Kentucky Awards for 2000

The Kentucky Youth Soccer Association Awards recognize outstanding achievements by Coaches, Players, Referees and Administrators in advancing youth soccer in the state.  

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Eurosport Girls Coach of the Year Kris Zander Lexington FC Premier  Under 14 Girls

After a super year capped by a state championship, Lexington FC's Kris Zander is this year's Girls Coach of the Year for Kentucky Youth Soccer. In addition to being the state association's executive director, Zander stays deeply and personally involved with youth soccer by continuing to coach, a career he initiated while playing for Transylvania University, where he himself was chosen an All-American. 

After almost 10 years of coaching boys, he made the decision to switch to a girls' team last fall and wondered how he would adapt to coaching the "gentler sex" as he is a very demanding coach. 

The result was almost magical: his players and their families adore him, calling him a "poster child for the proper conduct of a coach both on and off the field," according to their letters of nomination. 

Zander holds the highest achievable level of national soccer coaching license (USSF "A") and plays the game himself on an adult amateur team.

Zander is recognized at the Annual Awards Luncheon by his players and the state

At Zander's urging, his U14 state champions, Lexington FC Premier, also volunteer in the Lexington Youth Soccer TOPSoccer program, serving as role models, teammates and friends to children with physical and mental challenges. 

The Lexington FC Premier girls work at a TOPS Soccer Practice in Lexington

According to player Kelly Turney, Zander "believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself." Kelly's mom Lisa notes that Zander's sportsmanship is exemplary, with Zander never making derogatory remarks about referees or opponents. 

Coach Zander waits with his team before a game at regionals in Indianapolis.

Jessie Birdwhistell, another of Zander's players, called him "firm but patient, demanding but considerate," adding that Zander has taught the players more than one valuable lesson: "I will never forget what Coach Zander has taught me about the game of soccer, about accepting responsibility, about dealing with adversity, about hard work and about the importance of being a volunteer and helping out in my community." 

Boys’ Coach of the Year

An outstanding coach of a boys' recreational or competitive team receives a monetary and honor award from Eurosport catalog, a sponsor of Kentucky Youth Soccer. The winner becomes eligible for Region II and National Boys Coach of the Year.  

Girls’ Coach of the Year

An outstanding coach of a girls' recreational or competitive team receives a monetary and honor award from Eurosport catalog, a sponsor of Kentucky Youth Soccer. The winner becomes eligible for Region II and national Girls Coach of the Year.