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 The Wisconsin Youth Soccer Association announced its 2011 award winners, recognizing some of the people who make soccer a success across the state.
The five state winners will be honored at the WYSA Annual General Meeting on March 24 at Monona Terrace in Madison, and are eligible for Region II and national honors as part of the U.S. Youth Soccer Awards Program.
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year
Clay Nelson, Elkhorn Soccer Association: "Clay's players appreciate his calm demeanor, dedication and complimentary style of coaching. His off-field experience as a teacher might have something to do with that. Whether teaching, coaching club soccer or high school soccer, Clay's even temperament is reassuring to his players and contagious to his fans, opponents and even opposing coaches."
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year
Xavi Rico, Lake Country United: Rico, a former Milwaukee Wave player who also played professionally in Mexico, is the LCU Director of Player Development for the Under-5 to Under-12 age groups. He "believes we represent more than the team we play on. We represent ourselves as a player, as a parent, as a person, as a friend, as a teammate, as a fan; we represent the club as a whole and we represent our community." Rico also has launched a website to promote cancer awareness and hosted a soccer fundraiser for Ronald McDonald House.
Volunteer of the Year
Carl Micke, Appleton: For more than 20 years, Micke has been integral in developing soccer in the East Central district. He's served as a member of the WYSA Board, the State Cup commissioner and the chairman of the Region II Championship local organizing committee in addition to coaching several teams.
Male Young Referee of the Year
Dylan Seitz, Elkhorn: Seitz sees the game from different sides, as a player on the Elkhorn High School team and as a youth referee. Since becoming a referee in 2009, he has officiated more than 150 matches and four tournaments and helps train younger referees.
Administrator of the Year
Vicki Abshere, Madison Area Youth Soccer Association: The registrar, website designer and administrator for MAYSA, Abshere also has expanded and assisted several ethnic groups and the TOP Soccer program for children with developmental disabilities in the area.
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