Competitive Coach of the Year

The Competitive Coach of the Year is awarded to a competitive coach for both a boy's team and a girl's team for his or her coaching activities, sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and citizenship. The national Boys and Girls Competitive Coaches of the Year is announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, as a part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop.  

1992-2006 | 2007 | 2008 | 2009 | 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021

Bios of the regional winners are based on the submitted nomination forms.

2021 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner – Dillion Nino - New Mexico

2021 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Erin Coppernoll - Wisconsin

2021 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Fayanga Keita - West Virginia
Midwest – Nicole Lukic - Wisconsin
South – Leonardo Santin - Alabama
West – Dillion Nino - New Mexico

2021 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Martin DiCola - Eastern New York
Midwest – Erin Coppernoll - Wisconsin
South – Tareyn Blanton - North Texas
West – Luciane Wentz - Oregon

2020 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner– Garrett Szabo - Ohio (South)

2020 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Michaela Supple - New Mexico

2020 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Corey Laycock - N.H.
Midwest – Garrett Szabo - Ohio (South)
South – Mario Carrillo - Texas (North)
West – Reed Thomas - Alaska

2020 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Andrew Werner - N.Y. (East)
Midwest – Ron Edele - Mo.
South – Traci Sipniewski - Tenn.
West – Michaela Supple - N.M.

2019 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner– Daniel Trosper - Brighton, Mich.

Trosper coached two teams that had deep runs at the 2019 US Youth Soccer National Championships. Trosper works to create an environment that motivates each player to reach their highest potential, both as an individual player and as a member of the team. Part of this involves building strength, endurance and flexibility training for players outside of their regular training sessions. Trosper is a USSF ‘A’ Licensed coach, and he regularly works with the Technical Directors at his club to continue to grow as a coach.

2019 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Giuliano Oliviero - Wauwatosa, Wisc.

Giuliano Oliviero has the ability to adapt his coaching style in order to cater to boys and girls teams, across many different ages, touching on the technical, physical, and mental side of the game. He carries a Class A coaching license and led the 2002 boys to a state championship, and the 2004 girls to a National Championship, being only the second team in Wisconsin soccer history to do so. Oliviero knows his players and uses different techniques and styles of coaching to make sure he addresses all their needs in the process of them becoming a better player.

2019 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Alex Fatovic - New York, N.Y.
Midwest – Daniel Tropser - Brighton, Mich.
South – Nicholas Chetta III - Covington, La.
West – Brian Orr - Powell, Wyo.

2019 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Tristan Wierbonski - Morgantown, W.Va.
Midwest – Giuliano Oliviero - Wauwatosa, Wisc.
South – Jeremy Beckett - Wake Forest, N.C.
West – Simon Rothamn - Albuquerque, N.M.

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2018 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner– Luis Padilla – Kansas City, Mo. ​

Padilla led Soccer Nation to beat the odds as it earned a Kansas State Cup title as well as the title of Midwest Regional Champions. While ultimately falling in the National Championships final, Padilla worked endlessly to help raise funds for his team so they could experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. Padilla’s core principles are respect and discipline, which he leads by example in his treatment of referees, opponents and coaches. Beyond his team’s success on the field, Padilla strives to make sure his players apply these principles in their everyday lives with friends and family.

2018 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Jacob A. Zammit – Lathrup VIllage, Mich.

Even while coaching a competitive team in the US Youth Soccer National League Midwest Conference, Zammit is seen putting the focus of his players on sportsmanship, win or lose. Zammit’s effect on the club does not come just on the field but players and families around the area are attracted to the club with all the positive feedback that is shared around the local community. Zammit challenges his players to be the best they can be, not to be satisfied with status quo and to continue growing as they progress through their playing careers.

2018 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Kevin Smith - Attleboro, Mass.
Midwest – Luis Padilla – Kansas City, Mo. ​
South – Jeremy Hurdle - Tampa, Fla.
West – Peter Voiles - Sumner, Wash.

2018 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Mo Tayari - Lorton, Va.
Midwest – Lathrup Village, Mich.
South – Dennis Johnson - Placida, Fla.
West – Janet Trujillo - Albuquerque, N.M.

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2017 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner– Jesse Faily – Edmond, Okla. ​

As a coach for Oklahoma FC, Jesse Faily has helped his players become not only skilled athletes but also respectful young men. Faily coached the OFC 98 team to become 2017 US Youth Soccer Region III Champions and to compete on one of the most prestigious stages at the 2017 US Youth Soccer National Championships. He serves as a mentor for his players in the college recruiting world by meeting with each individual player and driving them to achieve their goals beyond youth soccer. Faily holds his players to high standards and has ultimately prepared them to handle both soccer and life.

2017 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Jeremy Harkins – Sterling Heights, Mich. ​

Jeremy Harkins has plenty of experience in developing high quality players as he has helped lead Nationals Union 01 to three consecutive US Youth Soccer National Championship titles. He also claimed the 2017 National Championship crown with the Nationals Union 02 team. Coaching his players through the US Youth Soccer National League, Regional Championships and on the national stage proves that Harkins can lead his teams through tough competition and ultimately to success. He serves the community by working day camps with the local club, as well as ensuring that his players participate in various after-school activities. Harkins’s greatest coaching accomplishment is witnessing hundreds of players he has coached reach their goals of playing soccer at the collegiate level. 

2017 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Jose Maldonado – Springfield, Va. 
Midwest – Frank Mateus – Rockford, Ill.
South – Jesse Faily – Edmond, Okla. ​
West – Vince Sanchez – Albuquerque, N.M.

2017 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

East – Dennis Garcia – Guilford, Conn.
Midwest – Jeremy Harkins – Sterling Heights, Mich.   
South – Calvin Dixon – Merrit Island, Fla.
West – Illia Song – San Francisco, Calif.

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2016 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – John Greaves – Yardley, Pa.

For the past 15 years, John Greaves has been a member of Yardley Makefield Soccer. Greaves has a vast array of experience in coaching from the English Premier level, to the U.S. youth soccer level. On one of his most recent teams, nearly every player went on to play Division I soccer. In 2016 alone, Greaves and his team won the US Youth Soccer National Championship, a US Youth Soccer National League title and a fifth Eastern Pennsylvania State Cup. Win or lose, Greaves teaches his players to act with the utmost respect to the opposition. 

2016 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner– Michael Ertel – Cheektowaga, N.Y. 

Michael Ertel is known by fellow coaches and players for leading by example. While he emphasizes soccer-specific skills, the theme for each of his coaching messages is how to develop not only as a player, but as a person, as well. In his free time, Ertel is lending a helping hand in the community by volunteering at charity events and coaching local kids in the community. In addition, Ertel is the head men’s soccer coach at Villa Maria College and he holds a USSF National “B” License. 

2016 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Michael Ertel – Cheektowaga, N.Y.  
Region II – Kirk Brazeau – Toledo, Ohio 
Region III – Patrick Daka – Charlotte, N.C.  
Region IV – Kevin Skinner – Silverdale, Wash. 

2016 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – John Greaves – Yardley, Pa. 
Region II – David Robertson – Mason, Ohio  
Region III – Ronnie Woodard – Nashville, Tenn.  
Region IV – Othon Castillo – Manteca, Calif.

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2015 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive [Video]
National Winner– Monica Lovett-Groat – Stafford, Va.

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

2015 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Xavier Rico – Milwaukee, Wis.

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

2015 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Ryan Renauld – Thompson, Conn.
Region II – Xavier Rico – Milwaukee, Wis. 
Region III – Scott Dymond – Prosper, Texas 
Region IV – Enrique Garcia – Union City, Calif. 

2015 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Monica Lovett-Groat – Stafford, Va. 
Region II – Jorge Eufracio – Lafayette, Ind.
Region III – Mindy McBride – Hoover, Ala. 
Region IV – Jessica Costello – Tacoma, Wash. 

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2014 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Ryan Dortch – Bellevue, Wash.

In nearly 25 years of coaching, Ryan Dortch has guided several premier clubs and semi-professional teams. A former Washington Youth Soccer player, Ryan maintains his USSF ‘A’ License while continuing to act as a mentor and role model within the soccer community. In his eight years at Eastside FC, he has led teams to on-field success while setting clear expectations for players, parents and coaches to follow in regards to showing respect and demonstrating good character to all participants.

2014 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Mark Ryan – Ashburn, Va.

Each year Mark has coached Loudoun 98 Red, the team has continued to see improving results. In 2014, Loudoun claimed a National League division title and advanced to the US Youth Soccer National Championship semifinals — the best finish for a boys team in club history. A USSF ‘A’ Licensed coach, Mark has used his experience, along with dedication, passion and leadership, to help his players continue to achieve new heights.

2014 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Mark Ryan – Ashburn, Va.
Region II – Bryan Finnerty – Walled Lake, Mich.
Region III – Elvin Varela – San Antonio, Texas
Region IV – David Robertson – Phoenix, Ariz.

2014 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Nicole Goodenow – Morgantown, W.V.
Region II – David Patrick Sharp – Rapid City, S.D.
Region III – Michael Powers – Plano, Texas
Region IV – Ryan Dortch – Bellevue, Wash.

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2013 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive [Video]
National Winner– Zahra Lechak – Auburn, Wash.

Development is the main objective for Zahra Lechak when it comes to her players. She’s guided several teams and many players to reach and extend their potential, and has led multiple teams at DOS FC and Seattle United to US Youth Soccer Washington State Cup finals, semifinals and quarterfinals. A talented player at UConn, Lechak now has her USSF 'A’ License and has worked on the US Youth Soccer ODP Region IV staff, as well as with the Seattle Sounders.

2013 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Minos Vlamakis – Chicago, Ill.

On the field, Minos Vlamakis helped his Raiders FC team to State Cup, US Youth Soccer Region II Championship and US Youth Soccer National League titles, and they were 2013 US Youth Soccer National Finalists. Off the field, Minos personally spoke with academic counselors and held study tables on trips, to ensure his players kept up with academics and remained on track for graduation. He’s also organized an annual charity game to raise money for cancer patients.

2013 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Mohamed Bennani – Arlington, Va.
Region II – Minos Vlamakis – Chicago, Ill.
Region III – Tony Posner – Collierville, Tenn.
Region IV – C.O. Taylor – Albuquerque, N.M.

2013 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Pam Knight – Hanover, Mass.
Region II – Rachel Twist – Omaha, Neb.
Region III – Shane C. Kowalski – Bay St. Louis, Miss.
Region IV – Zahra Lechak – Auburn, Wash.

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2012 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Mike Dean – Omaha, Neb. 

A coach who cares about matters on and off the field, Mike Dean promotes fair play and doesn’t tolerate unsportsmanlike behavior. He tries to give his players the playing time and opportunities to reach their highest potential. Dean coaches the physical and mental aspects of the game, and four of his players at the Omaha Football Club have committed to NCAA Division I college programs. Three of his players were selected to the US Youth Soccer Region II ODP squad, and Dean also coaches the Nebraska ODP team.

2012 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive [Video]
National Winner – Larry Best – Vienna, Va.

With Larry Best, the emphasis is on development, not winning. He focuses on player improvement and doesn’t restrict his commitment to the field. He is involved in helping his players during their college selection process. His focus on improving skills helped BRYC 95 Elite win the US Youth Soccer Virginia State Cup, Region I Championship and U-16 National Championship. Meanwhile, his players also achieved their best team GPA and performed community service.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – William Rimmer – Wilmington, Del.
Region II – Mike Dean – Omaha, Neb.
Region III – Pearse Tormey – Greer, S.C.
Region IV – Michael Krug – Port Orchard, Wash.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners: 

Region I – Larry Best – Vienna, Va.
Region II – Patrick Ferguson – New Bremen, Ohio
Region III – Cindy Parlow-Cone – Chapell Hill, N.C.
Region IV – Cole Borgeson – Albuquerque, N.M.

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Joseph Apodaca secured his first coaching responsibility at age 14. For the three decades since, "Coach A" has honed his coaching skills through years of military service, international experience and coaching education. Apodaca began coaching club soccer in 2004 at Prince William Soccer, Inc., and his players have gone on to success at the club and US Youth Soccer ODP levels. He currently holds a USSF "A" License.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – William Laycock – Sandown, N.H.
Region II – Matt Vogel – Lexington, Ky.
Region III – Wilson Rendon – Orlando, Fla.
Region IV – Stan Baker – Tualatin, Ore.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Joseph Apodaca – Manassas, Va.
Region II – Keri Heedum – Cincinnatti, Ohio
Region III – Adrian Solca – Trophy Club, Texas
Region IV - Stephanie Coppola – Santa Fe, N.M.

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2010 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner – Sarah McNulty – Bismarck, N.D

Sarah McNulty takes her experiences as a former club player to develop Dakota United Soccer Club players as a coach and co-director of coaching. She coached the Under-13 Girls Dakota United team in the US Youth Soccer Region II Championships in 2010. She has been the program director of the Bismarck Indoor Soccer Association since 2005. McNulty is also a North Dakota US Youth Soccer ODP coach and has her USSF "A" License as well as her National Youth License.

2010 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner - Pete Doneit – Stamford, Conn.

Pete Doneit has coached at the Beachside Soccer Club since 2001. In 2010, his Under-15 Boys team played in the US Youth Soccer Region I Championship finals, missing the opportunity to advance after double overtime with the eventual national champion. His team is currently competing in the US Youth Soccer National League. Doneit is responsible for Beachside's goalkeeping education, development and training. He has led five teams to the US Youth Soccer Connecticut State Championships. He is working on his USSF "A" License and has completed his NSCAA Goalkeeping Level I and II Licenses.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I – Clyde Watson – Washington, D.C. 
Region II – Sarah McNulty – Bismarck, N.D
Region III – Thomas Bobo – Clinton, Miss.
Region IV – Andrew Cuppett – Sandy, Utah

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional award winners:

Region I - Pete Doneit – Stamford, Conn.
Region II – Marc McElligott – Westmont, Ill.
Region III – Chris Robinson – Greensboro, N.C.
Region IV – Oliver Wyss – Laguna Beach, Calif. 

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2009 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner - Keri Saver, Ohio Youth Soccer Association-North

Keri Sarver teaches her players that they must practice technical aspects, but also master the mental, physical and emotional aspects to achieve success. Her Under-17 Girls Internationals Soccer Club bought into her philosophy, leading them to compete in the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships. Sarver's coaching resume consists of one national finalist, 13 regional semifinalists and five Ohio North State Championships. A true student of the game, Sarver is a USSF "A" License coach, the first female in Ohio North to achieve this level.

2009 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner - Aaron Brunner, Virginia Youth Soccer Association

Aaron Brunner's coaching philosophy revolves around making the ball every player's favorite toy to empower players with confidence to focus on long-term development. A product of US Youth Soccer ODP and now a USSF "A" License and National Youth License coach, he gives back by coaching for Virginia US Youth Soccer ODP and with Prince William Soccer. While achieving success at the competitive level, he continually reinforces the importance of sportsmanship.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:

Region I - David Suvak – Winchester, Mass.
Region II - Keri Sarver – Akron, Ohio-North
Region III – James Soesbee – Norman, Okla.
Region IV – Tom Jaeger – Salem, Ore.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional award winners:

Region I - Aaron Brunner – Woodbridge, Va.
Region II - John Keating – Omaha, Neb.
Region III - Elmar Bolowich – Chapel Hill, N.C.
Region IV - Marco De Oliveira – Normandy Park, Wash.

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2008 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner - Isang Jacob, Indiana Youth Soccer Association

Isang Jacob, of Indianapolis, Ind., builds fine young men first and skilled soccer players second. His players must excel at school, complete community service and work hard to earn a spot on the field. Through this dedication, Jacob led his Indy Burn 90 Premier Eagles to seven consecutive US Youth Soccer Indiana State Championships. All of his 2008 graduates play in college, 17 of them at Division I schools. His greatest accomplishment is having all former players enrolled and succeeding in college, whether or not they play soccer. The USSF "A" License and National Youth License coach also serves as the head Indiana US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program coach.

2008 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner - Miriam Hickey, Michigan Youth Soccer Association

Miriam Hickey, of Troy, Mich., is the Vardar East girls coaching director and as coach of three winning teams, Hickey demonstrates that development comes first. Personally, she has attained her USSF "A" License and National Youth License. Her experience involves 20 years of coaching including US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Program Region II staff coach, college coach and coach of the Netherlands National Team. Hickey commands dedication and holds her teams accountable to always try their best and strive for improvement.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional award winners:

Region I – Michael Crocco, Stamford, Conn.
Region II – Miriam Hickey, Troy, Mich.
Region III – Pete Sadin, Raleigh, N.C.
Region IV – Tad Bobak, Laguna Niguel, Calif.

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year regional award winners:

Region I – Richard J. Frongillo, Franklin, Mass.
Region II – Isang Jacob, Indianapolis, Ind.
Region III – Patrick Zoete, Wellington, Fla.
Region IV – Emerson Robbins, Shoreline, Wash.

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2007 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Boys Competitive
National Winner - Michael Elster, Massachusetts Youth Soccer Association

Michael Elster, from Sutton, MA, coaches for the Sutton Youth Soccer Club. Elster puts a lot of time and effort into his practices. He reviews previously taught skills at the beginning of practice before moving onto new drills. Elster challenges and motivates his players to learn and play the game. Also, Elster organized a large tournament to raise money for a young girl to receive important medical care. The event was very successful. Elster has taken the time to improve his coaching by obtaining his license and attending workshops.

2007 US Youth Soccer Coach of the Year - Girls Competitive
National Winner - Yon Struble, Georgia Youth Soccer Association

Yon Struble, from Alpharetta, GA, coaches for the Norcross Soccer Academy. He has also coached US Youth Soccer ODP for nine years. In 2005, Struble's 1989 Georgia US Youth Soccer ODP Girls team placed third at the US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships. Struble lives by a strong value system and he expects his players to display strong character too. He inspires his players to improve themselves and their game. In his first two years with the team, he brought them up a level. He knew that move would continue to challenge his players, and with training they improved.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year Regional Award Winners:

Region I – John P. Dawyot, Landenberg, Penn.
Region II – Huw Williams, Shawnee Mission, Kan.
Region III - Yon Struble, Alpharetta, Ga.
Region IV - Pat Hanley, Anchorage, Alaska

Boys Competitive Coach of the Year Regional Award Winners:

Region I – Michael Elster, Sutton, Mass.
Region II – Lars Richters, Farmington Hills, Mich.
Region III - Brian Harvey, Oklahoma City, Okla.
Region IV - David Newman, Bountiful, Utah

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