Every season, SnVYSA enjoys recognizing and celebrating our amazing coaches, volunteers and referees. These individuals are the heart of our organization and we could not provide a fun filled and successful season without them!  

SnVYSA polls the families of the teams every October to nominate a coach, referee, or volunteer they  feel has demonstrated exceptional leadership and success during the season.  The SnVYSA Board reviews the nominations and selects an "Of the Year Award" for both a Male and Female category for Coach and Referee of the Year, and a single Volunteer of the year award.

The "Of the Year Awards"  are published to all SnVYSA families  to  recognize their accomplishments  and are each winner is presented with an award plaque by the SnVYSA Board.

Phil resides in Snoqualmie with his wife. As a soccer player himself, Phil started his coaching journey with his kids in SnVYSA Recreational back in 1998. He then coached for Cascade FC from 2003-2016.  Cascade FC was able to pull him out from “coach retirement” in 2022 as head coach for the Cascade FC B14 Green team. Phil has earned his C license.  Coach Phil leads with integrity, humility, and respect, on and off the field. His coaching philosophy centers on growth through effort, teamwork, and accountability. He believes success is defined not only by wins but by player development, enjoyment, and resilience. Coach Phil helps shape not just better athletes, but better people.

Nominator Comments:

• Coach Phil consistently models sportsmanship, respect, integrity, and humility in all aspects of his coaching.
• He emphasizes fair play, mutual respect for referees and opponents, and representing Cascade FC with class and pride.
• During a match where an opposing player received a red card, Coach Phil made a point to offer encouragement during postgame high fives , a gesture of compassion and grace.
• He fosters a supportive team culture, encouraging camaraderie and peer-to-peer sportsmanship among his eleven-year-old players during training.
• On the sidelines, he gently reminds parents to take the high road, sharing that he understands their emotions and guiding them toward respectful behavior.
• His B14 Green team plays with intensity and class, showing dignity in both victory and defeat.
• Coach Phil leads by example through his composure and positive attitude toward players, referees, and parents.
• He sets clear expectations that everyone associated with the team upholds the values of respect and pride, both on and off the field.
• Coach Phil is deeply receptive to player input, allowing athletes to explore a variety of positions and stretch into new roles,  leading to noticeable growth and team contributions.
• He is attuned to individual needs, often sending personalized video clips of skill moves or training exercises tailored to each player’s development.
• He emphasizes whole-player growth, nurturing technical skills, tactical awareness, confidence, and leadership in equal measure.
• His coaching is rooted in individualized feedback, thoughtful drills, and consistent encouragement, meeting each athlete where they are.
• Training sessions are challenging, creative, and supportive, designed to spark curiosity and build self-belief.
• Coach Phil promotes cross-training and multi-sport participation, recognizing the value of diverse athletic experiences and unstructured play.
• He regularly encourages players to train independently or join pick-up games, fostering autonomy and love for the game.
• Above all, he celebrates effort, growth, and passion, believing that true success comes from progress, not just performance.
• Coach Phil is a veteran coach with a wealth of experience and accolades; his CFC colleagues affectionately refer to him as “the man.”
• His definition of success goes beyond wins , he values player development, enjoyment, and resilience as the true markers of impact.
• Phil’s coaching is rooted in a deep love for soccer and lifelong learning. He studies game footage, analyzes team and individual performance, and offers thoughtful feedback to both players and parents.
• He speaks with humility and respect, often sharing insights from professional trainings and fellow coaches to elevate the team’s understanding.
• His leadership reflects curiosity, generosity, and a genuine desire to uplift others, building trust and unity within the team.
• Beyond the field, Phil is deeply invested in community, volunteering as a field marshal during the Cascade Cup, encouraging parent involvement, and sponsoring events like the club’s golf tournament.
• He has openly shared that his return to coaching was driven by a desire to make a positive impact, and many families feel their sons are fortunate to have such a positive role model in their lives.
• He leads with purpose, patience, and positivity, centering his philosophy on growth through effort, teamwork, and accountability.
• Coach Phil’s influence extends well beyond his team, as he actively supports other coaches, club initiatives, and fosters a community-first mindset among players and families.
• He volunteers at clinics, cheers for other age groups, and participates in club training events, helping to strengthen the culture of respect, learning, and unity throughout Cascade FC.
• As the PTT coach for all three B14 teams, he has built bridges between players and rosters, promoting collaboration and connection across the age group.
• Phil has navigated challenging circumstances with humility, kindness, and unwavering positivity, never allowing negativity to cloud his leadership.
• He provides individualized feedback through annotated Veo game footage, meeting each player where they are and helping them grow through thoughtful insights.
• His coaching is marked by reliability, intelligence, and wholehearted dedication, consistently showing up with care and preparation all season long.
• Coach Phil inspires players to love the game, strive for excellence, and carry themselves with integrity, modeling what youth coaching should be.
• He values development over results, focusing on individual growth and leading with passion and purpose.
• His commitment to his players and the Cascade FC community makes him a truly deserving nominee and a cherished role model.

Ty resides in Duvall with his wife and two boys. He played Club Soccer in his youth, and played 4 years of College Soccer at Northwest University. Soccer has been a vehicle for Ty to promote both child development and soccer development for kids across the eastside and the US.  He is currently the President of Lil' Kickers and Skills Institute, a franchised program that started in Arena Sports in 1999 in the greater Seattle area. For the last 25 years, he has operated and ran Lil' Kickers Franchise as his day job, writing curriculum, coach training modules, and supporting franchise operators across North America serving 130,000 kids annually in 28 states in 130 locations.
Combining his two passions of psychology and soccer has served him well in his career, but more importantly in his approach when volunteering to coach his sons in sports teams in both club soccer and now  SnVYSA.  

Nominator Comments:

• Coach Ty always promotes sportsmanship and empathy, reminding players that opponents are kids just like them and deserve respect, even in intense moments.
• He consistently teaches kids to play fair and respect everyone — teammates, opponents, and referees alike.
• He reminds players that trying their best and having fun matter more than just winning.
• Practices are positive, fun, focused, and welcoming, creating an environment where kids are excited to show up, learn, and grow.
• His leadership has helped the boys develop strong chemistry on and off the field, uniting them as a true team.
• He leads by example — always calm, supportive, and caring — modeling discipline, teamwork, and love for the game.
• Coach Ty gives clear, patient instruction, helping each player improve in their own way and feel proud of their progress.
• He fosters critical thinking, prompting players to work through challenges rather than giving them all the answers.
• He encourages ownership and responsibility, expecting players to be on time, hustle if late, and take charge of their own development.
• His coaching style is attuned to the age group, teaching kids to hold position, make runs, and avoid “bunch ball,” helping them succeed with structure and awareness.
• He never gets mad at mistakes, instead offering gentle, constructive coaching to individuals and the group.
• His coaching has elevated the team’s performance, with visible growth in foot skills, positioning, communication, confidence, and game-day execution.
• He consistently explains the “why” behind drills and strategies, deepening players’ understanding and strengthening teamwork.
• Coach Ty’s innovative methods and thoughtful drills have taken the team’s gameplay to the next level.
• He empowers each player to push beyond their limits, believing that lessons learned on the field — hard work, resilience, and collaboration — translate directly into life.
• His love for soccer is contagious. He radiates joy, and his passion for teaching and playing the game inspires everyone around him.
• He sees the unique potential in every player, nurturing their growth and helping them reach their highest capabilities.
• He’s able to engage and lead the team effectively, making in-game adjustments that have turned matches around and earned full team buy-in.
• He encourages team play and equal opportunity, making sure every child gets meaningful playing time and feels valued.
• He often compliments opposing players during and after games, recognizing great plays, passes, goals, and saves with genuine enthusiasm.
• Coach Ty looks beyond his own team, offering benches to opponents and volunteering players to help fill rosters — showing care for every child’s experience on the field.

• He supports other teams and coaches, showing that soccer is about community, learning, and joy — not just competition.
• He’s open to new ideas and approaches, listening to others while applying his insights to help each player reach their fullest potential.
• His career is rooted in youth soccer, and he brings deep knowledge, passion, and adaptability to every practice and game.
• His positive and professional attitude is a model for others — always upbeat, always encouraging.
• With a remarkable coaching background, he brings both expertise and heart to every session, and SNVYSA rec soccer is truly lucky to have him.
• Above all, he is a beloved role model, and many feel he is the most deserving coach they’ve ever known.

Shane resides in Tacoma with his girlfriend and one year old.  Shane has been coaching with Cascade FC for the past 10 years and has his UEFA B and USSF C licenses.  He is the head coach for four Cascade FC teams: CFC Girls 2007/2008 Green team, CFC Girls 2015 Green team, CFC Girls 2017 Green team, and the CFC Boys 2016 Black team.  Additionally, Shane is in his third year as the club’s Technical Director for ages U8-U12, including programs such as Jr. Academy and U8 Spring Soccer.    Shane sets a great example for his players with his positive coaching style and has a unique ability to take his knowledge of the game and explain it to young players.  He is patient, kind, and fun.  SnVYSA staff and families are fortunate to have Shane as a long-standing and highly respected coach for Cascade FC.

Nominator Comments:

•     Wholeheartedly embodies sportsmanship and respect, consistently supporting referees, opponents, and his own team — even admitting when a call goes against them.
•     Creates a safe and empowering environment where players are encouraged to try new things, learn from mistakes, and grow with confidence.
•     Has helped players develop tremendously, building self-belief and skill through steady support and encouragement.
•     Uses a positive, patient teaching style, offering better options when mistakes happen and always framing feedback constructively.
•     Prioritizes player autonomy, allowing athletes to make their own decisions during games rather than shouting commands — fostering independence and trust.
•     Builds strong rapport across the program, interacting with players and families in ways that show lasting connection and evolving mentorship.
•     Radiates love for the game and passion for teaching, making his impact felt far beyond the field.
•     Coach Shane is a true blessing to this program, and we feel incredibly lucky to have him guiding our girls.

Megan resides in Snoqualmie with her family and is a senior at Mount Si High School. She has been playing soccer since she was four years old. In Megan's words " It’s such a huge part of my life!" She is currently playing club soccer at Eastside FC, and has been on the Varsity soccer team at Mount Si High School for four years.  She feels  privileged to be a captain on both of her club and high school teams, and to has been a coach in the SnVYSA recreational program for 3 years.  Megan says coaching has been such a great experience and she would love to keep doing it in the future.  She loves being involved in every aspect of the sport and feels lucky that she gets to continue playing the next four years at the University of Puget Sound!  Megan says soccer has given her so much over the years and the community is so amazing that she really wants to give back as much as she has received and more.  In Megan's words "I really appreciate this honor and everyone who nominated me! Go Black Fire! Thank you for this honor, and for being the best fans at the high school games! "

Nominator Comments:

• Megan teaches foundational skills with patience and clarity, helping every player grow in confidence and ability.
• She encourages every player equally, showing no favoritism and creating a team culture rooted in fairness and kindness.
• Megan models true sportsmanship, consistently respectful to referees, opponents, and teammates — even in high-pressure moments.
• She uplifts all players, including guest or borrowed players, treating them as full team members and encouraging her team to do the same.
• Megan uses her own experience as a high-level player (MSHS Varsity Captain, Eastside FC, future UPS athlete) to bring advanced skills to a developmentally appropriate level for her team.
• Megan leads by example, both as a coach and as an athlete — her players watch her compete, learn from her composure, and are inspired by her dedication.
• She runs practices with energy and joy, often joining the girls on the field, making drills fun, and keeping players engaged.
• She breaks down complex techniques into fun, attainable challenges, helping players stay motivated and excited to learn.
• Megan instills values of perseverance, courage, and simplicity, encouraging players to “keep it simple, never give up, and be courageous.”
• She builds team spirit and connections, inviting her players to attend her high school games and making them feel part of something bigger.
• Megan creates a safe, inclusive environment, where every player feels welcome, supported, and proud to be part of the team.
• She guides players through emotional moments, helping them accept tough calls, shake hands after losses, and carry themselves with grace.
• Megan bridges generations of athletes, involving her high school teammates in youth clinics and inspiring younger players to dream big.
• She balances technical excellence with heart, combining her deep soccer knowledge with a genuine love for teaching and mentoring.
• Megan leaves a lasting impact, with players and families expressing deep gratitude and admiration for her leadership, kindness, and example.
• Megan is a beloved coach and mentor, whose influence extends far beyond the field, shaping not just better players, but stronger, more confident young people.

Jacob resides in Duvall with his wife and two boys.  He played select soccer as a kid and has coached his boys teams for SnVYSA the last three years. Jacob says as a dad with two precious boys, Micah & Isaiah, it has been a true blessing to join them on the field, court, you name it, as their coach. He is a life-long lover of sports, and it’s a blast for Jacob to share that passion with kiddos who are just starting out their journeys in athletics! Jacob has realized he has a special opportunity as a coach to come alongside and encourage each and every player and feels fortunate to be out on the field with them.  In Jacob's words "ALL of our kids have been uniquely made and gifted, and my prayer is that they will all know that I (“Coach Fletch”) am in their corner! We’re three years in with SnVYSA, and we have a few more to go."

Nominator's Comments:

• Jacob is widely admired by families and opponents alike, with parents from other teams often remarking, “Oh, you have the amazing coach.”
• He embodies sportsmanship from day one, teaching kids to give their best, be kind, and have fun — always modeling respect for teammates, opponents, and referees.
• Jacob brings unwavering positivity and energy, whether fresh from a weekend or after a long workday — his dedication never wavers.
• He gently redirects challenging behavior with patience and dignity, helping kids refocus while keeping the experience joyful.
• Jacob takes his role as one of their first coaches seriously, knowing he’s shaping not just athletes, but character and confidence.
• He makes learning fun, disguising skill-building and teamwork in playful games that kids love — they think they’re just playing with the coolest guy on the field.
• He fosters a culture of kindness and respect, where players instinctively help each other up, say thank you, and take initiative without being asked.
• He builds cohesive, supportive teams, transforming individuals into a unit that cheers for one another and celebrates shared success.
• Jacob balances “play for fun” and “play to win”, teaching that effort, focus, and healthy competition are part of the joy of the game.
• He creates a lifelong love for soccer, removing pressure and emphasizing teamwork, effort, and inclusion.
• Jacob goes above and beyond for fairness, using an app to track playing time and quietly correcting imbalances — even when no one else notices.
• He meets each child where they are, offering personalized challenges — like encouraging a high scorer to use their non-dominant foot, or celebrating a timid player’s first kick with equal joy.
• He partners with his wife Justynn, forming a dedicated sideline team that models care, organization, and shared purpose.
• Jacob uses every game as a teachable moment, reinforcing values like respect, humility, and compassion — shaping players into good people, not just good athletes.
• He builds strong relationships with families, communicating clearly and creating a welcoming, encouraging environment that strengthens the entire league.
• He volunteers his time selflessly, driven not by recognition but by the joy of watching kids grow in confidence, character, and skill.
• Jacob is an exemplary role model, whose passion for mentoring and youth development leaves a lasting imprint on every child and family he encounters.

Katie resides in North Bend with her parents and siblings. She is a freshman at Mount Si High School and soccer has been a part of her for most of her life. She played with SnVYSA for seven years, which gave her a strong love for the game and a lot of great experiences as a player. Two years ago, she started refereeing, and it’s been a cool way for her to see soccer from a different perspective while staying involved. For Katie, refereeing is about giving back to the sport she grew up with and making sure the game stays fun and competitive for everyone.

Nominator's Comments:

• Katherine is very professional and manages the games with confidence, consistency, fairness, and care.
• She has demonstrated credibility in her decision-making throughout the season.
• Her communication is clear and consistent, helping players and spectators understand the flow of the match.
• She shows thoughtfulness and care, especially when explaining plays and calls to the kids.
• Katherine is effective with her whistle use and consistently uses appropriate hand signals.
• Overall, Katherine is a fantastic presence on the field — calm, capable, and kind.

Chris resides in Duvall with his family and has been refereeing with SnVYSA for the past 3 years. He began refereeing after having his knee replaced and saw it as an opportunity to stay active and get to spend meaningful time with his youngest son who was also a referee.  Chris would sign up to be his son's AR and place himself on the parents’ sideline.

Refereeing has been deeply rewarding for Chris as he states it allows him to play a small role in a young players’ development. Chris loves answering players questions about the laws of the game and watching teams evolve over the course of a season.  In Chris's words "That is why I don’t mind waking up early on Saturdays to referee a U9 match." Chris also says that another source of joy comes from engaging with parents who are experiencing the beautiful game for the first time, especially when he gets to explain offsides. Soccer has brought Chris and his family so much joy, and a few challenges along the way.

Nominator's Comments:

• Chris does a fantastic job with younger kids, not just refereeing but also managing and educating them in a positive, friendly way.
• He creates a welcoming and encouraging game-day experience for everyone — players, coaches, and parents alike.
• Chris is always professional, kind, and fair, and consistently shows up on time.
• He communicates clearly and effectively, not only with coaches and players but also with parents on the sidelines.
• He uses his whistle, field positioning, and hand signals with clarity and purpose, ensuring the game flows smoothly.
• What stands out most is his love for the game and his commitment to helping kids understand the calls — turning moments into learning opportunities.
• Chris wants players to develop and grow, treating his role more like a coach than just an official.
• He is deeply knowledgeable about the rules and applies them with consistency and care.
• Personally, he is my favorite referee, and I’m always happy to see him assigned to our games.

Brooke resides in Carnation with her family and attends Carnation Elementary School. She just completed her fifth season playing soccer with SnVYSA. Brooke loves soccer — it’s taught her the value of hard work, teamwork, and never giving up. She enjoys being a referee because it gives her the opportunity to share her love of the game, teach younger players the rules, and promote good sportsmanship. Brooke remembers her own early years playing soccer and loves helping new players learn and grow in the sport. She also enjoys the challenge of being “in charge” on the field and keeping up with the fast-paced action of each game. A special shout-out to her coaches, Coach JR and Coach Kyla, for their continued support and encouragement of her leadership on and off the field.

Nominator's Comments:

• I am nominating Brooke because of her exceptional focus — she presided over games like a hawk, always tracking the ball and state of play.
• Brooke didn’t hesitate to sprint across the field to stay close to the action, ensuring kids got the most out of their gameplay time.
• She kept the pace of the game moving smoothly, giving players a full and positive soccer experience.
• Brooke is a leader and role model to younger players, encouraging them to play hard, follow the rules, and have fun.
• She consistently maintained safety and flow, balancing structure with enjoyment.
• Her instructions were clear and composed, and she used her whistle and hand signals effectively.
• Brooke was decisive and quick in her calls, showing confidence and fairness throughout.
• She communicated well with coaches, players, and parents before, during, and after games.
• I watched her referee younger teams and was struck by how kind and professional she was for her age.
• She showed fairness to both teams, treating all players with respect.
• Brooke is a standout referee and will be a fantastic addition to the apprentice program in the coming years.
• Thank you for making this apprentice program possible — Brooke is a shining example of its success.

Jackson  is a fifth grader at Opstad Elementary in North Bend, where he lives with his parents and two younger brothers. He began his soccer journey with SnVYSA in 2021 as a first grader on the North Bend Green Gorillas. Today, he plays for North Bend Petro Dynamite and continues to grow his love for the game—not just as a player, but now as a referee. Jackson has had a blast translating his passion for soccer into officiating, where he has been able to give back to the game and gain valuable leadership experience.

Nominator's Comments:

• Jackson impressed our team with his positive demeanor, referee skills, and strong knowledge of the game.
• He communicated clearly and consistently throughout each match.
• He paid close attention to the entire game, ensuring fairness and flow.
• He was kind and encouraging to the kids, creating a supportive atmosphere.
• He truly meets all the criteria for what makes a great youth referee.
• He was simply great, and we’re grateful for his presence on the field.
• We all hope that he referees again next year — the league will be lucky to have him!