Local named 2009 US Youth Soccer regional Boys Competitive Coach of the Year

The national Boys and Girls Competitive Coach of the Year will be announced at the US Youth Soccer Awards Gala on Friday, Feb. 26, at 7:30 p.m., as part of the US Youth Soccer adidas Workshop in Fort Worth, Texas.

Girls Competitive Coach of the Year regional winners:
Region I - David Suvak – Winchester, Mass.
David Suvak serves in many capacities in the soccer community, but his passion is coaching youth soccer. He holds a USSF "C" License and has the philosophy to develop quality soccer players and individuals simultaneously. Suvak\'s will to create a positive learning environment reached fruition when his Under-17 Girls Sachem FC team won the US Youth Soccer National Presidents Cup in 2009. Though he pushes his players to compete at the highest level, he places good sportsmanship at the top of their priority list.

Region II - Keri Sarver – Akron, Ohio -North
Keri Sarver teaches her players that they must practice technical aspects, but also master the mental, physical and emotional aspects to achieve success. Her Under-17 Girls Internationals Soccer Club bought into her philosophy, leading them to compete in the 2009 US Youth Soccer National Championships. Sarver\'s coaching resume consists of one national finalist, 13 regional semifinalists and five Ohio North State Championships. A true student of the game, Sarver is a USSF "A" License coach, the first female in Ohio North to achieve this level.

Region III – James Soesbee – Norman, Okla.
James Soesbee has been coaching for over 20 years, holds a USSF "A" License and has made history in Oklahoma girl\'s youth soccer. As the director of development and academy for Edmonds Soccer Club, he has captured six Oklahoma State Championships and one Region III Championship, a game where his team defeated the defending national champion. His success has been achieved by creating team chemistry while earning the respect of his players to create a cohesiveness that elevated each player\'s skill set.

Region IV – Tom Jaeger – Salem, Ore.
Tom Jaeger has created a winning blueprint for teamwork, sportsmanship, leadership and character building among his players. With this formula, Jaeger took his Under-14 Girls Cascade FC to the Region IV quarterfinals in 2008. He encourages his players to select one detail with their technique, tactic, fitness or mental toughness and focus on developing that detail during each training session. Jaeger believes in developing every player to create a deep team that is united in the same goals and ideas.

Region I - Aaron Brunner – Woodbridge, Va.
Aaron Brunner\'s coaching philosophy revolves around making the ball every player\'s favorite toy to empower players with confidence to focus on long-term development. A product of US Youth Soccer ODP and now a USSF "A" License and National Youth License coach, he gives back by coaching for Virginia US Youth Soccer ODP and with Prince William Soccer. While achieving success at the competitive level, he continually reinforces the importance of sportsmanship.

Region II - John Keating – Omaha, Neb.
John Keating believes in putting the problem in the players\' hands, allowing them time and space to fail or succeed. Through this, the USSF "A" License and National Youth License coach enables his teams at Omaha FC to achieve great success. He has captured three Nebraska State Championships and coached one team through three undefeated seasons. He is known for balancing development and success with the perspective of always striving to win more than they lose. Keating emphasizes the importance of technique and demands character and accountability.

Region III - Elmar Bolowich – Chapel Hill, N.C.
Elmar Bolowich of Triangle United Soccer Association is a USSF "A" License coach who holds a "B" License from Germany. He demands excellence and inspires courage, instilling the belief that great things are possible for those who make individual sacrifices for the team. He has taken three teams to the US Youth Soccer National Championships, one competing for the McGuire Cup. He served as a US Youth Soccer ODP Region III staff coach. Bolowich is entering his 21^st season as the University of North Carolina Men\'s head soccer coach.

Region IV - Marco De Oliveira – Normandy Park, Wash.
Marco De Oliveira has been coaching for almost 30 years. He works tirelessly to impact youth soccer in Washington, coaching for Seattle Soccer Club and Highline Soccer Association. Most recently, De Oliveira captured the Washington State Championship title with his Under-19 Boys. Through his years of coaching, he has helped his players compete at the collegiate, international and professional levels. Through his efforts and dedication, De Oliveira has impacted the lives of many youth, encouraging them to strive for excellence in all areas of life.