FEBRUARY 7, 2026
Fredericksburg, Virginia
This evening is Sponsored by:
WELCOME TO THE VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER AWARDS CELEBRATION!
On behalf of the VYSA Board of Directors and the members of the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame, thank you for attending the 2026 VYSA Annual Awards Celebration and Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Induction!
We are gathered together to acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of several outstanding people. With each award presented this evening, we recognize the passion, hard work, and the unwavering commitment to making a positive impact exhibited by each recipient.
I would like to express our sincere gratitude to all VYSA sponsors, partners, the staff, and everyone who has contributed to making this event possible. Your continued support is appreciated by many; exuding a commitment to the game and encouraging others to strive for excellence.
The stories of the 2024-2025 VYSA Awards winners and 2026 Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame are in this program. Please enjoy reading about their achievements and stories of perseverance, resilience, and triumph.
May this night be filled with inspiration and the celebration as we raise a glass and toast the remarkable individuals who have enriched our lives and made a lasting impact on the beautiful game.
Thank you and enjoy the festivities!
Sincerely,
Bill Phillips, President Virginia Youth Soccer Association
Bill Phillips
ORDER OF EVENTS
Welcome
Opening Remarks
Young Referees of the Year
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
Dave Williams' TOPSoccer Awards
Recreation Coaches of the Year
Competitive Coaches of the Year
John Short Award
Team Manager of the Year
Volunteer of the Year
Administrator of the Year
Adele Dolansky Service Award
President’s Awards
2026 Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Inductees
YOUNG FEMALE REFEREE OF THE YEAR
ELAH GLEASON
Elah Gleason is 18 years old and lives in Chesapeake Virginia. She is a senior in high school and plays soccer for her college showcase team “Inter Virginia” and “Beach Breakers” varsity. Elah has been refereeing for 5 years now and has been invited to State Cup for the past 3 years.
YOUNG MALE REFEREE OF THE YEAR
DIEGO PINTO VAZQUEZ
Diego began playing soccer at the age of 4 at his primary school in Mexico City, Mexico. Later at the age of 10, his family moved to the United States where he immediately began his club soccer career, though it took a couple of years to find the right club. His passion for soccer continued growing over the years to a point where the majority of his identity and personality were forged around soccer.
During the winter of his 7th grade year, his dad brought up the idea of signing up as a referee. He didn’t really like the idea at first; however, his father told him that he needed to get a job soon. After giving another thought, Diego figured that this could be a great way to earn some money and still be engaged in an activity he liked. As a result, by the next summer, he received his first USSF referee badge, and began working recreational and travel games in Northern Virginia.
Diego is now 18 years old and a senior in high school He has been fortunate enough to officiate tournaments at the state, regional, and national level, where he has met hundreds of referees from across the entire nation Additionally, he has had the privilege of receiving invaluable feedback from many mentors, coaches, and current FIFA referees
When he graduates from high school he plans on studying finance, and will most certainly hope to be able to further his career as a referee
TOPSOCCER BUDDY OF THE YEAR
MADELYN ASHPOLE
VIRGINIA SOCCER ASSOCIATION & NORTHERN PIEDMONT
SPORTS CLUB
In 2018, Madelyn Ashpole first learned of TOPSoccer through her high school’s Buddies Breaking Boundaries program. This introduction sparked a passion for creating and upholding inclusive spaces for people with disabilities. Her dedication to the TOPSoccer community inspired her to become a US Youth Soccer Nationally Certified TOPSoccer Coach, which helped her learn critical skills to motivate and engage athletes of all levels.
Seven years after she started as a TOPS student volunteer, Madelyn returned to her local TOPS program as a James Madison University graduate with a degree in Communications She quickly took on additional responsibilities within the program, leading practices, arriving early to set up, and promoting the program throughout the community Today, the TOPS program she helps to lead has nearly 100 athletes with special needs that love soccer, their teammates, and perhaps most of all, Coach Maddie!
Madelyn’s professional career path was certainly inspired by TOPSoccer and the amazing athletes she’s touched with her compassion, patience, and kindness As a Special Education Teaching Assistant and aspiring Board-Certified Behavioral Analyst, she continues to promote the benefits of TOPSoccer by encouraging her students to participate
The importance of Maddie’s contribution to TOPSoccer is reflected in the comments from TOPS parents and leaders that have seen her shine as a TOPSoccer volunteer for 7+ years But most of all, the appreciation this team has for Maddie is best displayed by the hugs and smiles she receives from TOPS athletes
TOPSOCCER COACH OF THE YEAR
AVA HECKER
ROCKBRIDGE UNITED
Ava Hecker is from Stafford, VA, where she spent a lot of time at the soccer field, as a player, referee, and TOPSoccer buddy for Stafford Soccer’s program for ten years. She missed being part of TOPSoccer when she started college at Washington and Lee University in Lexington, VA and decided to start a program there alongside representatives from Rockbridge United Soccer Club.
Ava serves as the program’s head coach and coordinator and looks forward to watching the program continue to grow as it enters its third season this spring She played for the women’s soccer team at W&L, where she will graduate this spring with plans to attend medical school
DAVE WILLIAMS TOPSOCCER AWARD
TODD ANDREW
Virginia soccer Assoc. & Northern Piedmont Sports Club
Todd has been a life-long soccer fan. In 2014, he wanted to find a program that suited his son, Chris who needed an adaptive program and was directed to Piedmont TOPSoccer Todd immediately saw the value in adaptive sports for his son and began volunteering with TOPS as an Assistant Coach and has volunteered with adapted swim and bike programs and is working with wife, Jennifer and other parents to bring sensory friendly indoor rock climbing to Prince William County
DAVE WILLIAMS TOPSOCCER AWARD
JENNIFER ANDREW
Virginia soccer Assoc. & Northern Piedmont Sports Club
Jennifer has been involved in adapted sports since childhood when she volunteered with Special Olympics to support her aunt who had Downs Syndrome When her son Chris was diagnosed with a similar disorder in 2012, Jennifer sought adapted activities for Chris and was directed to TOPSoccer by the Arc of Greater Prince William Participation with TOPSoccer began in 2014 initially as a parent, then a 1:1 volunteer and now Team Manager
She also co hosted an adaptive bike camp in 2018 and has been involved in coordinating and volunteering with adaptive swim camps and sensory friendly swim sessions.
Jennifer and husband Todd are also working on bringing a sensory friendly indoor rock climbing program to Prince William County in 2026.
BOYS RECREATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
ERIC STANDLEY
NEW RIVER UNTED
Eric Standley has been a head coach for the New River United Recreation league in Blacksburg, Virginia since 2014, leading the “Unicorns” for a total of 20 seasons. For three of those seasons, he was the coach of two different age-groups. Eric has led the U18 Unicorns since 2021 and is looking forward to another great season this spring.
GIRLS COMPETITIVE COACH OF THE YEAR
NICK ARZANI
HERNDON YOUTH SOCCER
Nick Arzani is the Technical Director at Herndon Youth Soccer (Herndon, VA) and has been part of the club for more than 23 years Throughout his career, Nick has served as a coach, mentor, and director, coaching and leading players at nearly every stage of the game with success at the district, regional, national, and championship levels He is an active member of the youth soccer community, working across both recreational and travel programming for boys and girls
In addition, Nick has coached the boys’ varsity soccer team at Herndon High School, leading the program to both district and regional championships in his first year as head coach and winning the Coach of the Year Award (District and Regionals). Currently, he coaches multiple teams at Herndon Youth Soccer across four different age groups and both genders.
At Herndon Youth Soccer, Nick founded and developed a girls’ program centered on access, inclusion, longterm player development, and player retention, with a strong emphasis on serving underrepresented athletes in surrounding communities. His work has expanded opportunities for young players while fostering a culture of belonging and accountability. Several of his former players have gone on to compete at the collegiate level, including Division I programs and full scholarship recipients. His approach prioritizes player development, character, and lifelong connection to the game.
Beyond the local club level, Nick has worked and collaborated with professional clubs and national teams, including the Men’s National Teams of Argentina, Mexico, and Venezuela, as well as D.C. United and Loudoun United. These experiences have helped open doors for players to access international academy training, professional club trials, and national team scouting and training camps.
Nick is deeply committed to coach education. He holds a CONMEBOL Pro License and a USSF B License and has completed multiple courses focused on the psychological and sociological development of athletes. He also organizes annual coaching education trips to Argentina and has facilitated coaching clinics internationally in Argentina, China, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Uruguay.
BOYS COMPETITIVE COACH OF THE YEAR
HASAN GHALEB
SPRINGFIELD YOUTH CLUB
Coach Ghaleb has been coaching in the DMV since 2008. He holds his USSF C license and is currently the Director of Youth Development at Springfield Youth Club (SYC). He currently is the head coach of the 2010 and 2012 SYC MLS Next teams as well as the 2018 boys team. Along with those programs he also directs the clubs Pre-travel program.
He has been with SYC since 2019. Before joining SYC he was with JOGA SC and Woodbridge soccer club.
GIRLS RECREATIONAL COACH OF THE YEAR
JULIE CURRY
ARLNGTON SOCCER ASSOCIATION
Julie Curry has been coaching recreational youth teams with Arlington Soccer for over 18 years She has coached youth of all ages, from prekindergarten through high school She currently coaches two teams: a seventh-grade girls’ team and a high-school girls’ team In addition, she is one of Arlington Soccer’s community coaches, serving as an instructor for Girls with Goals, an elementary afterschool program that seeks to foster leadership and life skills while teaching the game of soccer
Her service to the club includes a commitment to coach education, as well. Each season, she helps conduct orientation and training sessions for recreational coaches
For the past several years, she has mentored teen girls in coaching by bringing them into her teams as assistants. She also helped initiate the women coaches’ network within Arlington Soccer, geared toward encouraging female coaches across the club and offering both educational and social support. She earned her National D license from the United States Soccer Federation in 2019, after participating in the groundbreaking all-female coaching license course offered by Women and Girls in Soccer (WAGS). In April 2025, the Washington Spirit of the National Women’s Soccer League honored her as a Youth Coach of the Match.
Julie approaches player development holistically, working to help players develop not just soccer skills and knowledge of the game, but also such qualities as sportsmanship, leadership, teamwork, and life skills more generally. She strives to provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where players feel seen and appreciated, and where learning and playing with their friends is a joyful experience. Her mission is to empower players to own their game, challenge themselves, grow as players and people, and build community on and off the field.
JOHN SHORT MEMORIAL ODP
COACHING AWARD
ROB OLSON
SOUTH WESTERN YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
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 graduated as second alltime leading scorer. After graduation, Rob was a member of the 1983 US National Team and then played professionally with the Georgia Generals (ASL), Team America (NASL), Kalamazoo Kangaroos (AISAIL), and the Washington Stars (ASL).
Rob has been the full-time Director of Coaching and Player Development for SYA. 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's VYSA ODP carrier began in 1977 when he was selected to represent VA in the Region 1 pool. Rob is currently the VYSA 2009 boys ODP Head Coach but has been coaching with the ODP program since 1989. Rob's invaluable experience keeps him a top-notch coach for the ODP program.
VIRGINIASTATECHAMPIONS
Prince William Courage RL B11
Villarreal VA ECNL RL B10
Virginia Reign ECNL RL B 09
Virginia Soccer Association ECNL RL B08
Shenandoah Valley United 2011 Boys Navy
Villarreal VA Yellow B10
VISTA HL92 2009B Yellow
Burke United Academy U19B
Stafford Revolution ECNL RL G2011
Arlington SA 2010G RED/RL GFRSC 09G Blue
VSA ECNL RL G08/07
Arlington Soccer Association 20011G White Gunston SC 2010G Sharks
VSA 09G Premier Red Fredericksburg FC EDP 2007G
S P R I N G 2 0 2 5
VIRGINIASTATECHAMPIONS
T H E S T A T E C U P
Springfield SYC Soccer U14B MLS Next
Virginia United FC ECNL B2012
Virginia Valor FC 2013B Pre-ECNL
Springfield SYC Soccer 2014B Pre-MLS Next
Arlington Soccer Association 2011G Red
Alexandria SA 2012G NL
Virginia Revolution SC 13G Black
Springfield SYC Soccer 2014G Pre-GA
V I R G I N I A P R E S I D E N T ' S C U P
Shenandoah Valley United Inc 2011 Boys Navy
Arlington Soccer Association 2012B White
Arlington Soccer Association 2013B Red
Arlington Soccer Association 2014B Red
Arlington Soccer Association 2011G Blue
Virginia United FC ECNL-RL G2012
McLean Youth Soccer 2013 Girls White
Loudoun Soccer Club Pre-ECNL 14G Black
TEAM MANAGER OF THE YEAR
KATALIN GAITAN AMBROZY
PRINCE WILLIAM SOCCER INC
Katalin (Kathy) Gaitán Ambrózy is from Budapest, Hungary, and has been involved in rec and travel soccer for over a decade. She has two boys, the oldest is in his second year at George Washington University and the second is a sophomore at Colgan Senior High School Ms Gaitan is a finance director at George Washington University and her spirit of volunteering does not stop at soccer She has been a Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) treasurer for multiple schools in Prince William County She has been the Team Manager of the Elite 2010 Boys team at Prince William Courage since the summer of 2024 Her spirit of excellence and volunteerism derives from the legendary Hungarian soccer player, Ferenc Puskás, she brings the same spirit of excellence and teamwork to both the pitch and her career
VOLUNTEER
OF THE YEAR
LEE SMYTH
LUNENBURG UNITED FUTBOL CLUB
Lee Smyth has been a lifelong advocate for youth soccer in Lunenburg County, Virginia following in the footsteps of his father, Sid Smyth, who helped introduce organized youth soccer to the region in the early 1990s alongside Janet Johnson. Soccer arrived locally at a time when opportunities were limited, and Lee was part of the very first generation of players to grow up with the game in the area.
Lee played through the local recreation program, and later became a member of the very first soccer team at Central High School when the school launched its program. After graduating, Lee attended Radford University and continued playing intramural soccer before spending the next 17 years away from his hometown building his career and family.
In 2019, Lee returned home with his wife Vanessa to raise their first son, Dawson. When he attempted to enroll Dawson in soccer, the season was halted by COVID-19 almost immediately — threatening the future of the program. During that same period, the Town of Kenbridge offered five acres of land to build a dedicated soccer complex, and community volunteers stepped in to bring the vision to life.
In 2020, Lunenburg United Futbol Club (LUFC) was officially formed, and Lee joined the board in its earliest days. He was elected Vice President and took on leadership responsibilities including fundraising, field development, sponsorship engagement, coaching, and long-term planning.
Since LUFC’s founding, Lee has devoted countless hours and personal resources to developing the club’s fivefield complex fertilizing and seeding fields, installing drainage, coordinating irrigation, managing mowing and maintenance, securing team and sign sponsorships, and working with Dominion Energy to install ten light poles to bring nighttime soccer to the community. He considers the soccer complex his “second home.”
In addition to his work with LUFC, Lee also supports Buddy Ball programs at a neighboring high school, helping ensure children of all abilities have the opportunity to play and feel part of a team.
Lee and his wife Vanessa coach together, lead teams, organize fundraisers, and now have two soon to be three children playing soccer. This year, Lee is launching a recreational select team to give advanced players an opportunity to compete at higher levels while staying connected to their local club.
For Lee, soccer is not just a sport it is a family tradition, a community mission, and a way to invest in the next generation. His tireless effort, leadership, and love of the game have left a permanent mark on LUFC and youth soccer in Southern Virginia.
RON MALACHOWSKI
ARLINGTON SOCCER ASSOCIATION ADMINISTRATOR OF THE
YEAR
Ron Malachowski’s journey with the “beautiful game” began as a 4 year old playing on a Rec neighborhood team in Springfield VA. Along the way, he played Travel soccer for Reston and Great Falls leading to Varsity Soccer for the South Lakes Seahawks. Some of his fondest memories were exchanging patches and jerseys with the opposing teams
As a college student at VA Tech (Go Hokies!), he was introduced to soccer refereeing, and shortly after became a USSF referee He started with games in Southwest VA, refereed tournaments in Northern VA during school breaks, and expanded to other states including Texas, North Carolina, and Florida
Like many parents, he volunteered to coach his son’s soccer team. This was his introduction to the Arlington Soccer Association. In 2012, Ron expanded his participation from Coach to Club Manager where he continues to support 50 coaches and 400 players each season as part of the Arlington Soccer Rec Program. This role allows him access to other parts of the Club including the Developmental and Travel programs as well as Tournaments and Clinics.
With this broader perspective, Ron was elected to the Arlington Soccer Board and ultimately President of the Board. He worked with County leaders to expand opportunities for youth to play soccer. He gained invaluable insights into the positive impacts of soccer in Arlington, and this role afforded him the opportunity to connect more deeply with the community, make incredible friendships, and give back to the beautiful game.
While no longer on the Board, Ron continues as Club Manager and as the Referee Instructor for the Arlington Soccer Youth Referee Program. Each season he trains roughly 25 new referees, and he along with a team of Referee coaches mentor over 100 referees each season. “It’s all about the kids and keeping the game - Safe, Fair and Fun!”
BILL WILLIS
ADELE DOLANSKY SERVICE AWARD
Bill Willis first became involved in youth soccer when his sons joined the DC Stoddert Soccer League (DCSSL), during which he would soon become a coach and commissioner.
While volunteer chairman for the DCSSL, the club doubled its membership, and Bill made big moves to ensure the growth of soccer in the district. Bill instituted club partnering with other soccer organizations to create the Cherry Blossom Festival Soccer Tournament, aiding in the development of inner-city programs. He also assisted with the development of DC Scores and served on its Board.
Bill created opportunities for all players, new and old. He was involved in the upgrade of existing inner-city fields, and the creation of new fields in DC.
Bill is a Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame member, having been inducted into the class of 2011. He officially joined the Hall of Fame Committee in 2015. One of the first things Bill put forward was the idea of an Annual Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame golf tournament to raise funds for the Hall of Fame Committee’s operating expenses. This was met with great enthusiasm, and for over 10 years, the event has been a great success.
In 2021, the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Committee sponsored a yearly grant from the proceeds of their annual golf tournament to the VYSA TOPSoccer Program. Bill continues to organize the tournament, now going into his 12th year as chairman.
His work on the Golf Tournament is only one of the few times that Bill’s hosting experience and leadership ability has been a boon for the Committee. His commitments to VYSA, the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Committee and the VYSA TOPSoccer Program are truly exemplary, and it is only fitting that he be recognized for his years of service.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
TIM RYERSON GET ON THE BUS
Splitting time with soccer projects between Region I and Region IV, Tim Ryerson has been using his BS in Sports MGMT and Masters in MGMT to work full time giving back to the game that gave him so much. Tim is the owner of Ryerson Soccer Consulting which specializes in all things grassroots. Tim had the vision to create and pilot the Get on the Bus Program (GOTB) in his home state of Maryland. Tim is a by-product of the United States Youth Soccer system. After playing youth soccer in MSYSA, his family moved to California, where he competed in Cal North.
Tim attended UNLV before transferring to the University of Maryland Baltimore After college, Tim immediately began to serve other youth as a coach (in Cal North and Cal South), volunteer, coaching director (in Cal North), administrator (in MSYSA) and also as a soccer dad! Tim has lived, and has been heavily involved in soccer in both Region I and Region IV and is currently serving as the Executive Director for the Ellicott City Soccer Club Tim has has over 25 years experience in creating innovative programs to serve youth soccer participants Tim will be the primary program lead and will serve as the liaison between I-15 org, state associations, local leagues and programs.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
MICHELLE FERNANDER
CHURCHLAND SOCCER & TIDEWATER ADVANCED SOCCER LEAGUE (TASL)
Michelle joined Churchland Soccer League in 2010 when she registered her then 3 year old son for our Recreational program. She immediately took part volunteering as both a Coach and Team Manager for our Rec program. Then in 2013, her son transitioned to our Academy Development Program (ADP) where she wandered into a new role with CSL as the ADP Coordinator assisting the Director and coaching staff, creating teams, coordinating uniforms, etc, When her son was selected to an Advanced (TASL) team in 2014, Michelle then stepped up to become the Advanced (TASL) Coordinator.
By the Spring 2015 season, Michelle was representing CSL as the Advanced Commissioner at all the TASL meetings and events. She also began attending all the VYSA conferences and events as both a representative of CSL and TASL. She continued her role as Advanced Commissioner through 2022 where she was voted in and selected as the new President of TASL. From 2022 until her passing this December, Michelle volunteered and gave all time and efforts to the TASL league and soccer communities in the Hampton Roads area.
Throughout her many years at Churchland Soccer, Michelle did some amazing things and so many more that folks never saw as they were all behind the scenes. Not only was she our webmaster (updating, emailing, creating), she was our acting league administrator and liaison, and she coached and reconstructed and brought back to a higher level our ADP (now Development Academy) from 2019-2023. One of her most prized accomplishments was obtaining coaching certifications while she was a chaperone on a soccer experience in Spain.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
BOB MAYNES
VIRGINIA YOUTH SOCCER ASSOCIATION
Bob Maynes spent decades dedicated to the development of recreational players and training their coaches He started with McLean Youth Soccer in 1985 and in 1987 began 22 years of service as the volunteer Director of Coaching He also started the club’s referee training program and served as a referee for 22 years and referee instructor for 25 years
One of Bob’s most satisfying achievements was, with the guidance of Dr Tom Fleck and Dr Ron Quinn, developing the Continuous Play model for small-sided games for U8 and younger
Bob 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‘s most recent contributions to youth soccer in Virginia was on the VYSA Board of Directors from 1999 to 2024. He was the first VYSA Director of Club Development, a Recreation Commissioner on the Board as well as the Recreation Committee Chairman. Bob was Vice President and Chairman of the Finance Committee starting in 2010. Bob was also instrumental in the development of the Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center- visiting over a dozen facilities, overseeing the creation of the PVSTC business plan and supervising its construction.
Taline Tahamassian Morais
2026 PLAYER
Taline Tahmassian Morais began her soccer journey as a standout youth player, demonstrating exceptional skill and leadership from the start. She led the Chantilly Hotspurs to seven championship titles in five years, including multiple state and regional championships.
At Langley High School, Taline became the all-time goal scorer in Virginia and was one of the most decorated players in the region. She was a three-time Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year, earning widespread recognition along with honors such as Parade All-American, NSCAA All-American, and Gatorade Virginia Player of the Year. Her exceptional performance also earned her a feature in Sports Illustrated’s “Faces in the Crowd”.
Taline was selected for the highly exclusive Adidas Elite Soccer Program (ESP) -- a prestigious, invitationonly program, that, at the time, brought together the top youth players in the country, across both boys and girls. Her inclusion in this national pool further solidified her status as one of the premier players of her generation.
Her success elevated her to the national stage, where she received multiple call-ups to the U.S. Women’s National Team pools: U-17 (1999), U-18 (2000), and U-19 Top 32 (2001). She represented both the national team and the USYS Region I ODP program at the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, California.
Taline entered college on full athletic scholarship, helping lead Santa Clara University to an NCAA National Championship before transferring to William & Mary – where she again received a full athletic scholarship. At W&M, she earned CAA All-Conference, VASID All-State, and NSCAA All-Region honors, capturing two CAA titles and three NCAA Tournament appearances. She finished 10th all-time in program history with 80 career points and tied for 9th in career goals at 32 the highest total ever recorded by a non-four-year player.
Today, Taline remains deeply connected to soccer through coaching, mentorship, and developing the next generation of Virginia players continuing to serve as a role model and inspiration on and off the field.
Aaron Brunner
2026 MERITORIOUS SERVICE
Aaron Brunner proved himself to be a student of the game in high school, leading the Hylton Bulldogs to various accolades such as NCAA All South, VHSL 1st Team All-State, and Washington Post 1st Team-All Met. He would be named VHSL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, and that was only the beginning.
Aaron started for New Hampshire University for all four years of his college career, playing a myriad of roles for the team. He would go on to receive numerous All-Tournament accolades at Clemson, Penn State, Vermont, and New Hampshire universities.
Post-college, Aaron signed with the New Hampshire Phantoms for one season. However, he quickly recognized that he had a true passion for coaching, rather than playing. He joined the Seacoast United Soccer Club, where he earned the title of NHSA Competitive Coach of the Year.
Aaron began coaching youth soccer for Prince William Soccer Inc. He served as head coach for the Richmond United/Strikers for more than 10 years, all the while coaching full-time for the Girls ECNL. He would go on to become the ECNL National Selection Director and is currently the US Soccer National Coaching Education Instructor.
He also coached at a collegiate level, assisting the 2022-2023 Florida State Seminoles back to former glory in the College Cup. Aaron was among the staff that received the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Coaching Staff of the Year.
Aaron assisted the FSU Women’s Team to championship gold and helped to produce All-American players. He is currently head coach of the Women’s Team at George Mason University, and continues to inspire excellence in his players.
Donald H. McElhone
2026 MERITORIOUS SERVICE
Donald H. McElhone (1942-2003) immediately fell in love with soccer when he began coaching in 1976 for FPYC rec leagues.
He led the Fairfax Sundancers, assisted by John Dolansky, to the 1980 Girls U14 Virginia State Cup Championship and the VISTA Sundancers to the 1982 Girls U16 Eastern Regional Championship.
He built Chantilly High School’s girls program and coached ODP teams in Virginia and Maryland. A lifelong student of soccer, Don earned his USSF “C” coaching license in 1994 and encouraged players to “Be There” for others and to become coaches.
An advocate for girls soccer, he served as WAGSL Rules & Discipline Chair and as the first VYSA Girls Commissioner. He founded the Virginia Independent Soccer Team Association (VISTA) in 1981, presided for 20 years, and developed Kincheloe into a soccer park.
Alan Ross
2026 MERITORIOUS SERVICE
In 1970, Alan Ross arrived on the soccer scene with a bang cinching a spot on American University’s varsity team before classes could even start. Due to his high energy, school alumni bestowed upon him the moniker of “The Freshman Whip.” That title would soon become his name, and he’s been known as “Whip” ever since.
Whip played every minute in his freshman year, becoming 2nd leading scorer on the team. When the season ended, he realized there was no established form of off-season training. Alongside other players, Whip petitioned the university’s Student Government Association to fund a spring club team. Whip spent the rest of his collegiate years leading his team to great success.
After the Fall 1970 season, the team had no goalkeepers left leaving Whip with the task of finding a new one. Whip recruited his fraternity brother, Kurt Kuykendall, even though Kurt had never played a minute of soccer in his life!
In his first game, he wanted to quit at halftime. But, through Whip’s insistence and his promise to coach him, Kurt stayed on the team and continued to excel over the years as a player. In 1973, both Whip and Kurt would go on to co-captain American University’s team, leading them to their best season in years. Kurt would later go on to play on the US Olympic Team in 1974 something that would never have occurred without Whip’s steadfast belief in his friend’s potential.
Although a knee injury in 1988 put an end to his playing career, Whip’s passion for soccer never wavered. As the Woodbridge Senior High School girls coach, he was named District and Region Coach of the Year numerous times.
In 1990, he was named All-Metropolitan Coach as well as National High School Coaches Association Region II Coach of the Year. That same year, Whip retired from coaching to become WSHS Vice-Principal. In 2008 he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.
To this day, Whip is beloved by his former teammates, students and players. In all things soccer, Whip brings his absolute best to the field. He continues to inspire a new generation of players
CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL THE AWARD WINNERS!
THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE GAME AND THE JOY YOU BRING.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OFFICERS
Bill Phillips, President
Anne Thomson, Vice President
Tom Lewis, Treasurer
Richard Smith, Secratery
RECREATIONAL COMMISSIONERS
John Davis, North Commissioner
Corky Webster, North Commissioner
Brad Powell, Central Commissioner
David Glass, West Commissioner
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Eric Highsmith, Adjudication Chair
Tom Lewis, Investment Chair
John Schlenker, TOPSoccer Chair
Marcelo Gangotena, Grassroots Soccer
Chair
Adele Dolansky, VA-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Chair
Mort Sajadian, State Referee Committee Chair
George Vergara, State Referee Administrator
AG Gomez, State Youth Referee Administrator
STATE OFFICE STAFF
Don Rawson, Executive Director
Gordon Miller, Technical Director
Paul Shaw, Assistant Technical Director
Robert Carey, Chief Financial Officer / Chief Administrative Officer
Jessica Cottet, Director, Technical Department Operations
Ray Ford, Director of Events
David Coffey, Director of Facility Operations
Thomas Truslow, Senior Manager of Finance & Administration
Kristen Osteen, Manager of Member Services
Chloe Sullivan, Manager of Marketing and Communications
Dominique Jones, Assistant Manager of Facility Operations
PARTNERSANDSPONSORS
