US Youth Soccer Recreation Coaches of the Year
The annual winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year awards have been announced ahead of the 2017 NSCAA Convention set for next month. The national Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year winners will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th.
Youth Soccer News: US Youth Soccer has announced the regional winners of the 2016 US Youth Soccer Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year awards. The Recreation Coach of the Year is awarded to coaches for both a boys and girls team to honor his or her coaching activities, sportsmanship, player development, personal coaching development and citizenship.
The national Boys and Girls Recreation Coach of the Year will be presented at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, January 13th at 7:30 p.m. PT, as part of the US Youth Soccer Workshop at the NSCAA Convention in Los Angeles.
Boys Recreation Coach of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Brienne Sembrat – Mt. Lebanon, Pa.
Brienne Sembrat believes in coaching the whole player. She teaches her players to be there for their teammates, take chances and respect all individuals. Sembrat is an NSCAA member and studies the best ways to develop both players and coaches. In the community, she serves on the MLSA Board as Director of Player and Coach Development.
Region II – Matthew Rose – Canton, Mich.
Matthew Rose creates a positive playing environment that helps each player grow to their maximum potential. Not only in season, but in the offseason too, Rose provides workouts for his players who want to elevate their game. After each scrimmage and game, Rose comes up with new, creative drills to better each player’s development. One of Rose’s players said, “I never stopped getting better when playing for Coach Rose.” He holds U.S. Soccer National E and F coaching licenses.
Region III – Steve Reid – Tucker, Ga.
In April of 2015, Steve Reid suffered from an aneurysm, which led to a stroke, and he was in a medically induced coma for 26 days. When he first came out of a coma, he asked, “Will I still be able to coach?” Reid’s passion and dedication for his team has stretched over the last 40 years. He is described as the type of person who strives to make those around him better.
Region IV – Raul Guerra – Fresno, Calif.
Raul Guerra is known by fellow players and coaches as being a great coach, person and leader. A former player of Guerra’s described him as, “A very hardworking man that wants his players to be something in life.” Guerra and his team have won the Las Vegas International Champions Tournament on three occasions, and holds USSF National “D” and “E” coaching licenses.
Girls Recreation Coach of the Year regional award winners:
Region I – Philip Keefover – Fairmont, W.Va.
Philip Keefover demands respect and intensity from his players while keeping soccer fun. Keefover has been known for his positive approach to coaching by pushing each player to the best of their ability and challenging them to improve their game. He is currently a Grade 8 referee, which is useful when new rules are enforced.
Region II – Mas Ionna – Cincinnati, Ohio
For the last five years, Mas Ionna has coached U6 through U10/11 teams. Ionna pushes to get the best out of his players and helps them exceed their expectations. Improving on player development is important, but Ionna wants his players to also have fun. To better his soccer knowledge, Ionna attends clinics to improve his coaching abilities. Off the field, he is involved in his children’s school as a volunteer classroom coordinator.
Region III – Emma Greenwood – Birmingham, Ala.
Emma Greenwood strives to push her players, and she is always seeking feedback to improve her skills. Greenwood continuously cultivates a growing mindset within her players and encourages them to compete at their best. She has the ability to balance the development of the player, the enjoyment of the child and teach life lessons that are important to learn. She holds a USSF “E” License and NSCAA Goalkeeping Level 1 and 2 Diplomas.
Region IV – Joe Matthews – Woodinville, Wash.
Player safety, having fun and developing soccer skills are three coaching philosophies that Joe Matthews abides by. Matthews empowers his players to make decisions and communicate amongst themselves during a game. Avoiding injuries in teenage girls is important to Matthews, as he holds extra conditioning sessions to ensure the safety of his players. Matthews and his team also do community service in their area by volunteering at the local community kitchen.
