SYC Merrill Award

In late October of 2009, SYC lost two of its most devoted and beloved members, Mike and Jeanne Merrill, in a tragic automobile accident. Mike and Jeanne exemplified, during their life, all that is good and decent about sport and sportsmanship. They leave behind four daughters - two of whom have been extraordinarily talented SYC athletes, and two of whom have not reached the age for organized sport.

As team sportsmanship liaisons in our REC and Travel Soccer programs, Mike and Jeanne Merrill taught us all about the true meaning of youth sport. As a small token of SYC’s tremendous appreciation of their life of service to sport and sportsmanship, the SYC Board of Directors has voted to bestow an annual award honoring the memory of Mike and Jeanne Merrill (this will be known as the SYC "Merrill Award"). The Merrill Award will be conferred annually upon an individual or team within our soccer program who/that best exemplifies the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among players, coaches, officials, and spectators (as set forth in the SYC Standards of Conduct).

The award recipient is chosen by the SYC Board of Directors, after recommendation from the Soccer Committee, and is presented at the SYC Annual Meeting in May.

2023 Merrill Award Winner

Abby Ahrens

Abby is passionate and inspiring. She's an experienced soccer coach with a proven track record of guiding athletes to achieve both personal and team achievements. Committed to fostering a positive team environment conducive to success and overall wellness which is proven by the players and parents' loyalty and commitment all these years. Adept in utilizing powerful instructional techniques to help athletes maximize their performance levels. Adept in designing resourceful and effective practice and game plans, consisting of defensive, offensive and goalkeeping techniques. Recently acquired US Soccer D License. SYC is grateful to have such a talented and dedicated volunteer as Abby Ahrens.

2022 Merrill Award Winner

Nikki McNiff

Nikki McNiff is a long-time SYC volunteer, always willing to take on additional duties. Nikki has been Rec Soccer Coach, Rec Soccer League Director, all-star Coach taking the team to Finalist twice, and winter pick-up Soccer Coordinator. In addition, Nikki has been a SYC Basketball Coach and League Director for several seasons, and when needed a Coach for Cheer and pick-up high school volleyball. Nikki has successfully managed and coordinated these tasks with others so that no one wonders what is happening. Nikki has been there for SYC and for the players and working her talents for the goals of improving the players individual skills and their sports etiquette.

2020 Merrill Award Winner

Harry Opoku

2019 Merrill Award Winner

Caroline Wells

Fast striker and team leader.
Gives maximum effort in practice and games.
First to arrive for practice.
ALWAYS asks what she can do to help coach setup or take down field or exercises.
Always ready for more, even when tired.
Injured in Fall all-star and still in rehab, comes to every Spring practice and helps coach setup.
Academic honor roll.

2018 Merrill Award Winner

Larry Mark with Board Member, Woody Weir.

Larry Mark

Larry Mark grew up in Iowa knowing nothing about soccer. Larry became involved with soccer through his kids, being convinced to assist with coaching his daughter’s U-8 team in 1980 when registering her for the season. Larry picked up coaching skills listening and watching others, and of course, being aware of his own team’s needs and desires to help in skill development. Larry has been quoted as saying that he learned girls soccer is at some levels as much of a social thing as the actual game. However, with the first goal scored as Coach, Larry has progressed to being a self-described “soccer nut” and “hooked on the game.”

Since the beginning in 1980, Larry has moved up with his daughter, also serving as the Junior Girls League Director (U11-12) in 1984, the Intermediate Girls League Director (U13-14) in 1986, and since 1990, the Senior Girls League Director (U16-19). In 2010, he was referred to by one of the Coaches for Senior Girls as “League Director for Life,” and Larry is still at it. While SYC had as many as ten U16-19 teams during Larry’s tenure, due to completing activities for the players dropping the number of teams to four, Larry made the decision to join with nearby clubs BRYC and VYS and occasional others in the already established High School Girls House Soccer League in Spring 2001 so our teams would not be playing each other multiple times a season. These clubs also play the older girls age divisions together. Since winning the League Championship in our inaugural season. under Larry’s leadership over 34 seasons, SYC has won the League Championship 16 times, and finished as League Finalist 15 times. Larry has maintained the League website since 2001 – now found at www.hsghsl.com - and initiated the Championship Game write-ups, and individual stats sections, including those for defenders who are often overlooked.

In addition to serving in an administrative capacity to keep things organized and moving forward, Larry also assisted each season with the layout and marking of grass game fields the club has used over the years – especially Rolling Valley West 2 before it was converted to artificial turf. To note, other game fields the Senior Girls have used are Newington Heights, Halley ES, Greenspring, Hooes Road 2, 3, and 4, Franconia 3 and 4, South Run 5 and 6 (both grass and turf), Lee HS, and West Springfield HS.

Until mobility slowed him in recent seasons, Larry was a fixture at SYC home games, and knew many of the players by name and could cite various player achievements. Other club officials recognize and frequently thank Larry for his participation with and commitment to the League supporting sportsmanship and fair play by and for all. While his involvement with SYC over 38 years may seem like a long time, we may have a ways to go – with his daughter’s nine and son’s two kids coming up – as his coffee mug says – “Soccer Grandpa-Addicted to Soccer.”

2017 Merrill Award Winner

Sean Kilcarr

Sean is a “super volunteer” and sets the standard for sportsmanship and volunteerism. Sean has coached multiple teams for both Recreational and Travel soccer, volunteers extensively in support of fields, and is the first to step up anytime anything is needed. His commitment to the youth of Springfield and the example he sets for them is unmatched.

Sportsmanship. Sean sets the best example for our kids. As a soccer coach he always emphasizes fair play and respect for the officials, the other team, and the game. Sean always focuses on positive aspects of the game and reinforces life lessons through teaching the sport. Sean is the first person to take care of an injured player, of either team – always carrying enough ice and medical supplies for an Army platoon. His interactions with opposing coaches, officials, parents and players are always of the best nature, regardless of how trying the situation might be.

Sean’s joy for youth sports is contagious and he carries that with him everywhere. His volunteering extends beyond the club, including as the game announcer for WSHS Soccer and Field Hockey. He volunteers extensively in the school system as well – he is a true pillar of the community.

Volunteerism. In addition to coaching multiple soccer teams over the past ten years, Sean is an invaluable member of the SYC Soccer Fields Team. He lines all the fields at Hooes Road Park, and multiple other sites and he instructs others on how to properly line the fields. The professional lining reflects well on the club. Sean is also a volunteer mower and he helps maintain and service the Hooes Road Park mower. Prior to each season, he inventories field equipment and ensures that it is serviceable while also maintaining the shed and its equipment.

Sean conservatively volunteers dozens of hours each week and hundreds of hours over the course of the year. He is a tremendous asset to SYC and people like him are the soul of our club. There is no one more deserving of the 2017 Merrill Award.

2016 Merrill Award Winner

Jay Rouse

Every year SYC seeks committed volunteers willing to contribute their time, energy and expertise to develop policy and promote SYC's mission. The 2016 Merrill Award winner is Jay Rouse, based on his many years of service as a soccer coach in both SYC REC and Travel Soccer, and as the SYC Soccer Committee Fields Director. Jay is directly responsible for upgrading many local field playing surfaces through coordination with Fairfax County staff, contractors and school administrators. All of his above volunteer roles improve the SYC Soccer programs and other SYC sport’s activities in serving our youth population with a positive playing environment. His selfless dedication is one of many exceptional opportunities to foster the growth and development of a local nonprofit organization devoted to youth sports and the community at large.

2015 Merrill Award Winner

Woody Weir

Woody is currently serving as a Board Member on the Board of Directors for SYC.

Most recently, he developed and successfully implemented the SYC Concussion Awareness Program April 2013. He developed and administered the SYC Education & Training Program (CETP) January 2014 for all sports activities in SYC.

Over the years, Woody has coached several soccer teams. He served as a Rec Soccer League Director for 12 year and as our SYC Recreational Soccer Commissioner for 5 years. While serving on the Soccer Committee as the Soccer Committee Co-Chairperson from Mar 2009 –June 2014 and during his time as the Recreational Soccer Commissioner, Woody developed, implemented, established, and/or administered a multitude of programs/initiatives, including:

U6-U8 Coaches seasonal training starting in September 2009;
REC Soccer Coaches Appreciation Night June 2010;
Seasonal Coaches Matches/Games [Coaches Continuing Education] March 2010;
Controlled Equipment Distribution and Audit process March 2010;
“Mandatory” Age Appropriate Coaching Education & Certification July 2010;
Working Group for selection of the new SYC Website/Registration Database August 2011;
REC Soccer Uniform Package Program September 2012];
Piloted new YLUSA Website/Registration Database for SYC September 2012;
Piloted the new SYC Volunteer Credit Program September 2012;
“New” U6/U7 Goal Box Rule September 2013;
Coaches Kit Program July 2014;
Pee-Wee Kickers Program (3-4 yr. old) Feb 2014; and the
DC United Youth Partnership Program with Sportsmanship Award Apr 2014.

Woody has and does exemplify the concept of the Merrill Award – a person that best exemplifies the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among players, coaches, officials, and spectators (as set forth in the SYC Standards of Conduct).

Congratulations to Woody Weir!

Woody Weir with Board Member Gene Thomas

2014 Merrill Award Winner

Bob Ray

Bob is a perfect example of who we are looking for a Merrill award winner, as he continued to support SYC even when his children had aged out from playing with SYC.

Administrative Support (Bob)

2002-2003 - Served as House League Director (U10 Boys)

2004-2011- Served 8 years as Site Coordinator for the Virginian Tournament

2009-2014- Member of the Soccer Committee (including 4 years as Budget Officer)

2008-Present – SYC Club Rep/Board Member for NCSL Travel League

Coaching (Bob)

Late 1970’s – helped as an assistant coach with a couple then Springfield Boys Club (SBC) teams for a few seasons. After a lengthy absence while working and playing Rugby for 16 years began coaching again when my kids (Kelsey and Jake) started playing soccer.

1997-2002 - Coach or Asst. Coach for SYC Girls House teams (Also coached or assisted with various All-Star Tournament teams.)

2001-2010 - Asst. Coach for SYC Liberty (Girls Travel)

1999-2003 - Coach or Asst. Coach for SYC Boys House teams

2003-2012 – Head Coach for SYC Stallions (Boys Travel)

Received the E and F Coaching Licenses as well as attending various coaching clinics – including with DC United.

2012 Merrill Award

Angie Garcia

Anhely "Angie" Garcia, a senior at West Springfield High School, is the Merrill Award recipient for 2012. Angie played SYC soccer for six seasons with an U19 Girls Recreational team, always giving 100% in every game and practice.

Returning to the sport after heart surgery at a young age, Angie started back slowly continuing to develop her skills and improving her stamina as she added to the success of the team. With Angie gaining strength each season she played, she participated in the HSGHSL Recreational Soccer League Tournament for six seasons, helping her team win the Championship three times, and being a Finalist once. Angie listened well in practice and games, always trying to do as asked, never had a bad word for teammate or opponent, and always met every situation with a glowing smile. What makes Angie all the more remarkable is being a recipient of a heart transplant and still participating in the physically demanding sport of soccer to improve her physical wellbeing. As teammates, coaches, officials, and spectators became aware of Angie's unique and challenging situation, respect for her willingness to play the sport grew exponentially. At the peak of her comeback, Angie passed away on Easter Sunday 2012, losing her battle with heart disease. Angie's life and smile continue to brighten our lives.

2010 Merrill Award Winner

Jim Miller

Jim Miller

2013 Merrill Award Winner

Sean Steffensen

Sean Steffensen is the former coach of SYC United (’97).

Sean served in whatever capacity the team needed him since U10. He started as an Assistant Coach to John O'Reilly back at U10 and though I believe he never played soccer himself, he progressed through reading about soccer, watching older coaches, and watching competitive games. Though originally John was the coach and trainer for SYC United Blue, John was coaching two teams, SYC United White and Blue. John was rarely able to get to both games, often leaving Sean as the game day coach of SYC United Blue. Shortly before the Fall U12 season John became injured, leaving Sean as the only coach of SYC United Blue. The parents and players were so impressed by Sean's fairness, leadership, and sportsmanship, that when SYC United White and Blue went to 11 v. 11 merging into one, it was Sean who was chosen to take over the merged team.

Over the many years, he always went the extra mile, scouting other teams and pouring over statistics. He would take off the day before the Virginian to set up tents and run errands. Even when it appeared that Sean's son had quit soccer in favor of travel Ice Hockey, at U-15, Sean continued to coach the team.

He steered the team through the problems which plague a team at the high school level. Players aren't able to put in the practice time, they get frustrated when they don't make the high school team, and those that do make the high school team are pulled away by other clubs. Sean convinced two players who were disappointed because they had not made their high school team to return to the team. They have stayed and are currently huge contributors.

Finally, as our team has gone through one more transition, and Sean has been gracious in handing over the reins to our coach/trainer. He volunteered to assist him and continue as assistant coach to make the transition smooth.

So many teams fall apart at U-15. We were lucky to have a coach that put responsibility to the players before ego. He succeeded in taking the team from ODSL through winning the Silver Division of the Virginina, onto D3 NCSL And now he has put the team in a position to go move on. Sean has steered the team through problem after problem.

Each year Sean has asked if the parents want him to continue saying, "I serve at the will of the parents." No ego. He isn't paid. He just loves the game and loves the players. And he truly cared about SYC United.

We are very grateful to have had him.

Kathryn Poling
Manager
SYC United U15B

2011 Merrill Award Winner

SYC Storm Blue ’99G

SYC Storm Blue, led by coaches Scott Higgison, Sean Kilcarr & Joe Kulenguski , and Manager Cathy Gallahan - have for years exemplified the principles of sportsmanship, fair play, skill development, and mutual respect among players, coaches, officials, and spectators that in my view sets our Club apart from others. Always calm and focused in the face of any challenge, Higgison and his team have displayed an ability to build bridges to other teams and individuals while remaining true to the developmental purpose of the youth game. Through any type of adversity - large or small - Storm Blue players, coaches, parents and trainers are respectful, courteous and fair, while competing vigorously and well. I am certain Mike and Jeanne Merrill would be proud of the manner in which this team comports themselves on and off the field - those who come into contact with Storm Blue certainly are.