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Ten honored as Rush Volunteers of the Year

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Each year, hundreds of volunteers give thousands of hours of their precious time to help young athletes realize the benefits of playing the greatest sport on earth. Every year, we recognize some of the stand-out volunteers who have gone above and beyond the high expectations we hold for our volunteers. This is not an honor we take lightly. Through their dedication, demeanor and positive approach to their players and the game, they are leading examples of the standard we hope all of our volunteers can achieve. On behalf of all of the children they have helped, CYSA and the Idaho Rush Soccer Club thank these volunteers for everything they do. Their time and passion is greatly appreciated by all who see tham at work.
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2012 Volunteers of the Year
Blue Standard Award -- Denice Haener
The Blue Standard Award is given to the coach or volunteer who best exemplifies the values, ethics and dedication to children all Rush coaches strive to achieve.
From the staff: Denice Haener has supported the CYSA/Idaho Rush Soccer Club for over a decade. Denise’s four children have played soccer at all different levels and she has dedicated countless volunteer hours in so many programs with Rush. We have been extremely blessed to have had such a compassionate, patient and loyal individual that is always helping others. Denise personifies what Idaho Rush is all about: an inclusive home for everyone no matter what your ability or background. We are extremely proud to give her our top honor, the Blue Standard Award.
  • Roles: Treasurer for the Board of Directors since April 2010; treasurer for the 94-95 girls Competitive team for three years; girls Recreation coach.
  • Years involved in youth soccer: I didn’t play soccer as a kid, but I became a soccer fan in the fall of 2001 when my oldest daughter started playing with Capital Youth Soccer Association.
  • Why do you volunteer? My husband, Rick, and I have four children that have participated in CYSA and Idaho Rush.
  • Best memory in youth soccer: I don’t have a best memory, but I have enjoyed watching the kids and have been blessed by the friends that I’ve made along the way.

VOY 2012 Denise Haener


Recreation Boys Coach of the Year -- Nick Smith
  • Team: Boys U7 Cheetos and girls U10 Adams. 
  • Years involved in youth soccer: I have coached my son's soccer team for the past two years, and coached my daughter's soccer team for the past four years.
  • Your favorite part of coaching: Being able to spend time with my kids, and to be able to participate with my kids and their friends having fun and learning new skills.
  • Best moment of the past season: Watching the kids progress in their abilities and seeing them celebrate (i.e. dance "gangnam style" on the field when they score a goal).
  • Coaching philosophy: No matter what, have fun!
VOY 2012 Nick Smith

Recreation Girls Coach of the Year -- David Lloyd
  • Team: Girls U7 Shooting Stars.
  • Years coaching youth soccer: Seven.
  • Favorite part of coaching: Coaching in the Recreation program has given me the opportunity to work with so many great kids and parents. My favorite part of coaching is seeings the smiles on the players' faces as they learn new skills and develop as a team.
  • Best moment of the past season: Hardest question ... so many to choose from. My favorite moment of every season is seeing the joy on a new players face when they score their first goal.
  • Coaching philosophy: Always do your best, support your teammates and have fun!
VOY 2012 David Lloyd

Recreation Volunteer of the Year -- Thomas Grant
  • Teams: Boys U7 Flaming Arrows and boys U7 Cheeto Broncos. 
  • Years involved in youth soccer: My youth and the past five years with my two oldest boys.
  • Best moment of the past season: Second-half response by the Flaming Arrows to a halftime "talk". Though we do not keep score, the Arrows were being outscored (by a lot), the other team was full of energy, and we had lost enthusiasm. I told the team that I did not care about the score but that I did not want to see them quit or give up. I told them that based upon their play it appeared that they had quit and they need to show me otherwise in the second half. We still did not score much in the second half but the kids played hard, better, had fun and it was much more competitive.
  • Coaching philosophy: I am not sure I am worthy of having a coaching philosophy! However, the coach training that Rush and Mark French have conducted in my five years being associated with them has taught me that the most important aspect of soccer at this age and level is to provide an experience that keeps kids interested in sports and physical activity. This may seem overly simplistic but I have found it results in kids enjoying soccer and improving their soccer ability.

VOY 2012 Thomas Grant


Select Boys Coach of the Year -- Henry Thompson
  • Team: Boys U9 FC Barca Boise (formerly Soccer Rockers).
  • Years coaching youth soccer: I have been coaching eight years for Rush.
  • Your favorite part of coaching: My favorite part of coaching is watching the kids grow and learn. I love it when they are excited to practice and play games.
  • Best moment of the past season: The best moment last year was when one of my new boys scored a goal. The smile was great and his confidence followed. He blossomed after seeing that he could do it.
  • Coaching philosophy: My coaching philosophy in soccer mirrors life. You have instant opportunities to fix mistakes. Turning the ball over means it is time to play defense (not stand and watch). Good things usually happen to those that hustle and work hard. Winning and losing gracefully are equally important.
VOY 2012 Henry Thompson

Select Girls Coach of the Year -- Joe Saucerman
  • Team: Girls U12 Tidal Waves.
  • Years coaching: Seven.
  • Your favorite part of coaching: Teaching and being around the kids.
  • Best moment of the past season: Watching the kids pick themselves up and get right back after it while still having fun.
  • Coaching philosophy: Practice how you play, play hard and have fun.
VOY 2012 Joe Saucerman

Competitive Boys Coach of the Year -- Brian Shields
  • Team: Boys U13 Swoosh White and Swoosh Blue.
  • Years coaching: 15.
  • Best moment of past season: Best moment of this past season was having one of my players write me a letter telling me thank you for giving him the chance to play for my team. He is having the best soccer experience ever.
  • Coaching philosophy: Work hard and have fun because in the end it'll not only pay off in soccer but in life also!
VOY 2012 Brian Shields

Competitive Girls Coach of the Year -- Chris and Kim Jacky
  • Team: Girls U12 White.
  • Years involved in youth soccer: We have been coaching youth soccer for three years.
  • Your favorite part of coaching: Seeing improvement in each girl is our favorite part of coaching. From the girl who finally figures out how to execute a particular dribbling move to the girl who overcomes self-doubt and insecurities.
  • Best moment of the past season: The best moment of the past season was when we lost in a shootout at the Jackson Hole tournament. The feelings and experience from that loss helped the team push forward into a first-place performance at the Gem State Tournament.
  • Coaching philosophy: Our coaching philosophy is to help the girls develop a love for the game that they carry for the rest of their lives.
VOY 2012 Kim and Chris Jacky

Competitive Volunteer of the Year -- Ann Marie Davis
  • Role: Team manager, boys U13 Nike.
  • Years involved in youth soccer: Seven.
  • Best moment of the past season: My favorite soccer moment was when we organized a trip to Salt Lake City (special thanks to Brian Kraus). The team played two friendlies then attended an MLS game between Real Salt Lake and New York RedBull. For many, this was their first MLS game. Rush was announced overhead and the team was allowed to be on the sideline during the National Anthem. At halftime the boys were able to play a mini-scrimmage on the field in front of thousands of fans. To end the night, Brian had set up a meet-and-greet with RSL defensive back Chris Wingert at our hotel. It was a perfect ending to a great weekend.
  • Why I volunteer: I volunteer because I enjoy sports and watching my kids play sports. Volunteering allows me to spend time with them doing something we all enjoy. They will be grown up before I know it and this will be a wonderful memory to look back on.
VOY 2012 Ann Marie Davis


2011 Volunteers of the Year
Rec -- Boys Coach of the Year Phil Upton-Rowley
Rec -- Girls Coach of the Year Kim Peterson
Rec -- Volunteer of the Year Amy & Mike Edmondson
Select -- Boys Coach of the Year Aaron Billingsley
Select -- Girls Coach of the Year John Egan
Select -- Volunteer of the Year Tim & Tammi Riecker 
Comp -- Boys Coach of the Year Will Fahsholtz
Comp -- Girls Coach of the Year John Gwin 
Comp -- Volunteer of the Year Tracie Johnson
Blue Standard Award Tom & Denae Kudera 

2010 Volunteers of the Year
Rec -- Boys Coach of the Year  Bryan Simpson 
Rec -- Girls Coach of the Year  Kip Ladd 
Rec -- Volunteer of the Year  Eric & Anne Allen 
Select -- Boys Coach of the Year  Mike Knoll 
Select -- Girls Coach of the Year  James Brighten 
Select -- Volunteer of the Year  Jerry Brenkmann 
Comp -- Boys Coach of the Year  J.R. Wind 
Comp -- Girls Coach of the Year  Shelley Schilz 
Comp -- Volunteer of the Year  Debbis Poole 
Blue Standard Award Steve Garcia 

2009 Volunteers of the Year
Rec -- Boys Coach of the Year  Troy Allen 
Rec -- Girls Coach of the Year  Craig Forsdick 
Rec -- Volunteer of the Year  Sandi Francis 
Select -- Boys Coach of the Year  Peter Vaughn 
Select -- Girls Coach of the Year  Kris Samer 
Select -- Volunteer of the Year  Beth Allen 
Comp -- Boys Coach of the Year  Jake Spencer 
Comp -- Girls Coach of the Year  Ric Gale
Comp -- Volunteer of the Year  Szabina Revelle 
Blue Standard Award Mike Schlag

2008 Volunteers of the Year
Rec -- Boys Coach of the Year  Kim Stasny-Herbold 
Rec -- Girls Coach of the Year  Kent Hembree 
Rec -- Volunteer of the Year  Brenda Kramer 
Select -- Boys Coach of the Year  Zach Yunker 
Select -- Girls Coach of the Year  Mike Schlag 
Select -- Volunteer of the Year  Josh Lane 
Comp -- Boys Coach of the Year  Bill Reimers
Comp -- Girls Coach of the Year  Brian Shields 
Comp -- Volunteer of the Year  Kathy Ball 
Blue Standard Award  Shaun Dunn

2007 Volunteers of the Year
Rec -- Boys Coach of the Year Lori Dingle
Rec -- Girls Coach of the Year Lance Teel
Rec -- Volunteer of the Year Cynthia Bennett
Select -- Boys Coach of the Year Dave Spurling
Select -- Girls Coach of the Year Robyn Madaras-Kelly
Select -- Volunteer of the Year Heather Koepecky
Comp -- Boys Coach of the Year Dennis Hasanovic
Comp -- Girls Coach of the Year Stephen Lynch
Comp -- Volunteer of the Year Margaret Hepworth
Blue Standard Award Gary Kincaid
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