2007 Awards Recognition

Mike Warter College Scholarship

The Mike Warter Scholarship will be awarded to Minnesota soccer players who are registered to a MYSA affiliated club and are graduating high school seniors. Two scholarships, one to a Male Player and the other a Female Player, will be given in the form of a $500 tuition award and is to be used toward expenses at an accredited college, university or community college.

• Laura Olson, of St. Louis Park, is the 2007 Female recipient.
• Christopher Roskowinski, of Cottage Grove, is the 2007 Male recipient.

Olympic Development Program

The Olympic Development Program identifies the best of the best in our state and challenges them to compete individually to participate on regional, and national teams. We congratulate the following players that have been selected to the US Youth Soccer Olympic Development Region II Player Pool:

Also, congratulations to the 1991 Minnesota Girls for winning the US Youth Soccer Region II ODP Tournament. This marks the first time a Minnesota team has qualified for the US Youth Soccer ODP National Championships which will be held next March at Pizza Hut Park in Frisco, Texas.

Outgoing Youth Council Board Members

MYSA recognizes Larry Cecchini and Alan Merrick for their service and dedication to the game youth soccer in Minnesota. Larry and Alan have dedicated much of their time and talents to help maintain and advance this great soccer organization.

MYSA Hall of Fame Inductees

• Buzz Lagos
• Alan Merrick
• Mike Warter
• Minnesota Kicks (honorary)

Young Referee of the Year

U.S. Youth Soccer created the Young Referee of the Year Award in an effort to recognize the extraordinary effort and talent exhibited by these individuals. Selections are made at the state level and the referee selected is automatically invited to the Region II Championships and entered into the Regional Young Referee of the Year Competition.

• Brianna Pensini, of Shoreview, is the 2007 Young Female Referee of the Year.
• Mark Fleming, of Mankato, is the 2007 Young Male Referee of the Year.

Administrator of the Year

MYSA recognizes the hard work and dedication of those that help “run the show” often behind the scenes. This award is given to those that have worked hard within their club to help provide opportunities for children to not only play soccer but to play in a safe and fun environment.

• Gary Flandrick, of Champlin-Dayton, is the 2007 Adminstrator of the Year.

Volunteer of the Year

Minnesota Youth Soccer runs on the spirit of volunteering. Volunteers are the backbone of MYSA. We praise and applaud each and every individual who has made a difference in Minnesota. Without the efforts of volunteers, it would be difficult to provide a quality soccer experience for our youth.

• Deb Gefre, of White Bear, is the 2007 Volunteer of the Year.

adidas / MYSA Coach of the Year

The adidas / MYSA Coach of the Year honors both a Competitive and Recreational (boys and girls) coach who goes that extra mile to ensure a great soccer experience. This person exemplifies leadership both on the field and off the field as well. The adidas Coach of the Year award is not only an award to recognize the efforts of the many fine coaches throughout the state of Minnesota, but will also be our representatives for the Regional and National selections

• Elizabeth Nordell, of Duluth, is the 2007 Girls Recreational Coach of the Year.
• Tim Donohue, of North Metro, is the 2007 Boys Recreational Coach of the Year.
• Terry Leindecker, of Chan/Chaska, is the 2007 Girls Competitive Coach of the Year.
• Darren Ray, of Coon Rapids, is the 2007 Boys Competitive Coach of the Year.

^ Back to Top