Annual Awards
Ohio Soccer Association recognizes individuals who positively impact the game of soccer in Ohio. In conjunction with our Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the beginning of the year, an awards ceremony is held to honor nominated individuals for their support and dedication in growing the game.
Nominated individuals are also eligible for recognition by US Youth Soccer during their National Annual Awards Gala.
Recent Regional & National Winners
- Sheila Eifert, Dayton Kroc Center, National Administrator of the Year 2022
- Steve McCollum, Cincinnati TOPSoccer, National TOPSoccer Coach of the Year 2021
- Maya Ryder, National Female Young Referee of the Year 2020
- Zach Cline, Ohio Fusion, Midwest Volunteer of the Year 2020
The following categories are available for nomination:
- Volunteer of the Year [pdf]
- Coach of the Year [pdf]
- Recreational (boys)
- Recreational (girls)
- Competitive (boys)
- Competitive (girls)
- Administrator of the Year [pdf]
- Young Referee of the Year [pdf]
- TOPSoccer Coach of the Year [pdf]
- TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year [pdf]
The deadline to send in your nominations is October 15, 2023.
2022 Award Winners
Paul Driesen
ODP/Shaker Youth Soccer Association
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year
Paul Driesen is a players’ coach, with a coaching style focused on creating a positive learning and playing environment for all players. Coach Paul’s enthusiasm for the game motivates his players to be excited to practice, to play their best, to build relationships with each other, and to promote the love for the game. Paul learns about the game of soccer by keeping his licenses current, by watching soccer, by coaching soccer, and by sharing his love for the game.
Dion Baccus
Dublin Soccer League
Recreational Coach of the Year
Dion has thrown himself fully into youth soccer. He has two young daughters, and he works very hard to install a passion for the game and strong fundamentals. He creates a fun and competitive practice environment. He is very focused on building up the girls’ confidence and does exactly that by respecting them and teaching them to respect others on the field. He has multiple coaching certifications and ensures he learns and teaches about the game in multiple formats. He is a great leader and great coach.
Jim Sturm
MOSSL
Volunteer of the Year
Jim has been involved with youth soccer for many years. He was one of the driving forces of the Dublin Charity Cup. The Dublin Charity Cup just completed its 32nd year but more importantly has contributed $765,000 to charities that benefit children. Big Brothers and Sisters has been the primary beneficiary.
Jim retired in 2008 from Norfolk Southern Railroad and his volunteer efforts exploded. His volunteer work became his full-time job. When Jim was involved, things would be done efficiently and effectively. He has always been willing to donate time and expertise to youth soccer.
Andrew Kirkendall
Toledo Football Academy TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
Andrew has been involved with TOPSoccer since it first began in Toledo in 2015. He spent his early volunteer years as a buddy, working with TOPSoccer participants to ensure they had a positive, fun experience while also learning skills. His enthusiasm and compassion are evident from the moment you meet him. His dedication to young people involved in the sport is unsurpassed. As a coach, Andrew has been innovative in bringing new activities to the field. It is evident the athletes have loved these activities by the huge smiles on their faces and laughter that is often heard. Andrew is an encourager, a teacher, and an inspiration.
Chase Jackson
Total Futbol Academy
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year
Chase has been coaching for many years. He holds many coaching certifications and is continually attending additional classes to improve his coaching abilities. He teaches in a way that players understand, and his intentions are always for their self-improvement. He is constantly motivating his players to be their best both on and off the field. His goal is to spark love for the game and ignite their passion for learning throughout the season. His enthusiasm is infectious and everyone that he trains leaves better than they came.
Sheila Eifert
Dayton Kroc SC
Administrator of the Year (Ohio & US Youth Soccer Midwest Region)
Sheila is the volunteer club manager for the Dayton Kroc SC. It started in 2019 with the idea to fill the “soccer dessert” that is the urban core of Dayton, with competitive, high quality, but affordable club soccer. After partnering with the Dayton Kroc Center just north of downtown Dayton, the club officially commenced in 2020 with no players. Through Sheila’s efforts organizing summer free training clinics for the community, the club started with two boys’ teams and 30 players in the Fall of 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic. Today, the club has 10 teams and 150 players. The growth is largely because of Sheila’s efforts. The impact of her work has been to rally the community and provide new opportunities to many in our urban core.
Lauren Auriana
Cincinnati TOPSoccer
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year
Lauren has been volunteering for Cincinnati TOPSoccer for several years. She has helped with her sister’s team and with a summer camp. This year, she took interest in working with the youngest group of players- the Dribblers. This is a challenging group made up of 4 – 7 year olds. Lauren started the season by jumping straight into the deep end leading the first practice when the head coach was unable to attend. She led the practice like she had been there forever. Since then, she is at every practice and every game ready to help wherever she is needed.
Ciann Walker
Young Female Referee of the Year
Soccer is an essential part of Ciann’s life. Her soccer foundation began at the age of 5 when she joined a recreational team in Howland, Ohio. She currently holds a Grade 8 referee license, has 4 years of USSF experience under her belt, and is a 3 year high school referee for OHSAA. She is a hardworking, exceptional young referee who has participated in State soccer events and who was selected to go to Midwest Presidents Cup in 2022.
Joe Meilstrup
Young Male Referee of the Year
Joe is a very solid young referee who has participated in State Cup and Presidents Cup events this year. He was selected to go to the Midwest Presidents Cup as well as the NCS Midwest Regionals event in 2022.
2021 Award Winners
David Sidloski
Jacob Plummer
Shannon Glendon
Paul Rockwood
Lily Vomer
Alexis Arndt
Jasen Smolk
Steve McCollum
