The Michigan State Youth Soccer Association (MSYSA) is proud to announce that the 2026 MSYSA Awards Ceremony & Dinner will take place on Friday, February 13, 2026, at The Henry Hotel in Dearborn. This annual event honors individuals across the state who have shown extraordinary dedication, leadership, and passion in advancing youth soccer in Michigan.
Each year, the ceremony brings together players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, and supporters from every corner of the soccer community. The evening serves as a celebration of the people whose efforts make a lasting impact on the sport and enrich the experiences of thousands of young athletes.
Celebrating Excellence: 2026 MSYSA Award Winners
MSYSA congratulates the following individuals selected for their outstanding service to the soccer community:
- Administrator of the Year: Kay Palmer
- Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Spencer Sandow
- Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Alyssa Harrold
- Boys Recreational Coach of the Year: Mark Kimmel
- Girls Recreational Coach of the Year: Andy Rusnak
- Hall of Fame Recipient: Rob Ruta
- TOPSoccer Coach of the Year: Ryan Pauls
- TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year: Gabrielle Zimmerman
- Rob Ruta Young Female Referee of the Year: Mya Pickerel
- Rob Ruta Young Male Referee of the Year: Lucas Wallace
- Volunteer of the Year: Mark Klein
These individuals represent the heart of youth soccer in Michigan – those who mentor, inspire, and lead by example.
Recognizing Scholarships: Supporting the Future of Michigan’s Student-Athletes
College Scholarship Recipients
MSYSA proudly awards college scholarships to outstanding students who demonstrate academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to the game:
- Harper Barnhart
- Grace Lesinski
- Jana Mohr
- Madeline Paulson
- Brendon Burkett
- Benjamin Cleland
ODP Adalin Farnum Scholarship Recipients
- Bryce Nadig
- Conamora Ndana
Yvonne Curtis Community Service Scholarship Recipient
- Cambrie Bencik
Recreational Grant Program: Investing in Club Development
MSYSA also announces the latest recipients of its Recreational Grant Program, which provides financial support to affiliated clubs pursuing initiatives such as:
- School outreach to boost membership
- Hosting play days or tournaments
- Strategic planning
- Player/coach handbooks
- Administrative or financial software
- Training equipment
- Coaching education
- Technology upgrades or website development
2026 Recreational Grant Recipients
- Traverse Bay
- Midland SC
- West Shore Waves
- Coopersville
- Superiorland SC
- Freeland SC
- Rochester SC
- TYSL
- Michigan FC
- Reeths-Puffer
- Garden City
- Chelsea SC
- Madison Heights YSA
- Royal Oak FC
These grants directly support clubs in expanding opportunities and improving programming for players across the state.
Looking Ahead
With the 2026 Awards Ceremony & Dinner approaching, MSYSA looks forward to celebrating the achievements, commitment, and spirit of those who elevate youth soccer in Michigan. Together, these honorees, scholarship recipients, and grant-supported clubs reflect MSYSA’s mission to grow the game and empower young athletes statewide.
For additional details on the event or MSYSA programs, please contact the MSYSA State Office or visit the association’s official website.