Ohio Soccer Association strives to recognize 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 Annual Awards Gala.
We are pleased to announce the 2021 Annual Award winners, who will be recognized at the award ceremony which takes place at the 2022 AGM in February. Congratulations!
David Sidloski
Girls Competitive Coach of the Year
David is a student of the game. He played high school and then college, before turning his energy into coaching. Three soccer-playing daughters brought him into coaching and he has dedicated his life to his girls and their respective teammates. He promotes good sportsmanship and respect for the game. He teaches his players the fundamental skills and techniques at a young age that will make them better players. He is diligent, organized, and always makes sure that players learn to think on their own. After a tragic loss, he and his family created a charity foundation to create and maintain a positive loving memory by offering scholarships to deserving future players.
Jacob Plummer
Boys Recreational Coach of the Year & USYS Midwest Region Boys Recreational Coach of the Year
Jacob is very passionate about being a soccer coach. He is a class act who truly invests so much into teaching our children skill, fair play and love for the game. He cares about every single player and gives his whole heart to seeing those kids develop and be successful. He is able to motivate the players to work hard while still having fun. He has a knack for developing their talent and pushing them to be their best. He is constantly telling his players that he believes in them and works to build them up both individually and as a cohesive group.
Shannon Glendon
Shannon has served many areas with Lakota FC over the past six years. Her past positions include Club Board Member, Secretary, and Special Projects Coordinator. The past two years, she has taken over the Registrar position, and we could not function without her! She is active in the local community and has been part of organizing drives raising money for charity, providing equipment to underserved populations, and providing access to youth select soccer. She is a warm and caring individual who is generous with her time and effort.
Paul Rockwood
Boys Competitive Coach of the Year
Paul is extremely knowledgeable about soccer, has a profound passion for the game and loves to teach others. Not only does he teach tactical/technical skills, but he gets to know every player personally so that he can position them in such a way to perform their best. He learns what drives them, and how to play their strengths. He has such a rapport with the boys on his team that they play their hearts out for him every time they are on the field. Coach Rockwood uses soccer to compete and teach a skill, but more importantly he uses it to prepare these boys for life.
Lily Vomer
TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year
Lily has been an absolute asset to the TOPSoccer program. Although this is her first year in the program, she is always willing to jump in and help with any tasks. The kids absolutely love her. She makes sure that every child in the association is included and that they have the best time possible. She also communicates frequently on how to get the kids more involved and activities they may like. She works with the youngest group of players of the association. She has the patience of a saint!
Alexis Arndt
Young Female Referee of the Year
Alexis began playing soccer when she was four years old and continued playing into high school. She has been refereeing for four years. Soccer has shaped her through her coaches and experiences in soccer. She has learned that you always need to give 110% and to believe in yourself. When she referees a game she tries her best to make it fair for both sides. She has attended DASOA annual meetings and made connections with more experienced referees.
Jasen Smolk
Girls Recreational Coach of the Year
Jasen is very active in the soccer community. He coaches three teams, and also plays in both indoor and outdoor leagues. His reputation as a strong and respectable coach is recognized by other club officers, coaches and referees. He promotes sportsmanship during practices and games by serving as a role model who positively motivates his players and promotes respectful play with teammates and others. He encourages enthusiasm and self-confidence, helping each player play to their potential. His positivity amongst the girls is infectious and this carries through to the games.
Steve McCollum
TOPSoccer Coach of the Year & USYS National TOPSoccer Coach of the Year
Steve has been volunteering for TOPSoccer for 15 years. He had been an assistant coach for many years filling in wherever needed and then became the Director of Coaching about 10 years ago. As a highly ranked competitive soccer coach and a director of soccer camps, Steve is a valuable asset to Cincinnati TopSoccer. He brings 3 decades of experience and adapts it to help our coaches do better every day. His easy-going style, enthusiasm and permanent smile on his face are constantly on display. His heart for others and irrefutable character makes him a beacon for the TOPSoccer program.
Shawn Westfield
Young Male Referee of the Year
Shawn began playing soccer at a very early age which lead him to become a referee. In addition to his success on the field, he is just as successful in other ways off the field and in the lives of others. Shawn is also involved in a youth group where he volunteers his time serve under privileged communities. He has lead soccer matches with neighborhood communities, paint houses, sort clothes, haul dirt, etc. for the sole purpose of helping areas be a better place for its residents to live and raise their children. His mindset and dedication to wanting to improve as a referee and a person shows by the all the work and effort he puts forth on and off the fields.
The following categories are available for nomination:
Volunteer of the Year [pdf]
Coach of the Year [pdf]
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 6, 2021.
Please send all nominations using the available form(s) to office@ohio-soccer.org with the title of '2021 Annual Award Nomination for [category]'. Ex: 2021 Annual Award Nomination for Coach of the Year
Winners will be announced via email and the OSA social media channels in mid-October. The award ceremony will take place at the 2022 AGM.