Ed has more than 25 years of experience at the local, state, and national levels of the game.  He served as Vice President of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association and President of Prince William Soccer, Inc. – a 3,000 player recreational and travel club in Northern VA.  During his tenure at PWSI, heinitiated and led the “Let There Be Lights” campaign that resulted in Prince William County’s first lighted soccer fields.  Ed also conducted an analysis of county user fees, which resulted in the county making significant investments in high-quality soccer fields at Tyrell, Chinn and Howison parks. In 2011, Foster-Simeon was awarded Community Leadership Award from the President’s Council on fitness, Sports and Nutrition (PCFSN) based in large part on his work at the grassroots level of the game. Ed has been an active member of the U.S Soccer Foundation’s Board of Directors since 2004 and a champion of soccer as a vehicle for youth development and social change. He was named President and CEO of the U.S. Soccer Foundation in May, 2008. Under his leadership the US Soccer Foundation has become a nationally recognized leader in sport-based youth development, placing a special emphasis on programs that improve health and social outcomes among children in underserved communities. The US Soccer Foundation’s work was recognized with the 2010 Steve Patterson Award for Excellence in Sports Philanthropy and has earned the prestigious Social Innovation Fund award in the Healthy Futures portfolio and a Justice Department Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Multi State Mentoring Award. During Foster-Simeon’s tenure, the US Soccer Foundation’s annual Urban Soccer Symposium has developed into the nation’s premier event where coaches, mentors and administrators learn and exchange best practices in the use of soccer as a vehicle for youth development.

Prior to becoming CEO of the US Soccer Foundation, Foster-Simeon served as Deputy Managing Editor at USA TODAY.  He is an Executive Committee member on the Board of Directors of both the Campaign to End Obesity and the NAACP Foundation.  Ed is a former member of the Board of US Soccer Hall of Fame and served on the USA Bid Committee for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.  A US Navy Veteran, Foster Simeon holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Journalism from the University of Maryland University College. Ed is a native of Brooklyn, NY.

Margaret (Mike) Gardner (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2017

Margaret Gardner, known as “Mike” to everyone, started in soccer as a recreation coach with the Springfield Youth Club and later in 1979 became a WAGS Coach still coaching for the SYC. She served as the WAGS-Virginia Head Registrar from 1980-1992. She was the WAGS Tournament Co-Chair in the early years of the tournament and continued to volunteer at the WAGS Tournament for many more years. Mike served on the VYSA Board of Directors as the VYSA State Registrar from 1986 to 1991 dedicating many countless hours serving the VYSA Membership. In addition she served as the Girls ODP Co-Chair from 1991-1996. Mike’s passionate dedication, hard work and her love for the game of soccer greatly contributed to the success of all the programs in which she was involved.

Everett Germain (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001

(Died May 11th 2006)

Germain is one of the true pioneers in Virginia Soccer, called the “father of youth soccer in Northern Virginia”. Active in the sport for 38 years, he founded one of the first premier soccer clubs in the area, the Annandale Boys and Girls Club, and was instrumental in launching Montgomery Soccer (MSI), Sterling Youth Soccer, Lee-Mt. Vernon Soccer Association, National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) and Washington Area Girls Soccer League (WAGS). He also started Women’s College soccer in Virginia. Germain remains active as the Annandale club’s President. He worked with the Washington Darts in the early 1960’s to develop the club’s youth team, the “Junior Darts”, and founded soccer’s first apprenticeship program connecting youth soccer and Northern Virginia Community College. Germain developed numerous NCAA Division I and National Team players and was instrumental in enlisting top European coaches, such as Will Coerver, to develop our soccer programs

Steven Goff (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2013    

Roy Gordon (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2012 

Roy Gordon was recently inducted into the University of Mary Washington Athletic Hall of Fame.  He was the founder of the soccer program at Mary Washington, where he coached for 34 years.  He had one of the best records in NCAA soccer history, winning 432 games and becoming only the eighth coach in NCAA Division III to reach the 400-win plateau.  Roy led his teams to nine appearances in the NCAA Division III National Championship Tournament and was a six-time NSCAA Regional Coach of the Year, as well as a seven-time CAC Coach of the Year who led his team to eight CAC Championships.  Roy became the 50^th president of the NSCAA in 1998 and received the NSCAA Honor Award in 2009. 

 

Larry Green (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2017

(Died January 2nd 2015)

Sylvester Larimore Green, know to everyone as Larry Green, started his soccer service as a team manager with the Annandale Boys and Girls  Club for his daughter Melanie's team, the 1969 Rebels. The team later moved to VISTA where he remained manager.  He served as VYSA Treasurer from 1985-1990, devoting about 50 hours per month ensuring that no monies were wasted. Larry also served as the VYSA Insurance Committee Chair from 1988-1993, and was the VYSA Nominating Chair for the 1991 AGM. After leaving his position as VYSA Treasurer, he continued to serve VYSA as Treasurer of the 1991 US Youth Soccer National Challenge Cup Host Committee.  In addition, Larry served as member of the US Youth Soccer National Budget Committee from 1989-2002 as a Region I representative.

Lauren Gregg (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2007

 Lauren was an All-American at the University of North Carolina and was the captain of the 1982 NCAA championship squad. She won a national title as assistant coach at UNC, and then joined the Harvard staff as an assistant coach. She was the women’s head coach at the University of Virginia from 1988through the 1995 seasons, earning a trip to the NCAA Final Four in 1991 and a total of seven consecutive NCAA tournament bids. She was named the NSCAA Coach of the Year in 1990, the only woman to receive that honor. Lauren became the first woman to serve as an assistant coach for the US Women’s National Team in 1989. Her teams won the 1991 FIFA Women’s WorldChampionship in China, the 1995 Women’s World Cup in Sweden, and the 1996 gold medal at the Olympics. Lauren then became head coach of the U21 US Women’s National Team which won the Nordic Cup in 1997 and 1999, and earned a silver medal in 1998. She is the author of The Champion Within, Training For Excellence and is currently the US State Department’s USSF SportsEnvoy to Nigeria. 

April Heinrichs (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2006

 April was the head coach of the U.S. Women‘s National Team from 2000 – 2005, the first woman to hold that position. In 2003, she led the USto a third-place finish in the Women’s World Cup, and the next year to a gold medal victory at the 2004 Olympics in Greece. April played four years at the University of North Carolina where she was named First-Team All-American three times. She then played professionally with the Italian Club team Prato. In 1991 she captained the US to the Women’s World Cup title. She served as head coach at Princeton, the University  of Maryland, and the University of Virginia. April also was head coach of the U16 National Team for four years. Her honors include being named US Soccer’s Chevrolet Female Athlete of the Year in both 1986 and 1989 and Soccer America’s Female Player of the 1980s. April was the first female player inducted into the US Soccer Hall of Fame, and, in 2000, was named as the inaugural recipient of the NSCAA Women’s Committee Award of Excellence.

Dan Heldman (Meritorious Service) - Inducted in 2014

Dan has been involved with soccer since 1982, first as a volunteer coach for his children's teams and continuing on to work over 2,100 matches as a referee until his retirement in 2011.  He became an instructor in 1986, and in 1999 was selected by USSF as Virginia's first National Referee Instructor.  He has been a member of USSF's National Instructional Program Staff since 1996.  Dan's work with USSF has focused on the development of referee training materials, including Advice to Referees on the Laws of the Game, The Laws of the Game Made Easy and Offside Made Easy.  He has written more than two dozen articles as a contributing editor to Referee Magazine.  Dan was Metro DC-Virginia's Assessor of the Year in 1993 and 2009, and Instructor of the Year in 2000 and 2014. In 2016 Dan awarded the Keith Bunting “Lifetime of Service” recognition by DCV.

Jay Hoffman (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2007

Jay played his college soccer at Pennsylvania’s East Stroudsburg University.   Over the next several years, he was the head coach at three colleges and assistant coach for two NASL teams.   He then coached with the MISL’s New Jersey Rockets, Buffalo Stallions, and Cleveland Force. Jay assisted in the writing of Project Gold and Project 2010, the Women’s and Men’s Player Development Programs, along with US Soccer’s state and national coaching license materials. He coached the U17 (assistant) and U20 (assistant and head) Men’s National Teams. Jay was the head coach of both the 1999 Women’s Pan Am Gold Medal team and the 1999 Women’s World Cup Championship teams, and went on to become head coach for the Boston Breakers of the WUSA. Jay is currently the head coach of both the USL Division 1 Virginia Beach Mariners and the US Paralympics National Team. He is also the Director of Academy Coaching at the Virginia Rush Soccer Club, and has recently been named the Region I Boys ODP Program Head Coach as well as the VYSA Boys Coach of the Year.

Don Hood (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2003

Don’s soccer career began in the UK, where he played in school, while serving in the British Army, and on an amateur team. When he moved to Massachusetts, he began 20 years of officiating; after a move to Virginia he continued refereeing while starting administrative duties. Don was the State Referee Administrator for the Metro-D.C./Virginia Soccer Association for seven years, was the first State Referee Instructor, and was the first NASL Assessor.   He was the President of the DC/NOVA Soccer Referees Unit for three years and was selected as the DC/NOVA “Man of the Year” in 1983. Don was a member and Chairman of the Region I Appeals Committee and was the Amateur delegate to the Metro D.C./Virginia State Referee Committee for many years. 

Arlene Jacobs (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2016

 Arlene coached many successful McLean WAGS teams in the 1970’s and 1980’s. She was a pioneer in the early days of Title IX and was instrumental in helping to establish girls’ soccer as a high school varsity sport in Fairfax County. She was the head coach for 20 years at Langley High School, where her teams won seven District titles.  Arlene was a positive role model and a mentor for hundreds of young players, many of whom went on to play at the collegiate level; four have had very successful careers and have been inducted into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame.

Dave Johnson (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2010

 Dave grew up watching the NASL’s Washington Diplomats, hoping to one day become a sports broadcaster. In 1996 he became the television play-by-play voice of DC United. He has done play-by-play for outdoor and indoor soccer on the Fox Soccer Channel and ESPN, including five NCAA Championship games. He also broadcast World Cup 2006 in Germany on XM Satellite Radio. He served as host of a weekly television show for four years on Home Team Sports (now Comcast SportsNet). Dave is also the Sports Director and morning sports anchor on WTOP radio, where he has been recognized three times as Best Radio Sportscaster in Washington. He has also been the radio play-by-play announcer of the NBA’s Washington Wizards for the past 12 years.

Peter Johnson (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2006

Peter was born in England and played local and semi-pro soccer in Leeds. He started coaching in 1960, then moved to the United States in 1968.

Peter coached youth soccer teams in Maryland and northern Virginia from 1969 to 2002, and has coached high school soccer from 1970 to the present, for a total of 54seasons. Peter’s club teams won more than 30 state championships, nine teams went to Regionals and, in 1984 and 1992, his teams won National Championships. His high school teams won four Metro Washington championships, five Virginia State Catholic Championships, and several tournament championships.   Peter won National Youth Coach of the Year honors in 1984 and was inducted into the De Matha High School Hall of Fame in 2001. Peter was also the first National referee from Virginia, is past president of the NorthernVirginia High School Soccer Coaches Association, and began the Soccer Start program in Washington, DC.

Dave Kasper (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2017

Dave has a vast array of soccer experience as a player, coach, and front office executive. He was a standout forward for Men’s Soccer at the University of Maryland earning All-ACC honors while also playing as a member of the U20 US Soccer Men’s National team.  Dave played professionally for the Milwaukee Wave (1989-1990) and the Pittsburgh Stingers (1990-1994) then transitioned into Duquesne University’s first-ever Men’s Soccer coach in 1994. Dave was later hired as the first Vice President and General Manager of the Pittsburgh Riverhounds, leading them to the playoffs and to Organization of the Year honors the following year. He joined DC United in 2002 as Technical Director and was named the club’s General Manager in 2007 and in 2014 was named Vice President of Soccer Operations in addition to his role as General Manager.  During Kasper’s 15-year tenure, DC United has won five major trophies: the 2004 MLS Cup, the 2006 and 2007 MLS Supporters’ Shields, and two Lamar Hunt US Open Cups (2008 and 2013). Kasper has guided United to nine playoff appearances, including three as the first-place team in the Eastern Conference.  Dave works closely with the coaching staff in identifying and signing talent, developing draft strategy, and overseeing the direction of the club’s youth development, including the D.C. United Academy and camp program.

John Kerr, Sr. (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2004

(October 15th 1943 - June 19th 2011)

John Kerr began his career in the United States in 1968 with the NASL’s Detroit Cougars. That same year he also captained the Canadian National Team in the World Cup Elimination Tournament. For the next several years he played with the ASL Washington Darts and coached at Georgetown University and American University. John next played with the HOTA Club of the German American Soccer League, the New York Cosmos, Club America of the Mexican First Division, and then back to the Cosmos. He was named #10 on Soccer America’s 20 Men of Influence in Soccer in 1981. His Montgomery United team won the U16 North American Championship in 1981. He also coached the Fairfax Spartans to the National Amateur Championships in 1986. In 1997, John organized the first Soccer Players Association and the first Players Association in the Major Indoor Soccer  League, and negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements, including freedom of contract for the players, in both of those agreements.

Karen Knott (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2010
Karen first became involved with youth soccer when her two sons began travel soccer in 1985. She spent many years as team manager, Beach FC Soccer Club board member, and Director of the Virginia Beach Columbus Day Tournament. In 1991 she became one of the initial Board members of the Hampton RoadsSoccer Council and was named the Executive Director of the Council in 1994. She helped raise $1.5 million over two years, and the 19-field Soccer Complex was opened in 1997. Karen was a member of the VYSA Board of Directors from 1991-1994 and the co-chair of the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships in 2005 and 2006. She has been the tournament director for State Cup and Border Cup games, as well as State ODP tryouts, held in Virginia Beach and Norfolk. Karen has been a VYSA Workshop volunteer for 21 years and was the winner of the Adele Dolansky Exemplary Service Award in 2007

John Koskinen (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2002 

 After graduation from Law School and during a career in both public service and the private sector, Koskinen coached youth soccer for ten years, and was named the 1989 Women’s Coach of the Year in Maryland. He was a founder of the American Soccer League, and the owner of the Washington Stars and later the Maryland Bays. Koskinen was elected as one of the nine original directors of the US Soccer Foundation in 1994. He was the chair of Soccer “94 DC Region and was responsible for bringing the ‘94 World Cup Games and the “96 Olympic Soccer Games to Washington. He served for four years, from 2004-2008, as President of the US Soccer Foundation and also served as a member of the Rules Committee of the US Soccer Federation as well a member of the Advisory Committee to the President.

Ken Krieger (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2010

(Born 1955 - March 4th 2024)

Ken’s accomplishments in soccer include four State Championships as coach of C. D. Hylton High School, two NSCAA Division I High School National Championships, and two US Youth Soccer Regional Championships. He has the most wins by a VHSL Boys Soccer Coach, with an overall record of 386-191-37. Ken served as head coach at Harford Community College from 1977-78, and as assistant coach at American University from 1984-87, where the team was a National Finalist in 1985, and at George Mason University from 1987-88. Ken has also worked with the DC United and Washington Freedom youth programs, where he led his teams to two Final Four appearances and to a National Championship.  He has served on the VYSA ODP and US Youth Soccer Region I staffs. Ken has served as the Technical Director of Player & Coach Development at Prince William Soccer, Inc. and with McLean Youth Soccer.

 

Robert L. Kuhnle (Meritorious Service) - Inducted in 2014

(November 9th 1941 - September 12th 2022)

Bob played and coached youth osccer, became a USSF certified referee in 1979, a USSF National Referee in 1992, a State Assessor in 1993,  and a State Instructor in 1986. He served as State Referee Administrator, State Director of Referee Instruction, and Local Area coordinator for Professional Referee Assignments for many years.  While a National referee, he officiated very high level matches in Virginia and the District of Columbia.  As the SRA, Bob maintained the database, processed all referee applications, and handled all the finances of the referee program. As a result of his leadership and mentoring of younger referees, Virginia had its first referee on the FIFA panel and ten new National referees in the two years immediately following his tenure as SRA.

Hank Leung (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2003

 Hank is the Head Coach of the Northern Virginia Majestics and is a member of the VYSA Coaching Education Staff. He was the Head Women’s Soccer Coach at George Mason University for ten years, the U.S. National Women’s Team Assistant Coach for five years, and the U.S. Youth National Women’s Team Head Coach for four years. Hank has also been the VYSA Director of Coaching, a U.S. Soccer staff coach, and the
 EPYSA Director of Coaching. He was a member of the U.S. Youth Soccer Region I Staff for many years. Hank was named National Coach of the Year by the U.S. Youth Soccer Association in 1982, by the NCAA in 1985, and by the W-League in 2000. 

Earl McEachron (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2016

Earl is a US Soccer “A” licensed coach, was an instructor with the Virginia Metro-DC Coaching Education Program, and a State and Region I ODP staff coach. He played on his college and the Jamaican U19 National teams and was a player and coach with United States Marine Corps teams. He coached boys’ and girls’ Virginia Division I teams which were State Cup Champions and Finalists, and developed many successful collegiate, national and professional players. In 1993 Earl was selected as the VYSA Boys’ Coach of the Year, US Youth Soccer Region I Boys’ Coach of the Year, and US Youth Soccer Boys’ Coach of the Year.

Scott Meyer (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2016

 Scott was a USSF Referee from 1990 – 2008. He was the State Referee Administrator for 10 years, during which time he opened the State Referee Office and hired a Referee Program Administrator. He introduced the Center Circle, a referee website, and an on-line registration system. Under his leadership the number of USSF certified referees increased from 2,500 to 7,000. Scott wrote many articles that were published in Referee magazine. He was recognized by US Soccer for his accomplishments during his tenure and was awarded the Keith Bunting Memorial Award for Lifetime of Service in 2009.

Lawrence A. Monaco, Jr. (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001

 Larry became actively involved with soccer in 1970 when he assisted in establishing Soccer on the Hill, the first Washington DC youth soccer league. Monaco subsequently became a US Soccer Federation (USSF) referee and received the USSF “D” Coaching license. From 1984-1997, Monaco served on VYSA’s Board of Directors, including stints as Vice President and Secretary. Nationally, Monaco has served on US Youth Soccer Association and US Soccer Federation Appeals and Rules Committees, chairing the latter. From 1994-1998, Monaco served as US Soccer Federation Executive Vice President and on the US Soccer Federation’s Board of Directors. He was elected and served as Vice President of US Youth Soccer from 1999-2001. In 2005, Larry was  awarded the first NSCAA National Youth Recreational Coach of the Year for youth female players.  Larry was also elected and served as President of US Youth Soccer from 2006-2010.  He is the immediate past President of US Youth Soccer and is the Co-Chair of its National League Committee.  In 2009 Larry was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Region I Hall of Fame and was inducted into the US Youth Soccer Hall of Fame in 2012.

Alketas Panagoulias (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2009

Alkis was born in Greece and was an international soccer player with Aris F.C. Thessaloniki, Greece.  In 1958 he was named “Most Valuable Player”.  He became the head coach of the Hellenic Soccer Team of New York, and then head coach of the Greek American Soccer Team of New York, which was the USA Champion for three years. In 1983, after several years of coaching Greek teams, Alkis coached the NASL’s Team America, which was based in Washington, DC.  The following year, he coached the United States team in the Olympics and, in 1995, at the World Cup qualifiers.  He returned to Olympiakos, which won two more Greek Championships, and then to Aris, Thessaloniki.  In 1992 Alkis was named head coach of the National Team of Greece, which participated in the 1994 World Cup.  He currently is a FIFA Instructor on the Technical Committee.

Kevin Payne (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2008

Kevin Payne was the National Administrator for the US Soccer Federation in 1989, then became the Deputy Executive Director and Director of Marketing for the Federation. In 1991 he became Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Soccer, USA Partners, and, two years later, its president. Kevin helped to form a charter group of investors for the creation of Major League Soccer, and also put together the original investment group for DC United, serving as President and General Manager of the team until 2001. He then joined AEG as Senior Vice President and Managing Director, overseeing six MLS teams. He returned to DC United in 2004 as President and CEO. Kevin currently sits on the MLS Board of Governors, the US Soccer Federation’s Board of Directors, the US Soccer Foundation’s Board, and the DC United Board.

 

Robert Perry (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2015

Bob’s soccer career began in 1982 when he coached a youth team; the following year he began a 13-year span as President of Winchester Soccer Club. He was also an NCSL representative, secretary, and vice president. Bob began refereeing in 1978 and is currently the State Referee Emeritus. He became an Assessor in 1983 and is now a National Assessor Emeritus, and became an Instructor in 1982 and is currently a State Instructor. He has been active in referee programs in Regions I, III, and IV. Bob was a USSF National Assessor for 19 years and served as the National Director of Assessment for the US Soccer Federation from 1994-1995. He was the Referee liaison for both the 1994 World Cup and the 1996 Olympics.

Tony Quinn (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2016

Tony, a native of England who has lived in the DC area for decades, began shooting photographs of the Washington Diplomats in the 1970’s. He  is one of the most accomplished soccer photographers in America, having captured wonderful images of the sport at every level, including three Men’s World Cups, three Women’s World Cups, three Olympics, several College Cups, CONCACAF Gold Cups, and World Cup qualifiers in the Caribbean and Central America. Tony’s clients include DC United, FIFA, and Soccer America.

Carolyn Rice ( Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2016

Carolyn holds the US Soccer “A” license and the NSCAA National Diploma. She coached several VA-DC Hall of Fame players, including Jill Ellis. She was the girls’ head coach at Lake Braddock High School for nine years, winning several District, Regional, and State Championships. She also coached the Braddock Road Cyclones, who were 1988 Region I Champions and National Runners-Up. That year she was selected as one of the Washington Post’s All-Metropolitan Coaches of the Year. Carolyn was one of the first females on the VYSA Coaching Education Staff and was a Region I ODP Staff coach for many years.

Chip Rohr (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2010

Chip first kicked a soccer ball while at the University of Richmond. He went on to play senior amateur soccer for 20 years. He started soccer programs at three high schools and was the varsity boys’ head coach for 35 years. His teams won numerous District and Regional championships and went to State finals. He was named Virginia Small School Coach of the Year four times, Regional Coach of the Year twice, and was nominated for National Coach of the Year three times. Chip was co-founder of two of the first soccer camps in northern Virginia, and continues today as director of the Chip Rohr Soccer Camp. His proudest achievement is being the longest-serving member of the VYSA Coaching Education Staff, with 29 years of service. He has taught hundreds of coaches who have continued on to the youth, high school, college, and professional levels.

 

Jeff Skigen (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2011

Bob Sokolinsky (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2005

(September 22, 1940  - January 6, 2025)

Bob was an NSCAA All-American at Broome Community College. After entering the Navy in 1963, he was stationed in Turkey where he played and coached on a base team and played and trained with a local village team. He moved and founded the Virginia Beach Soccer Club in 1977. For many years Bob worked with recreational, travel, junior high and high school teams, winning many league and tournament championships. He also coached U14 Girls at the State level for six years. In 1985, Bob’s ’72 Fury won State Cup, he was co-chair of the All-Navy team, and he was selected as the VYSA Boys Coach of the Year. Bob served on the Boards and as President of Virginia Beach Soccer Club, Beach FC, Southeastern Virginia Soccer League, and the Southeastern Virginia Soccer Referees Association. Beach FC honored him by issuing annual scholarships in his name to a graduating boy and girl.

Keith Tabatznik (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2011

Anne Thompson (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2013
Anne Thompson began her soccer career as a coach in the late 1970’s.  Following many years of successful coaching she was in charge of the Opening Ceremonies at the 1990 US Youth Soccer National Championships in Virginia and was the co-commissioner of the Friendship League from 1991-1994.  Anne has served on the VYSA Board of Directors, first as North Recreational Commissioner and then as North Travel Commissioner, for almost 20 years, and has been a member of the VYSA Workshop and Budget Committees.  Anne has been the State Cup Director since 1992 and the Presidents Cup Director since its beginning in 2009.

 George Towner (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2001 

(January 23rd 1931 - October 25th 2021)

One of the true pioneers of Virginia soccer, Towner founded the Potomac Kiwanis Soccer Club in 1969, and has served since then as its Treasurer. He has also been a coach and club manager. In 1970, he helped to found the Arlington Soccer Association, serving as an officer and continuing Board member. Towner was elected President of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association (VYSA) in 1982, serving until 1985. VYSA membership grew from 6,000 to 31,000 during this period. Towner also established the VYSA Newsletter. Towner has served as US Youth Soccer (USYSA) Sub Regional Director, USYSA Regional Director, and on the US Soccer Federation (USSF) Board of Directors. He has held numerous committee chairmanships with both USYSA and USSF, and wrote a weekly soccer column for the Northern Virginia Sun. Towner’s honors include Arlington Interservice Club Council’s “Man of the Year” for youth soccer development (1970), the Virginia Parks and Recreation Society’s award for “Outstanding Support and Achievement for Volunteer Services” (1973) and selection by Better Sports Club as the Arlington “Sportsman of the Year” (1989).

M’Kean “Mac” Tredway (Meritorious Service) – Inducted 2010

Mac’s service to the game of soccer took the form of founding Soccer Camps, refereeing, and coaching education. In 1976 he founded the Manassas Soccer Camp at the Northern Virginia Community College Manassas campus, in 1978 he co-founded the Linton Hall Soccer Camp, which continues today as Chip Rohr’s Soccer Camp, and in 1983 he founded the Fauquier Soccer camp. Mac served as administrator at all three camps. He became certified as a referee in 1970 and worked in the NASL and ASL, as well as senior amateur matches. He was an active referee and instructor, and helped to develop the referee assessment program. He also hosted VYSA Coaching Education courses at
  NVCC Manassas for many years.

Rael Vodicka (Meritorious Service (deceased)) - Inducted 2007

(November 16, 1935 - December 11, 1979)

Rael was born in Missouri, moved to northern Virginia in 1971, and quickly became involved with her children’s soccer activities as the Girls’ League Coordinator with the Annandale Boy’s Club. Rael realized the need for expansion that would allow the opportunity for girls to develop both their soccer skills and their friendships. She contacted seven area clubs that had girls’ soccer and began to organize the Washington Area Girls Soccer League. Rael was the first president of WAGSL. She stepped down after a successful first year to become the first vice president of the Metropolitan DC-Virginia Soccer Association. She served the following year as WAGSL president again. One of her dreams for the league was the hosting of an all-girls’ tournament, and the WAGS Tournament was begun in 1975. In addition to her achievements with WAGSL, Rael was an activist who worked to have girls’ soccer recognized as a high school varsity sport in Northern Virginia.

Clyde Watson (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2015

 Clyde played in college and professionally for many years before transitioning to coaching. He served as Assistant Coach of the Washington Warthogs, Coach at the University of the District of Columbia, and Assistant Coach of the WPS’s Washington Freedom. He led his teams to 13 US Youth Soccer Virginia State Cups, three US Youth Soccer Region I Championships, one US Youth Soccer National Finalist title, and one US Youth Soccer National Championship title. Clyde was named NSCAA 2007 Youth Girls National Coach of the Year, Virginia Youth Soccer 2011 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year, and US Youth Soccer 2011 Region I Girls Competitive Coach of the Year. He holds a USSF “B” Licensen and a National Youth License.

Wally Watson (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2002

Watson began his soccer activities in the late 1960’s with the Annandale Boys Club where he helped to organize the club’s first Girls League. In 1970 he was elected Junior Commissioner for the National Soccer League of Washington. Two years later he became active in the newly-formed Metropolitan D. C. – Virginia Soccer Association State Youth Cups, and has served as president since 1975. Watson has served for over ten years as chairperson of the Select Team Committee of the United States Amateur Soccer Association. He was the Secretary and Deputy Director of USASA Region I and became Director in 1990. He has represented the USASA Region I on the USSF National Board of Directors for over 11 years.

Dave Williams (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2009

(Died April 27th 2006)

Dave had a successful soccer career as a player at West Virginia’s Bethany College. After moving to northern Virginia, he began his coaching career at Annandale High School, where he volunteered as coach for the boys and girls varsity and junior varsity teams.  He accepted no money for his services, as he felt it was his duty to give back to the community. At the same time, he coached with the Annandale Boys and Girls Club and Bethany Soccer Camps, and was also a Region I Girls ODP Goalkeeping Coach.  For the last five years of his life, he served as the VYSA TOPSoccer chair, setting up TOPSoccer programs and conducting clinics for children with special needs. His passion for making soccer “a game for all kids” greatly increased the number of players and buddies who participated in and benefitted from TOPSoccer.  Accepting Dave’s award are his fiancée, Lynn McCoy, and his daughter, Casey Baker.

Kevin Knott- (Player) Inducted 2018

Kevin grew up in Virginia Beach, playing with Beach FC, VA ODP, Region 1 ODP, and the U17 US National Team. He was the starting left back for the US in the 1995 U17 World Championships in Ecuador. Kevin earned First Team All-State as he captained the Kempsville High School team his senior year to a Virginia State Championship, with the team being ranked the NSCAA #1 high school team in the nation. He played collegiate soccer at The College of William and Mary where he was a First Team Academic All-American, and earned All CAA, All South, and CAA Defender of the Year. He holds the title of 2nd highest assists in a season at the college. He graduated Summa Cum Laude and earned the USRY Award for the highest senior athlete GPA at William and Mary. He was drafted in 2001 by A League Indiana Blast and played one year before returning to Virginia Beach and playing for the Hampton Roads Mariners for 5 years.  Kevin retired as a player in 2006, and transitioned into a role as a Director of Coaching with Beach FC.

Clint Peay - (Player) Inducted 2018

In high school Clint, was named as a Parade All-American in 1991.  During his college career he was an All-ACC Team member in 92 and 94 and was an NCAA All-American in 1992.  He played at the University of Virginia from 1991 to 1995 and that team advanced NCAA Champions and ACC tournament champions all four years and was named the Soccer America All-Decade Team.  Clint played on the US Olympic Men’s Soccer Team in 1996 and later played professionally for the Maryland Mania and Charleston Battery in 1998.  Clint played for the 3 time MLS Champion, DC United from 1996 through 1998.  He served as Assistant Coach at the collegiate level at Georgetown University in 2003, Davidson College from 2004-2007 and George Mason University from 2008-2009. He later served as Head Coach at the University of Richmond from 2009-2012.  At the National Level he served as Assistant Coach for the U17 USMNT, Head Coach for the U14 Boys National Team and the Technical Advisor for US Soccer in the South Atlantic Region.  Clint is currently serving as US Soccer's U14 Boys National Team Head Coach.

Brandon Pollard - (Player) Inducted 2018

Brandon played his youth soccer with the Richmond Strikers that became State Cup Champions and competed in Regionals in Niagara Falls.  He later played with the Prince William Spartans.   He was selected for VYSA ODP and Region I ODP in 1989, 1990, and 1991.  In High School, Brandon was a  four-time All Colonial District and All State Soccer player named Parade Magazine All-American as a senior.  Brandon attended  the University of Virginia.  While at UVA, he was a member of the 1992, 1993, and 1994 NCAA Championship team.  He was selected All-American in 1993, 1994 and 1995.  During his collegiate career, he was also selected for various US Youth Soccer National Teams.  In 1993, he was a member of the World University Games soccer teams.  That same year he also started in all four games at the U20 World Cup.  In 1995, Brandon was a member of the US team at the Pan American Games and in 1996, he was selected for the US Soccer U23 team participating in the Olympics. In 1996, Brandon was selected to the Dallas Burn. He continued to play with the Burn until he was injured in 2000.  He retired from playing professionally in 2001 and found his next passion dedicating his time to helping bees make honey “Going inside a beehive is much like participating in and witnessing The Beautiful Game.”

Katie Tracy Kishore - (Player) Inducted 2018

Katie played her youth soccer for FC Richmond.  She was selected annually from U14 through U19 for  Region I ODP . Katie played on the U16 and U19 National Teams and was a Parade First Team All-American. Katie was twice named to the NSCAA Youth All American Team. She attended the University of Virginia where she was a four year starter from 1997-2000.  Katie was named team MVP two seasons, was a two time co-captain, received the Unsung Hero Award and was a three time member of the ACC All-Academic team. In addition to soccer, Katie played basketball in High School and all four years at UVA and was a co-captain her senior season. In 2001 Katie was selected as the 5th overall pick in the WUSA draft by the New York Power where she played professionally for 2 seasons.  

Jeff Agoos (Player) - Inducted 2009

 Jeff attended the University of Virginia where he appeared in 88 matches, scored 17 goals, and was the only four-time All-American in Cavalier history. He was named Soccer America’s co-freshman of the year in 1986, and the ACC’s Most Valuable Player in 1998.  He led the Cavaliers to the NCAA Championship in 1989 and finished second in voting for the Hermann Trophy that year.  Jeff was a member of US National Teams, including the U15, U17, U20, Olympic, World University, and Futsal Teams, as well as the 1998 and 2002 World Cup squads.  In 1995 he returned to the University of Virginia to serve as assistant coach with Bruce Arena.  Jeff has been a part of five MLS Cup championship teams, including DC United in 1996, 1997, and 1999. After retiring as a player after the 2005 season, Jeff became the Sporting Director for the New York Red Bulls and also served on the board of DC Scores.  In 2011 Jeff moved to MLS and is currently the Vice President of Competition.

 Raul Diaz Arce (Player) – Inducted 2010

 Raul was an original member of DC United and one of the most prolific scorers in the club’s history. He helped United capture two MLS Cup trophies, a US Open Cup Championship, and the Supporters’ Shield trophy.  Raul is the club’s second all-time leading goal scorer with 44 goals in 68 games, and was the first player in MSL history to score a hat trick in post-season play, in game one of the 1996 Eastern Conference finals against Tampa Bay. That season he was DC United’s top goal scorer with 23 goals.  He played six seasons in the MLS, three with United. Raul was inducted into DC United’s Hall of Tradition in September, 2009.

 Sonny Askew (Player) - Inducteed 2012  

 Sonny grew up in Baltimore and attended Essex Community College, where he was named NJCAA All-American in 1976.  He joined the Washington Diplomats of the NASL the following year, and in 1979 he was a member of the North America Team which consisted of the eleven best players in the U.S. and Canada. He went on to play with the Montreal Manic, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and Team America.  Sonny then played with the Washington Stars of the ASL, where he was named to the ASL All-Star team in 1988.  He also spent one year with the MISL.  In addition, he played with the US National Team from 1979-1984 where he earned four caps.   He then coached at his alma mater and was named Region XX Coach of the Year in 1991.  Sonny was inducted into the National Junior College Athletic Association Men’s Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005.

Wade Barrett (Player) - Inducted 2014

 Wade played soccer at the College of William and Mary, where he was an NSCAA All-American in his senior season. After college he was drafted by the then-San Jose Clash where he spent five years, scored five goals, and had 22 assists.  In 2002 he signed with the Danish club AGF Aarhus and two years later joined Fredrikstad FK in Norway.  Wade re-signed with San Jose in 2005 and won the MLS Supporter's Shield in his first seasonback.  The team moved to Houston in 2006 where he captained the Dyunamo team to the MLS Cup Championship in its first two seasons.  He also earned two caps for the US National Team.  Wade retired in 2010 and transitioned into an assistant coaching role with the Dynamo.

 Pam Baughman-Cornell (Player) - Inducted 2001

 Baughman-Cornell is a graduate of Fairfax High School, where she was All-Met. She was four-time All-American with the University of Central Florida and then at George Mason University as a member of George Mason’s NCAA National Championship team in 1985. Pam was also named NSCAA Hermann Female Player of the Year and she was a member of the first US Women’s National Team (1984-1986). Baughman-Cornell continued in soccer, winning the US Soccer Open Cup Championships in 1986 and then the Over-30 National Cup Championships in 1993, 1995, and 1996. She has coached in both high school and college and now coaches in the Front Royal-Warren County Youth Soccer League.

Gordon Bradley (Player) - Inducted 2004

(November 23rd 1933 - April 29th 2008)

 Gordon Bradley grew up in northern and signed his first professional contract at the age of 16. He became an All-Star midfielder with Toronto City in the Eastern Canadian Professional League in 1963; four years later he came to the as a player and then a coach for the New York Generals. Under Gordon’s guidance, the Cosmos (formerly the Generals) won the North American Soccer League crown in 1972 and 1977. He next became vice president and coach of the NASL’s Washington Diplomats, vice president for the national squad Team, and general manager of the

ASL’s Washington Stars. Gordon then spent 16 years as the head coach at George Mason University, compiling a 183-113-35 record and guiding the Patriots to three Colonial Athletic Association championships in 1985, 1986, and 1989, and to six NCAA appearances. Gordon’s greatest “claim to fame” is that he is the only person to have coached the international icons Pele, Franz Beckenbauer, and Johan Cruyff.

Michael Brady (Player) - Inducted 2005

Mike is beginning his fifth season as head coach at American University after leading the Eagles to their most successful season ever. He is a native of Coventry, England, and graduated from American University in 1992, after leading the AU men’s soccer team to the NCAA Championship final. In 1985 he was named NCAA Men’s Player of the Year by Soccer America, received the Adi Dassler Award from Adidas as the top collegiate player of the year, and was named Player of the Year in three different conferences.   Mike finished his collegiate career with AU records of 65 goals and 29 assists.  He was also a member of the US National Team from 1984-86. He then played for the Baltimore Blast and several other professional US soccer teams. Mike was the head coach at The Potomac School in McLean for four years, and then served as director of the Premier Soccer Association for three years. He was inducted into American University’s Athletics Hall of Fame in 1997.

Kim Crabbe (Player) - Inducted 2016

  Kim played for the Reston Rowdies and VYSA ODP, and won State honors while playing at South Lakes High School. In 1985 she was a member of the NCAA Championship team at George Mason University; the following year she was selected as the first African-American woman on the US Women’s National Team.  She was an extraordinary defender who played in the first Women’s Olympic Festivals, National Cups, the W-League, at the amateur, collegiate, and professional levels, and internationally. Kim still plays and coaches, and uses soccer in her work with a community outreach program in Wilmington, NC. 

Amanda Cromwell (Player) – Inducted 2010

While in high school, Amanda led her team to a State Championship and earned NSCAA All-America honors. At the University of Virginia, Amanda was selected for two All-America and four All-Atlantic Coast Conference awards, captained the squad to the 1991 NCAA Final Four, and was a finalist for the Herman Trophy. After college, she was a member of the US team that took third at the 1995 FIFA Women’s World Cup and was an alternate on the 1996 gold- medal winning Olympic team. She then played for the Washington Freedom, Atlanta Beat, and San Jose CyberRays. Amanda has also worked with the Women’s National Team, NCAA Soccer Rules Committee, US Soccer Board of Directors, and Presidential Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.  Amanda is currently the head coach of the UCLA Bruins.  Eight months after being hired she led the team to the program's first-ever NCAA Championship. The Bruins have won two Pac-12 titles in a row, as well as an impressive record of 43-2-5.  Amanda came to UCLA after 14 years as head coach for the the University of Southern Florida where her teams had a 203-83-26 record and made eleven NCAA Tournament appearances, four Atlantic Sun Tournament Championships, and four C-USA regular-season titles. 

 

Julie Shackford  (Player) - Inducteed 2011

 Julie Cunningham Shackford played with the Braddock Road Bluebelles, then went on to be a three-time All-American at the College of William and Mary and a three-time member of the US Olympic Festival team.  She was head coach at Carnegie Mellon University for four seasons, where she built the women’s soccer program from scratch.  For the last 16 years Julie has been head women’s soccer coach at Princeton. Her team has made one NCAA College Cup semifinal appearance and earned seven NCAA Tournament bids.  She is the winningest coach in the school’s history.  In 2004 Julie became just the fourth woman to be named National Coach of the Year.  She has coached the U20 and U21 National Teams, and currently works with the Region I Olympic Development Program at the state and regional levels.

Walter Durkan (Player) - Inducted 2001

Durkan, a native of Ireland, was a goalkeeper on both the Irish Youth and Senior teams. Actually, he played against the USA team in 1952, the same USA Team that beat England in the World Cup in 1950. Walter started playing in the Washington DC area in 1958 both as a goalie and a center forward with Myron Cowell (League Champions), Maggies (Rowland Cup 1960 and Stewart Cup 1961), Washington Internationals, Central Valet, and the British Lions. Durkan regularly played with the Washington All-Stars against foreign touring teams and teams from Baltimore and Philadelphia. Later, he went on to an outstanding career, in excess of thirty years, as a referee (13 years with the North American Socccer League (NASL)). Walter also helped to bring the Referee Assessment Program to this area. He was available when Annandale first started their youth program in Northern Virginia. Walter also coaches youth teams, individual goalies, and has been a spokesperson for soccer in the Washington Metropolitan area.  For information more:http://irishleaguegreats.blogspot.com/2009/10/walter-durkan.html

 

Jill Ellis  (Player) - Inducteed 2011          

Jill played with the Braddock Road Bluebelles, which won the first ever U19 US Youth Soccer National Championship.  Her high school team was Virginia State Champion in 1984.  She was an All-America selection at the College of William and Mary.  As head coach, Jill guided UCLA to eight College Cup appearances and five Pac10 Conference championships, and was awarded the National Coach of the Year award in 2002.   She coached the U20 and U21 Women’s National Teams and the Olympic gold-medal winning US Women’s National team.  Jill is currently the Director of Development for US Soccer, where she oversees the Youth National Team program and the US Youth Scouting Network, and coaches the U17 Women’s National Team.

Marco Etcheverry (Player) - Inducted 2008
 Marco Etcheverry played professionally with Bolivia, Spain, Chile, Colombia, and Ecuador. While a member of the Bolivian National Team he played in 71 matches and scored 13 goals, and played for Bolivia in the 1994 World Cup. He joined DC United in its inaugural season in 1996 and went on to become a seven-time MLS All-Star. In 1996 he was the MLS Cup MVP and in 1998, the MLS Most Valuable Player. Marco was named to the League’s Best XI squad for four consecutive seasons, from 1996-1999. In 2002 he earned MVP honors at the Pepsi All-Star Game, and, in 2005, was named to the League’s All-Time Best XI. He ranks fourth in MLS’s all-time assists, and second in all-time games
 played, games started, minutes played, shots, shots on goal, and game-winning goals. In 2006, “El Diablo” was awarded the Medal of Merit by the Bolivian Congress and his name became only the second on the “DC United Tradition of Excellence” sign at RFK Stadium.

Gary Etherington (Player) - Inducted 2007

Gary grew up in Virginia, playing at Mt. Vernon High School and on the Annandale Boys Club team that won the U19 McGuire Cup in 1976. He played professionally for 13 years and was named the NASL Rookie of the Year in 1978 while playing with the New York Cosmos. He also played for the LA Aztecs, San Jose Earthquakes, NY Arrows, Minnesota Strikers, and San Diego Sockers. Gary made nine appearances with the Men’s National Team from 1977-1979. He is now working with UMBRO USA.   He married his high school sweetheart in 1981. His daughter works for Eurosport and his son played for four years at Notre Dame and is now trying out for professional teams in the United Kingdom.

 

 

Wendy Gebauer Palladino (Player) - Inducted 2009

Wendy played her club soccer with WAGS.  She graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1989 as a three-time National Champion and three-time All-American, and was also on the ACC-Academic Honor Roll.  She played for the US National Team from 1987-1991 and won the World Championship in 1991. She then worked for adidas and was the representative for the UNC Women’s Soccer Program.  Wendy was co-captain of the two-time National Championship W-League Raleigh Wings from 1998-2000. She was the color commentator for collegiate women’s soccer on Fox Sports Network for five years and the lead analyst for ESPN’s coverage of the US Women’s National Soccer team, including the 1999 and 2003 Women’s World Cup, for seven years. 

Ann Orrison Germain (Player) – Inducted 2010

 Ann was an original player with the McLean Grasshoppers team that competed in the inaugural season of WAGSL and went on to win 10 consecutive tournaments, including the Robbie, WAGS, and the Gothia Cup, in which she was named the tournament MVP. She was a three-year captain, MVP, and ALL-Met player in high school, where she was named the school’s Outstanding Female Athlete. As the University of Virginia had no varsity soccer team, Ann accepted a field hockey scholarship. She was selected to the first US Women’s National Soccer Team in 1984 and represented the country in the first international competitions in 1985 and 1986. As an adult, she won national championships in the 1986 Open Cup, three Over 30 Cups, and the 2006 Over 40 Cup. Ann has coached in WAGS for more than 25 years and is a member of the VYSA ODP and Academy coaching staffs.

Kip Germain (Player) - Inducted 2003

(February 28th 1957 - March 6th 2024)

Kip played soccer in high school, on the USA National Youth Team, on the first Virginia team to win the National U-19 McGuire Cup Championship, and at The College of William and Mary, where he was the all-time leading scorer and the Southern Conference Player of the Year. He played professional soccer with the Washington Diplomats and Atlanta Chiefs of the NASL. Kip coached four State Cup Championship teams and coached both the Men’s and Women’s State Select teams, which won the Region eight times. He was the first East women’s coach at the US Olympic Festival and coached Region I at the US Soccer Festival. He has coached his teams to three National O-30 Championships and one O-40 National second-place finish. Kip’s current team, the Annandale Fire, finished third in the 2002 National O-40 Veteran’s Cup.

 Suzy Cobb Germain (Player) - Inducted 2006

 Suzy is a native Virginian whose club teams won the Robbie Tournament in Canada and the Gothia Cup in Sweden. She was named All-District and All-Met at Langley High School. Suzy won a scholarship to UNC, where she helped lead her team to its first four women’s National Collegiate Soccer Championships. She was named to the All-NCAA Tournament team in 1983, was the most valuable player in 1984, and was a first team All-American in 1983 and 1984. Prior to being named to the US Women’s National Team in 1986, she was a member of the Virginia State ODP team that won the Region I tournament and also a member of the East team in the Olympic Festival. She then played with several Virginia adult teams, including the Women’s Amateur National Championship team in 1986 and the Annandale TBA Over-30 Team, which won the national championship in 1995. Suzy has been coaching a U15 WAGS team since 1999. 

 Mia Hamm (Player) - Inducted 2009

Mia played high school and club soccer in northern Virginia and at age 15 became the youngest player ever to join the US National Team.  She attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she led her team to four NCAA Women’s championships.  She was an All-American and Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year for three years, and the ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1993 and 1994.  In 1991, at age 19, Mia became the youngest American woman to win a World Cup Championship.  She went on to lead Team USA to gold at the 1996 Olympics, to silver at the 2000 Olympics, and on to another gold at the 2004 Olympics.  Mia retired that year from international play with 158 career goals, more than any other player in the history of the sport. She played with the Washington Freedom from 2001-2003.  In 2007, in her first year of eligibility, Mia was selected for induction into the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

 

 Cindi Harkes (Player) - Inducted 2008

Cindi Kunihiro Harkes played with the Braddock Road Youth Club from U8-U19. Her team was the State Cup champ for four of those years, including the year she was 14 and played on the U16 team. She was a member of the State and Regional U14, U16, and U19 ODP teams. She was a four year Varsity starter at W. T. Woodson High School, made All-Met the last three years, and was named Woodson “Athlete of the Year” in her senior year. Cindi was a four-year Varsity starter at the University of Virginia where she make the All-ACC team for three years while also being All-ACC/Academic. She played overseas with Sheffield Wednesday Ladies and was the leading goal scorer for two years. Cindi played professionally with the Majestics and the Maryland Pride. Her Maryland Pride team was W-League Champion and USASA Amateur Cup Champion during the 1996, 1997, and 1998 seasons.

John Harkes (Player) - Inducted 2006

John is beginning his third season as D.C. United’s Director of Youth Development, where he oversees the youth teams and Academy programs. 
Earlier in his career, he played soccer for three years at the University of Virginia, then left to help the US qualify for the 1990 World Cup. John was a member of the U.S. National Team and played in two matches at the 1988 Olympics, all three matches at the 1990 World Cup, and three matches at the 1994 World Cup. After the 1990 World Cup, he began his professional career in England and played in both the English First Division and the Premier League. In 1996, John returned to the United States for Major League Soccer’s inaugural year. During his seven years in Major League Soccer, he played with D.C. United, New England Revolution, and Columbus Crew, and made six appearances on the MLS All-Star team. John was inducted into the US National Hall of Fame in 2005.

Angela Hucles (Player) - Inducted 2015

Angela played her collegiate soccer at the University of Virginia, where she was a four-year all-ACC player and is still Virginia’s career women’s leader in goals, game-winning goals, and total points. After graduation she played for the Hampton Roads Piranhas of the W-League. Angela was drafted in the 2001 WUSA inaugural draft by the Boston Breakers of the WUSA and played for three seasons, moved to the Boston Renegades for two years, and then was allocated to the Boston Breakers in 2008, where she played for a year. She was a member of the gold-medal-winning US teams at the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Olympics in China. Angela retired from both club and international soccer in 2009 and now serves as a soccer analyst for NBC Sports.  Angela Hucles was named the president of the National Women's Sports Foundation in 2015.

Steve Jolley (Player) - Inducteed 2013

Steve Jolley led his Kempsville High School teams to back-to-back Virginia State Championships.  He played collegiate soccer a The College of William and Mary, where he was a four-time All-CAA Awardee and was CAA’s Rookie of the Year in 1993.  He was named to Soccer America’s Freshman All-American Team, and earned three All-South Atlantic team honors.  Steve played professionally with the Los Angeles Galaxy, the MetroStars, the Dallas Burn, and the New York Red Bulls, and earned MLS Humanitarian of the Year honors in 2002.

 

Kathy Erickson (Player) - Inducted 2007
Kathy Kelly Erickson’s soccer career began when she was a young girl and her mother agreed to coach her team. She later played with WAGSL and was a four-year varsity player at Oakton High School. Kathy attended the University of North Carolina from 1981-84; her team won national championships all four years she played. She went to Spain to finish her degree, then played adult soccer in Virginia and Atlanta. Her adult team was Georgia State Champion. Kathy coached youth teams for many years in Georgia. In 1997 her team participated in the Gothia Cup; Kathy had played in the Gothia Cup as a teenager in 1979. In 2001 her U16 girls’ team won the NSCAA Youth Championship. She and the other coaches of that team worked with the players to ensure that each girl was awarded a scholarship to the college of her choice. Kathy then coached high school soccer for three years. She is now very involved in her children’s activities and still plays soccer as much as possible.

John Kerr Jr. (Player) - Inducted 2005

 John Kerr began his career in the in 1968 with the NASL’s Detroit Cougars. That same year he also captained the Canadian National Team in the World Cup Elimination Tournament. For the next several years he played with the ASL Washington Darts and coached at Georgetown University and American University. John next played with the HOTA Club of the German American Soccer League, the New York Cosmos, Club of the Mexican First Division, and then back to the Cosmos. He was named #10 on Soccer America’s 20 Men of Influence in Soccer in 1981. His Montgomery United team won the U16 North American Championship in 1981. He also coached the Fairfax Spartans to the National Amateur Championships in 1986. In 1997, John organized the first Soccer Players Association and the first Players Association in the Major Indoor Soccer League, and negotiated Collective Bargaining Agreements, including freedom of contract for the players, in both of those agreements.

Megan McCarthy (Player) - Inducted 2003

  Megan is a high school math teacher who has always been very active in soccer. As a student, she was a member of the 1984 U-19 National Champion Team, the Virginia State and Region I teams, and was an NSCAA High School All-American in 1983 and 1984. While attending college, Megan was the NCAA Collegiate Player of the Year in 1987, was a three-time NCAA College All-American player, and was inducted into the College of William and Mary Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. She played professionally with F.C. Prato and with the Maryland Pride. Megan was a member of the U.S. Women’s Team for several years and was a National Soccer Hall of Fame Medal of Honor Recipient in 2001. Megan has been an assistant coach at the College of William and Mary, George Mason University, and Centreville High School, as well as head coach of the Braddock Road Youth Club Aurora since 1999.  

Marcia McDermott (Player) - Inducted 2009

 Marcia was one of VYSA’s pioneer players.  She played with WAGS and on VYSA ODP teams for many years, and then was a member of three NCAA championship teams at the University of North Carolina, where she was named NCAA All-American in 1986.  She played on seven US National Teams and then became head coach at Maryland and Arkansas.   Marcia started the women’s soccer program at Northwestern in 1994 and led the Wildcats to two NCAA Tournaments.  She was named the NSCAA Great Lakes Regional Coach of the Year in 1998. She also served as the first coach of the WUSA’s Carolina Courage, which won the regular season and the Founders Cup II Championships in 2002.  She is the first general manager of Chicago’s new professional women’s soccer team, the Chicago Red Stars, and in 2010 will assume duties as NSCAA president.

Jaime Moreno (Player) - Inducted 2016

Jaime will be remembered as one of the greatest players in Major League Soccer history. He was the League’s first dominant striker and a key member of the D.C. United teams that captured a league-leading 12 trophies in MLS’ first 13 years. He was a seven time all-star, a five-time member of the MLS Best XI, and winner of the 1997 MLS Golden Boot award. He is third all-time in MLS scoring and was the first player in League history to reach the 100 goal, 100-assist plateau. Jaime was the head coach of D.C United’s U-23 team from 2011-2013 and also had a 15-year career with the Bolivian National Team.

Colleen O'Day (Player)  - Inducted 2014

 Colleen played as a youth with the Arlington Soccer Association in WAGS, and was a member of the VYSA ODP and Region I ODP.  She was a four-year varsity player in high school and four-time AllMet selection.  Colleen attended Brown University where she le her team to four Ivy League titles, made All-Ivy all four years, and was a two-time All-American.  She was sleected Ivy league Co-Player of the Year her senior year and was named Brown University's Outstanding Woman Athlete of the Year.  As an adult, Colleen was a member of the Virginia State Select Soccer team that won Regional titles three times.  Her O-30 team was National Cup champion four years and her O-40 team was National Cup Champion in 2006.

Len Oliver (Player) - Inducted 2001

(November 3rd 1933 - July 24th 2022)

Oliver, a native of Philadelphia, enjoyed a playing career that included four national championships, professional and All-Star play in the American Soccer League, the US Pan American Team (1963) and the US Olympic Team (1964).

Oliver played with the Central Valet and Washington Internationals in Washington in the early 1960’s, winning league titles and the Stewart Cup. He played with the Washington All-Stars against foreign touring teams and is the only DC resident ever to make a US National Soccer Team.

Oliver holds a USSF “A” Coaching License, is Director of Coaching for the DC Stoddert Soccer League and serves on VYSA’s State Coaching Staff. He was inducted into the USSF National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1996, received VYSA’s “Adele Dolansky Exemplary Service Award” in 1997, was named to the Philadelphia Old-timers Hall of Fame in 1998, and received the NSCAA’s Youth Long Term Achievement Award” in 1999. 

On March 21, 2015, Len was inducted into the inaugural class for the Eastern Pennsylvania Soccer Association’s Hall of Fame.

He was the first Virginia-DC Hall of Fame Comittee Chair.

 Rob Olson (Player) - Inducted 2006
 Rob played soccer at the College of William and Mary, where his team won three Virginia State Championships and where he was named to the
 Senior Bowl, All-South, and All-State teams. He was the second all-time leading scorer when he graduated. After graduation, Rob was a member
 of the 1983 US National Team and then played professionally with the Georgia Generals (American Soccer League), Team America (North
 American Soccer League), Kalamazoo Kangaroos (AISA Indoor League), and the Washington Stars (ASL). Since 1997, Rob has been the
 full-time Director of Coaching and Player Development for Southwestern Youth Association Soccer, where he is responsible for almost 3,000
 players each season. He has been on the Soccer Academy staff for 20 years and is the Assistant Director of Soccer Education and Training and
 a coach in many of its programs. Rob currently coaches a U17 WAGS team and is on the VYSA Coaching Education staff.

Ben Olsen (Player) - Inducted 2015

Ben started and played every game for three seasons at the University of Virginia. In 1997 he was the Soccer America Player of the Year and finalist for the Hermann Trophy and also an NSCAA All-American first-team member. After his junior year he was allocated to D. C. United where he played for 12 seasons and won many trophies, including MLS Rookie of the Year (1998), MLS Cup MVP (1999), and MLS Best XI (2007). Ben was a member of the Men’s National Team from 1998-2006, on the bronze-medal winning team at the 2000 Olympics, and on the 2006 World Cup team. He retired as a player in 2009, became D. C. United’s assistant Head Coach prior to the 2010 season, was named interim head coach mid-way through, and then hired permanently at the end of the season.  D. C. United finished in first place in the Eastern Conference in 2014, and Ben was named MLS Coach of the Year.

Lincoln Phillips (Player) - Inducted 2002
 

Phillips led his Trinidad & Tobago team to a Pan American Games Bronze medal in 1967. He was drafted the following year by the Baltimore Bays of the NASL, and the next season became player/coach of the Washington Darts of the ASL. As head coach at Howard University he led his team to two NCAA Championships and won Coach of the Year honors in 1971 and 1974. In 1990 he became the head coach of Virginia Commonwealth University. He has served as the goalkeeper coach for several USSF National teams and is the author of Goalkeeping: The Last Line of Defense: The First Line of Attack. Phillips was inducted into the Hall of Fame of Howard University in 1996 and the Hall of Fame of Trinidad and Tobago in 1998. He is the owner and director of the Lincoln Phillips Soccer School and the Top Flight Goalkeeping Academy.

 

  Thomas Rongen (Player) – Inducted 2011    

Thomas played for the Dutch club Ajax and with the Dutch Olympic Team before moving to the United States in 1979 when he joined the LA 
Aztecs of the NASL.  He played for the Washington Diplomats and was a player, player-coach, and coach with the Fort Lauderdale Strikers.  
He also coached at Nova Southeastern University.  Thomas went on to become the winningest coach in MLS history with Tampa Bay Mutiny, New England Revolution, and DC United.  He was named Coach of the Year in 1996 while with Tampa Bay, and won his first MLS crown with DC United in 1999.  Thomas currently coaches the U20 Men’s National Team, and led the team to the U20 World Cup in 2007 and 2009.Thomas was
the Academy Director for Toronto FC from 2012 & 2013. He is the Head Coach for Tampa Bay Rowdies (NASL) at present.

 Al Smith (Player) - Inducted 2001

Smith, an Englishman, was offered but refused, a professional contract by Blackpool United, a Top Professional team in those days. He played with the British Army All-Stars, as well as in Detroit where his team won the Michigan State Cup. Smith was an outstanding center halfback in Washington during the 1950’s and 1960’s, playing with Maggies, Washington Internationals and Central Valet. He was asked to try out for the US Pan American Team, but was unable to do so because of non-citizenship. His teams won several National Soccer League titles and the Stewart Cup. He consistently made the Washington DC All-Star teams during his era, captaining the Washington All-Stars against Baltimore All-Stars and touring teams on several occasions.

Gayle Smith Wilson (Player) - Inducted 2005

Gayle is a native Northern Virginian who started playing in WAGS at age 11. Her Braddock Road Youth Club Cobras were National Cup Finalists. She participated in the ODP program from age 12, and was a member of Region 1 teams and Youth National Teams.   She played in 11 Olympic and National Soccer Festivals. While at McLean High School, Gayle was named the 1986 Virginia High School Player of the Year. As the first full-scholarship player at the University of Virginia, she was awarded All-ACC and All-South Honors. Gayle was a member of the National Amateur Select and the US Women’s National Teams, and in 1995 played in the USISL Men’s Professional League for the Washington Mustangs. She has been coaching in WAGS and NCSL for 15 years, and is currently a member of the State ODP Staff and Head District Coach for the Girls North Program.

 

John Stollmeyer (Player) - Inducted 2002

 Stollmeyer was a two-time All-American while in high school and in 1981 was named U. S. Athlete of the Year at the Youth World Cup. At Indiana University he earned Collegiate All-American honors three times. He played in the Indianapolis Pan American Games in 1982 and the Yugoslavia World University Games in 1987. Stollmeyer participated in the Olympic Sports Festival for four years. He played with the Cleveland Force from 1986-88, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1986. He played in the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and the Italy World Cup in 1990. He was inducted into the Indiana Youth Soccer Association Hall of Fame in 1997 and the Indiana Athletic Hall of Fame two years later.

 Rob Ukrop  (Player) - Inducteed 2011

Rob attended Davidson College, where he was a two time All-American under Coach Charlie Slagle.  In 1992, Rob helped his team reach the 
NCAA Final Four that was hoted by Davidson college, an even that was eventually won by UVA. He was the nation’s leading scorer, named the
Intercollegiate Soccer Association ofAmerica Player of the Year, and one of the three finalists for the Hermann Award. He was a member of the USA National “B” team and the U23 National Team. He competed in the 1993 World University Games in Buffalo.  As a professional player, Rob competed with teams in the NPSL, APSL, MLS, and the USL.  He spent most of his career with the Richmond Kickers helping to lead them to the the 1995 US Open Cup  Championship and the 1995 USISL League Championship.   In 1996 he scored the first two goals in New England Revolution franchise history. Upon his retirement from the Kickers in 2004, Rob held the club record for career goals, career assists, career points, and matches.  He continues to be involved with the Richmond Kickers as a coach and a member of their Board of Directors. Rob also serves on the leadership team for Richmond United (a collaboration between the Richmond Kickers and the Richmond Strikers) which oversees the US Development Academy and ECNL programs for the Richmond region.

 

Dante Washington (Player) - Inducteed 2012

  Dante played college soccer at Radford University, where he led  the nation in scoring in 1988 and 1990 and was named a first team All-American in 1991.  That year he also participated on the US U-23 team and was the first black player to score a goal for the team.  In 1992 he earned Academic A ll-America honors and was a member of the US Olympic Men’s Soccer Team.  Dante played indoors with the Washington Warthogs in the CISL and the Baltimore Blast of the MISL.  He went on to play for the Columbus Crew, Dallas Burn, and Real Salt Lake of the MLS.  He spent two years with the Virginia Beach Marines of the A-League, where he led the league in scoring in 2004. Dante recently served as the MLS Regional Ambassador for Youth and Fan Development in the Northeast and as color commentator for Columbus Crew. 

 

Helmut Werner (Player) - Inducted 2002

(Born 1938 - April 8th 2023)

Werner was born in Russia and attended Lynchburg University, where he achieved the honors of All Mason-Dixon, All State, Regional All-American, and All-American. After graduation he played in the NSL in Washington, DC and for the Schweigert Soccer Club in the National Soccer League. He has been the Men’s Soccer Coach at Randolph-Macon College since 1962. In 1970 and 1971 he was President of the Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association. Werner won Coach of the Year Awards from the Virginia Intercollegiate Soccer Association for six years, from the Virginia College Athletic Association in 1974, from the South Atlantic Region (NSCAA) in 1988, and the ODAC Conference in 1999. In addition to his head coaching duties, Werner is also the Director/Owner of the Randolph-Macon Soccer Camp.

Richie Williams (Player) – Inducted 2010

Richie was named the interim head coach of the New York Red Bulls in August, 2009, after serving as assistant coach for four years. Prior to that, he played for DC United for six seasons and the Red Bulls for two. Over the course of his career he played in 216 regular season games and was a member of three of DC United’s championship teams. Richie made 17 appearances with the US National Team, and played on both the U-20 and U-23 teams. He was a member of two NCAA National Championship teams while at the University of Virginia, where he also spent two seasons as assistant coach.

Staci Wilson (Player) - Inducted in 2014

 Staci played her youth soccer with Reston united in WAGS, which won the U14 VYSA and Region I Championships.  As U16s the team was the  US youth SoccerNational Runner-Up.  While inhighschool she was an NSCAA All-American and Parade High School All American.  Staci was named the Soccer America National Freshman of the Year at the University of North Carolina and was a member of the 1996 gold medal-winning Olympic team.  After college she trained youth travel teams in Northern Virginia and palyed profesionally winning a chanpionship with the Carolina Courage.  As a coach, Staci has worked with the Philadelphia Independence, Howard University, and Florida Atlantic University. She is currently the Head Coach and trainer with Team Boca Soccer Club in Palm Beach County. 

 

Roberto Zito (Player) - Inducted 2001

Zito, a native of Brazil, played with the Vasco da Gama Juniors. In Washington, Zito played with Maggies, Hispano Soccer Club, St. Gerard Soccer Club of Baltimore and the Washington Darts. Zito was an outstanding “inside right” in the old “W-M” system. A spectacular ball-control artist and dribbler, the diminutive Zito could turn a game around in a flash. In the early 1960’s, Zito’s skills helped his team win the Stewart Cup, the Arnold Cup, the Couglin Cup, the Rowland Cup, and the National Soccer League Championship. Zito regularly played on the Washington All-Star teams, for the Baltimore All-Stars, and for the Philadelphia Ukrainian Nationals against Sheffield United.