Hall of Fame Classes: 2017 | 2015 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2009
The membership of the US Youth Soccer East Region voted in 2008 to establish an East Region Hall of Fame to recognize those individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the players in the region and the soccer family in the United States.
HOF Class of 2017
Natalie Schwoeble - East Region Representative
Len Rogers - President: West Virginia Soccer Association
Frank Giancroce - East Region Referee Committee Chair
Robert Ong - East Region Referee Committee Member
Burt Wilkes - State Cup Chair: Eastern New York Soccer Association
HOF Class of 2015
Bob Bair
Bob Bair began coaching in Marlton, NJ back in 1980 with his oldest son alongside one of our other inductees this evening, Joe Robb. Bob worked on numerous New Jersey Youth Soccer Committees, travel leagues and was a State Registrar for nearly 25 years. Bob began serving Region I on the Region I Cup Committee in 1993 and has been on the Olympic Development Tournament Committee since its inception in 1994 to the present day.
Joseph Madero
Joe Madero became a member of the Region I Boys Olympic Development Program Committee over 27 years ago (1988). Joe was appointed as the Chairperson of the Boys ODP program in 1994 and continues to serve in that capacity with Region I. Joe has also served on the United States Youth Soccer Association National ODP Committee. Joe has continually made improvements over the years to the coaching curriculum and enhanced the player experiences over the years. Numerous youth players have advanced under the Region I Boys ODP program and have gone on to play for the USSF’s National Team. Joe is also a past President of the New York West Soccer Association, serving from 1991 to 1994
Florence Egan
Flo began her soccer involvement as many of us have as a Team Mom, with the Brick Soccer Program. At the state level she served as a District Commissioner, the Shore Area Travel League Commissioner, ODP tryouts for the Shore Area, New Jersey Youth Soccer ODP Committee, Cup Committee, Workshop Committee, and numerous recreational soccer festivals events throughout New Jersey. Her Region I experience includes the Region I ODP Tournament for over 20 years, the Girls ODP Committee, Member/Chair of the Region I Cup Committee for over 20 years, Administrator for the Colonial League, Western Appalachian League, Summer League and Representative to the National Championship Committee. Flo has also volunteered for numerous Women’s World Cup Matches in both New York and Philadelphia and serves as “Grammie” now to Kassidy, Gavin and Tristan.
Joseph Robb
Joe began his soccer career as most of us did in the Marlton Soccer Program with the words, “we need a coach for your son’s team” in 1977. Joe also started the Marlton Girls program in 1979, founded and served on the South Jersey Girls League Board, Boys Commissioner and League Rep. to New Jersey Youth Soccer. His experience with the NJYS Association began in 1984 as a Cup Commissioner for 10 years, 1994 as the Recreation Commissioner, President of NJYS in 2008 and Executive Director of NJYS in 2012. Joe began serving Region I in 1993 on the Region I ODP Tournament Committee, becoming the Director in 1999 and serving in that capacity for 15 years. Joe became a (“Bobble Heads”) Region I Deputy Directors in 2003 and served in that capacity until 20011. Joe quietly enjoys his retirement after 44 years with GE at his New Jersey Ocean retreat, golf and cruising the Caribbean with his wife.
HOF Class of 2013
Peter Masotto
Peter has been an extraordinary presence in youth soccer for nearly 40 years, beginning in 1975. His service and accomplishments during his tenure are incomparable. Among his many achievements are the following: He served as an Eastern New York Youth Soccer board member for 27 years; the last 23 as President; He was elected to the ENYYSA Hall of Fame in 1998; the Long Island Junior Hall Of Fame in 1999 and the East Hudson Youth Soccer Hall Of Fame in 2004. In addition he received the rare double honor of being elected a Life Member of both ENYYSA and USSF in the same year: 2006. His teams were Region 1 finalists 8 times, capturing the crown 3 times and the National title in 1986. Peter was named USYSA Women's Coach Of The Year twice in 1984 and 1997, a feat no other coach has achieved for men or women. Beyond the state, Peter was a long time member of the Region 1 and National Appeals Boards.
Kristine Lilly
Kris attended Wilton High School in Wilton, Connecticut where she won 3 state championships for Wilton H.S. (1986, ’87, ’88). As a 16 year old, she first played for the US women’s National Team scoring her 1st international goal when she was 16 years and 22 days old. Kris competed in five FIFA Women's World Cup: China 1991, Sweden 1995, USA 1999, USA 2003 and China 2007; and three Olympics: Atlanta 1996, Sydney 2000, and Athens 2004; altogether played in 46 matches and scored 12 goals at those eight global tournaments. With her USA teams, in eight World cup and Olympic tournaments, had 39 wins, 3 losses, and 4 draws; finished first place with her teams 4 times, second place once and third place 3 times. She was a member of the US Soccer Women’s National Team when they became World Champions in 1991and1999 and the United States Olympic Team when the won the Olympic Gold in 1996 and 2004.
As a 23 year veteran of the US Soccer National Team she played in 352 games, scored130 goals and had 105 assists, scoring her last goal at the age of 38. Kris was named USSF Player of the Year in1993, 2005 and 2006. In addition, she was First Team All-WUSA in all 3 WUSA seasons. She would go on to earn All-Star and Best 11 accolades during 2 seasons in the WPS. In 2012 she was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame and in 2013 Kris was inducted into the Connecticut Hall of Fame.
HOF Class of 2012
Allan Sinclair
Allan became involved in youth soccer at an early age and continued through his participation in one form or another through most of his life. his passion for the game lead to his involvement in the New Jersey State Youth Soccer Association (NJSYS) where he shapped the programs, crafted the bylaws and policies that govern the association today. In 1991 Allan was selected by the Region I Director to chair the Region's Bylaws & Policies Committee. He served as President of NJSYS from 1993 to 2008, and Executive Director from 2008 until his untimely passing in 2012. Allan also served as the Region I webmaster from 2004 to 2011. He received many awards and accolades during his years of tireless service. In 1994, he was awarded the Region I Administrator of the Year Award. In 2009 he was inducted in to the NJSYS Hall of Fame and Region I renamed the Boys Under 16 Region I Championships Trophy to the Allan Sinclair Cup.
Dave Laraba
Dave became involved in youth soccer as most of us have, through our children. His experience began as a coach for the local Beckley Raleigh County YMCA and then in 1982 her served as their President. In 1984 he was first elected to the West Virginia Soccer Association (WVSA) board and from 1987 to 1994 he served as President of WVSA. Beginning in 1994, Dave was hired as the Executive Director for WVSA where he still serves today. During his tenure, both as president and executive director, Dave has worked to combine the youth and amateur factions into one solid and united organization. Dave's volunteer services to Region I began in 1988 where he served on the Region I Championships Committee. From 1992 to 1998 he served as Chairman of the Region I and US Youth Soccer Appeals Committee. In 2009 and 2010 he served as the Director of Venue Operations for the local orgainizing committee for the Region I Championships hosted in Barboursville, WV. In 1999, Dave was awarded the Region I Administrator of the Year Award.
HOF Class of 2011
Dr. Lewis Atkinson III
Lewis had a love for soccer early on in life. While attending Davis and Elkins college, Lewis played on two NAIA National Championship teams in 1968 and 1970. After college he continued to play in the United League of Philadelphia. In 1985, Lewis became the Delaware Youth Soccer Association's Director of Coaching and continues in this position to this day. He has served as a Region I Boys Coach for ten years; last year, serving as the U14 Boys Head Coach. The US Soccer Federation also calls upon Lewis to help teach courses in Delaware as well as surrounding states. Lewis holds a USSF "A" License, a National Youth License, a Scottish Football "B" License and an International de Football Association Futuro III Certificate. Over the past 30 years, Lewis has truly made a difference in Region I ODP, and Delaware Youth Soccer.
Brenda Down
Brenda became involved in youth soccer as most of us have done, when her son began to play soccer for the Springfield Youth Club (VA). She volunteered for the club, performing various duties. As time went on, and her son moved on the travel soccer, Brenda became a Registrar for the National Capital Soccer League (NCSL) in Northern Virginia. In 1981 Brenda was elected State Registrar for Virginia Youth Soccer Association. She served in this capacity until 1997 and was elected a second time in 2000. Brenda was appointed as the first Region I Registrar in 1991 and served in that position until 2002. She was instrumental in contributing to the first US Youth Soccer Registration Manual and, as a member of the US Youth Soccer Registrar Committee, conducted seminars in the Region. Brenda also served as a member of the US Youth Soccer Region I ODP Tournament Committee and the US Youth Soccer Region I Championships Committee.
Brenda passed away in 2006.
John Motta
John became involved in youth soccer at a young age. He progressed like most of us, volunteering in one capacity or another as our children grow up through the ranks. In 1988, John was elected as president to the New Hampshire Soccer Association and served in that capacity until 1998. John also served as chairperson of the Region I Referee Committee. In 1998, he was elected to a two year term as Executive Vice President for the US Soccer Federation. John currently serves as chairman of the USASA Referee Committee and on the Board of Directors as an At-Large member. He is also currently serving as a USSF Referee Committee Member. John has mentored many of the referees currently serving USSF. He developed and organized the framework to utilize each state associations' bright, young referees at the ODP Tournament and Region I Championships competitions.
Abby Wambach
Abby began playing soccer at the early age of four in Rochester, NY. In her first youth soccer league, after reportedly scoring twenty-seven goals, she was transferred from a girls team to a boys team. Abby went on to play for the New York State West Youth Soccer Association and in the Region I ODP Program. Following her high school graduation, Abby attended the University of Florida adding an NCAA Championship to her resume in 1988. IN 2002, Abby was drafted by the the Washington Freedom. The very year, the Freedom won the WUSA Championship and Abby was named MVP. Abby's WUSA awards brought her to the National spotlight and garnered her an invitation to the US Women's National Team training camp where she was selected to the 2003 Women's World Cup team. The rest is history as she continues to be one of best strikers in the women's game. Abby continues to visit her roots back home in Rochester and is an idol to thousands of young girls in US Youth Soccer.
HOF Class of 2009 (Inaugural Class)
Mavis Derflinger
Mavis began her soccer career when she coached a girls 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. In 1994 Derflinger, along with Betty D'Anjolell, took the first team, an under 19 team, to travel outside the US. The team played in Iceland, Germany, Norway and Holland. Mavis was the Head of Delegation for the First Women's Team to travel overseas when they played in competition in Jessolo, Italy and was Head of Delegation for the U19 team in competition in Varga, Bulgaria. Derflinger fought tirelessly for funding for the US Women's program and sees 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.
Mavis passed away in October, 2010
Adele Dolansky
Adele 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. Adele 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 continues as Region I Cup Committee Chairman and is the US Youth Soccer Region I Administrator. Adele has received US Youth Soccer's Region I Female Volunteer Recipient Award in 1991, was selected VYSA's first "Adele Dolansky Exemplary Service Award" in 1996, and was selected for NSCAA's "Youth Long-Term Achievement Award" in 1998.
Charlotte Moran
Charlotte began her career in youth soccer in 1979 as the Secretary for the Lower Southampton Association. She then held various positions for the Inter-County Soccer League where, in addition to serving in a number of administrative positions, she became the administrator of the league's girls select program, a job that begin a long and successful career in girls soccer in Region I and in US Youth Soccer. Charlotte served as the Girls ODP Administrator for Eastern Pennsylvania Youth Soccer for 17 years, Region I Girls ODP Administrator for 12 years, US Youth Soccer National Chair for Girls ODP for 4 years and chaired the Women's Committee of US Soccer for two years. She also was a member of the NSCAA Women's Committee and the NSCAA Diversity Committee as well as serving as the Youth Girls Representative on the NSCAA Board of Directors. The US Youth Soccer, Region I, U14 Girls Cup named "Charlotte Moran Cup" to acknowledge Charlotte's outstanding contributions to the women's soccer game.
Charlotte passed away in May of 2009
Larry Monaco
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 (USYSA) and USSF Appeals and Rules Committees, chairing the latter. From 1994-1998, Monaco served as USSF Executive Vice President and on the USSF Foundation's Board of Directors. In 1999, he was elected US Youth Soccer Vice President. He served for many years as a Board member and coach for Soccer Club of Northern Neck, a recreational club in Southeastern Virginia. He currently serves as US Youth Soccer President. In 2001, Larry was inducted into the Virginia DC Soccer Hall of Fame and has been a Life-Time Member of the United States Soccer Federation.
Bob Palmeiro
Bob has served as Region I Director and on the Board of Directors of US Youth Soccer as well as the Federation for over 20 years. During this period he has been instrumental, as well as a leader, of many of the positive changes that have taken place in soccer in this country. Through Bob's leadership, Region I has grown from 490,000 players to a peak of 1.1 million players. The Region has also been a leader in introducing new programs for youth soccer that have set the standard for the rest of US Youth Soccer. In the 1990s, Region I introduced the Chiquita Cup, later the Women's National Cup, that established women's soccer in the United States and lead to the Women's World Cup being played in the United States in 1999. The turn of the century saw the introduction of the Region I Premier League and its supporting sub-regional leagues that has become the most prestigious league in the country. Before becoming the Region I Director, Bob started his youth soccer career in Rhode Island. He served on the board of Rhode Island Youth Soccer in a different capacities, finishing his Rhode Island chapter as President. He was a coach as well as administrator for ten years.
George Towner
One of the true pioneers of soccer in Virginia, 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). George still serves as a Board member for Arlington Youth Soccer.