Established in 2015, the US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year award is awarded for extraordinary accomplishments as a TOPSoccer Coach. The nominees demonstrate patience, understanding, dependability, flexibility and ability to adjust to ever-changing on-field situations. The Coach of the Year is also an invaluable volunteer who facilitates the program by filling many roles, including being a coach, cheerleader and role model as well as assisting when needed with administrative responsibilities. Coaches show leadership and support while assisting, guiding, directing and teaching the game of soccer and its skills while creating a fun learning experience. The national TOPSoccer Coach of the Year award is announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala, as a part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop.
2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2021
2021 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
National Winner – Steve McCollum - Ohio
2021 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
East – Miya Carmichael - New York West
Midwest – Steve McCollum - Ohio
South – Colleen Hiltonen - Florida
West – Brian Longbottom - Wyoming
2019 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
National Winner – David Robinson - Bardenton, Fla.
Robinson first brought TOPSoccer to Bradenton River Soccer Club 12 years ago, and continues to handle every aspect of its existence. Robinson handles the coaching, fundraising, marketing, organizing, registration, field scheduling and so much more. His selflessness, positive attitude, and passion create a welcoming environment that players, buddies and parents all enjoy.
2019 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
East – Phillip Cook - Forestville, N.Y.
Midwest – Stefan Bjes - Oswego, Ill.
South – David Robinson - Bradenton, Fla.
West – Christina Hughes - Phoenix, Ariz.
[Top of Page]
2018 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
National Winner – Rocky Fresh - Camas, Wash.
Moving to the area in 2014, Fresh quickly began volunteering his time as a TOPSoccer Coach with Salmon Creek TOPSoccer. He quickly took on increasing responsibilities and now runs all the field activities for the entire group. Fresh does not go through the motions; he spends countless hours researching how to provide a great soccer practice for all his TOPSoccer participants. On top of coaching, Fresh also promotes the program to the surrounding community and solicits other volunteers to ensure there are always plenty of buddies to help at each session.
2018 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
East – Andrew Moroney - Lagrangeville, N.Y.
Midwest – Lori Charbonneau - Cary, Ill.
South – Ron Reid - Meridian, Miss.
West – Rocky Fresh - Camas, Wash.
[Top of Page]
2017 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
National Winner – Caryn Goulet – Wilmington, Mass.
Goulet has been the emotional and vocal leader of her TOPSoccer programs. She advocates for field space, funds to support the program, and most importantly, the development of all the players’ social, mental and motor skills. She challenges her coordinators to push their players to be their best. Goulet’s passion has players and coaches coming back season after season to enjoy all TOPSoccer has to offer.
2017 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
East – Caryn Goulet – Wilmington, Mass.
Midwest – Eric Zimmerman – Holmen, Wisc.
South – Joni Al-Shabibi – Cape Coral, Fla.
West – Jason Hall – Mesa, Ariz.
[Top of Page]
2016 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
National Winner – Katie Steinert – Birmingham, Ala.
With a background in soccer, as well as special education, Katie Steinert has been an integral part of the TOPSoccer program. Steinert demonstrates leadership in the community by promoting TOPSoccer wherever she goes, telling students all about the program. Social media, word of mouth and handing out flyers are just a few ways that Steinert informs others about TOPSoccer. She takes the time to make each individual player feel special and wanted within the program.
2016 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Beth Keeling – Chepachet, R.I.
Region II – Randy Corey – Mason, Ohio
Region III – Katie Steinert – Birmingham, Ala.
Region IV – Linda Kautz – Snohomish, Wash.
[Top of Page]
2015 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year [Video]
National Winner – Ed DeMulder – Williston, Vt.
Ed DeMulder started the Essex, Vt., TOPSoccer program nine years ago with a handful of volunteers, about 20 players and 30 buddies. He travels to local high schools to promote TOPSoccer, speaks to players and explains the commitment of the program — which has led to having students on waiting lists hoping to become a buddy. The program now features 50 players and 90 buddies, and DeMulder spends countless hours teaching special needs children how to play soccer and believe in themselves.
2015 US Youth Soccer TOPSoccer Coach of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Ed DeMulder – Williston, Vt.
Region II – Tom Keller – West Chester, Ohio
Region III – Jim Carr – Hendersonville, Tenn.
Region IV – Ken Dandrea – Yorba Linda, Calif.
[Top of Page]