Sue Thees Sportsmanship/Leadership Awards
These annual awards are presented to Northwest United players who best exemplify good sportsmanship, respect, and enjoyment of the game of soccer. The awards are presented in the name of Sue Thees–honoring her commitment and distinguished service to soccer as well as her enthusiasm for the game and its players. Sue continues to be a great role model for players and coaches on the local, district, select and state levels. The awards are presented to Storm players who exhibit the following:
- Instill good sportsmanship in others, positive influence on others, solid role model
- Conduct themselves as an ambassador of the game, their team and the Storm organization
- Respect the Game, opponents, teammates, coaches and referees
- Support team goals and support others with praise
- Carry themselves with class in victory as well as defeat
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship in adverse situations, maintain composure
2007 Winners
David Navarro
David was new to Storm this year but brought with him tons of talent and energy that helped inspire my whole team to want the next level. He held several training session where he shared his soccer know how with the team. He always came with a ready smile and even when our team suffered huge injuries that brought our numbers down to 11 he was always there telling the team we can do this. He had a never quit attitude and it boiled over to our whole team. One game we had 10 men . When we were down 3-0 he never quit the boys never quit. With his leadership on the field we closed the gap to 6-5. I never saw his head drop. It was always looking up for his teammates to work towards the win! He worked and trained our goalie to make him 10 xs the player he was last year. I think to find a 15 year that is so unselfish and wanting everyone around to be their best is a truly rare find. I envision for David nothing but success in his future with his can do attitude and never give up, and anyone lucky to be a part of a team with him will also be a success!! Submitted by Coach Rick Gardner
Brandon Samora
Brandon exhibits all of the characteristics you list above. He holds himself to a high standard or personal and Player conduct; he is gracious in victory and accepts defeat magnanimously. He always maintains composure, even under adversity. He never criticizes this teammates or his opponents. He tries hard and does his best at practices and games. He never gives up. He listens carefully and works hard to apply what he has learned. He is proud to be in Storm and proud to be on this team. Submitted by Lisa Conyers. (The coach also submitted an essay Brandon wrote in the prior year.)
Kathryn McGoffin
Kathryn is a competitor, working hard on the field for the love of the game. Her team can count on her to always give it her best. She is a great player, and a genuinely good person. Kathryn is often the first to offer her teammates encouraging words after they’ve suffered a loss, and she is always a gracious winner. She maintains her composure in a tight game no matter who is ahead. She is there with a hand-up ready for a downed player, whether they are on her team or not. She doesn’t question the officials or her coaches, and sets an example for players on both teams when she’s in the game. Kathryn isn’t just a good sport when she thinks people are watching, she exemplifies good sportsmanship all of the time, on and off the field. Submitted by Coach Tom Jenson.
Kelsey Harms
Kesley Harms is a former player who is currently my assistant coach for the Storm GU12 Team. This year Kelsey played for the GU18 Red Team which folded this season. Kelsey is loved by everyone who comes in contact with her: Coaches, Players, Parents and Refs. I have never seen Kesley have a bad day. She always has a smile and a positive outlook. Her actions speak to her involvement and commitment. Not only is she my assistant coach, she is a player and a referee also. I have known Kelsey for years and I cannot think of anyone else that would better exemplify the listed qualifications. Kesley came to every practice and game that she can and calls me when she can’t. She attended practices for her team when they were dissolving and only 5 or 6 players would come. When she is reffing at tournaments she will often show up at games in her red uniform fresh from a match. She has also shown a lot of growth this year as a coach and has been highly respected by our team parents. She has enhanced my experience as a coach and I am grateful for her participation and feel that I have learned that Kelsey is an integral part of our success and growth as individuals who will continue to grow with her involvement. Submitted by Coach Kevin Cartwright.
2006 Winners
Austin Mohler - BU 12 White
Sidney Volwiler - GU14White
Carrie Eidsness - GU16 White
Colt Erickson - BU 16 Red
Over my 19 years of premier-level coaching, I have worked with many great athletes who have, in my opinion, exemplified the ideals of good Sportsmanship. None has been a more deserving recipient of a Sportsmanship Award than Sidney Volwiler. As Sweeper for our Team [U14G White] Sidney has controlled our Defense, playing every minute of every match. She has attended every practice session and worked hard to improve her skills, so that she might better support the Team Effort. Though small be statute, Sidney commands the field in a way that players twice her size could not. That’s because Sidney has a passion for the game – playing from the heart. Sidney has been very supportive of her Teammates, inspiring them to excellence, by her own conduct and continual positive support. Sidney always wears her Skagit Storm uniform proudly – win or lose. On the field of play, Sidney has always been courteous to all our opponents, both during each match and all post-match meetings. Win or lose, Sidney’s attitude towards her Teammates and opponents has never wavered. Sidney plays very hard in support of her Team. But she always plays fair. Seldom committing a foul, if ever, Sidney has always helped opponents up – with a smile and a handshake – when they have fallen. Sidney is very respectful of all the Referees who have worked our games this Season. Never a nasty word. Never a questioning glance. I can say without hesitation that Sidney is, in fact, more respectful towards Referees than any of the nearly 200 boys and girls I’ve coached. As a footballer and as a citizen, Sidney is a credit to her Team, her Club, her family, and the Skagit County community in which she lives. By her conduct on the field of play and off, Sidney has earned your consideration for the 2005 Sue Thees Sportsmanship Award. Submitted by Coach Serge Slagle. Attached was a signed endorsement from every player on the team nominating her for the award.
We would like to nominate Carrie Eidsness for the Sue Thees Sportsmanship Award for the 2005 Season. Tom has coached Carrie over the past year and has known her for many years. Kevin has been coaching and watching Carrie for several years. Both coaches feel very strongly that Carrie is very deserving of this award. Carrie’s positive attitude, her caring nature, and ability to get along with all her team mates as well as her opponents, exemplifies her sportsmanship. Whether it is during warm-ups, a game, after a game or practice on a rainy night; we always know that Carrie will have a positive attitude and be able to maintain a smile on her face and a good comment for her team. She plays soccer because she loves to play and no matter how bad the situation is, she always ready to move on and refocus on what is important….to have fun and not to take the game to seriously. As you read down the qualifications for this award, you see many attributes that not only define Carrie, but many of her team mates as well. What sets her apart is that we have never seen her be negative, disrespectful, mean or snide to her team, her opponents or the referees. This attitude has a great influence on the team as a whole and other girls have commented on how Carrie is so much fun to be around because she is so positive with the team. She truly is a class act. We believe that Carrie’s sportsmanship helped motive our team this season despite a 2-11-2 season. Although the record looks bad, Carrie, as well as her team, never once complained or grumbled. Her positive attitude exemplifies our entire team’s efforts and love for the sport. Players like Carrie Eidsness are often over looked; we would like to let her know that she is not. Submitted by Tom Jenson and Kevin Loomis
Austin is a conscientious player who always shows up to practice and training ready to work hard. While he’s not greatly outspoken he leads by example, always trying his hardest and showing his teammates that he’s there to improve his skills and assist in improving theirs. Austin has been our unsung hero in the defense, playing the sweeper position supporting the outside defenders. Austin helps guide the defense with encouraging words, never showing frustration or contempt for players on his own team or opponents. While Austin plays aggressively, he plays fairly. I don’t believe Austin was ever called for committing a foul during the entire season. Austin is a pleasure to coach, fun to watch play the game, and an excellent role model on the field. Submitted by Eric Magnuson
Colt has been on our team for 2 years. He is always upbeat and positive even if he only getting little playing time. He always gives 110% at practice and games. He has never received a card or been talked to by a referee. We can always count on Colt to be at every practice and game. Submitted by Duane Henson
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