KANSAS CITY, Mo. (November 18, 2025) – United Soccer Coaches announced the recipients of its 2025 Coaches Communities Awards of Excellence on Thursday.
The recipients will be honored during the annual Advocacy Hour Reception at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, January 16, 2026 or the annual Coaches of Women’s Soccer Breakfast at 8:00 am on Saturday, January 17, 2026, during the 85th annual United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, PA.
The Coaches Communities Awards of Excellence are presented annually by the eight community groups to honor an individual, organization or other entity that has shown a commitment and outstanding work on behalf of the values of each respective group, meeting the association’s highest ideals of inclusion and diversity in the game.
The recipients of this year’s Coaches Communities Awards of Excellence are:
Asian/Pacific Islander Coaches – Hank Leung
This year’s API Coaches Community Award of Excellence recipient is a coaching legend in our sport. Known for his expertise, enthusiasm, positivity, and dedication to the sport, he embodies the true meaning of a “holistic coach.”
As a life-long learner, Leung holds USSF A and National Youth licenses, as well as completing FIFA International and KNVB coaching courses. He has continually sought to expand his coaching knowledge and skills.
His leadership positions, as the executive director of Michigan Phoenix, a full-service club, they achieved numerous successes at Vienna, BRYC, SYC, and other organizations, consistently driving growth and excellence within each team.
Leung brings a multi-faceted approach demonstrating a deep understanding of nutrition, wellness, exercise, strength, and evaluation, they have coached in the NASL, W-League, and at youth, professional, and collegiate levels, working with both women’s and men’s teams.
He has served as Assistant for the full US Women’s National Team and as Head Coach for multiple U.S. Youth National Teams, contributing their expertise at the highest levels. Leung has been honored three times as National Coach of the Year (US Youth, W-League, and NCAA Division I) and inducted into the VA/DC Hall of Fame.
Leung started the George Mason University women’s program from scratch, leading the team for 10 years and, consistently ranking in the Top 25, winning the 1985 NCAA Division I national champion over perennial power North Carolina.
Disabilities Allies- Randy Corey
Randy Corey’s journey into adaptive soccer began as a parent seeking opportunities for his special needs daughter, to enjoy the same athletic experiences as her peers. Already active in youth sports, he noticed the gap in opportunities as she grew older and turned that realization into action.
Corey became involved with Cincinnati TOPSoccer, embracing its mission of “soccer for all.” What began as a volunteer role grew into leadership—he launched a second site and now oversees the organization’s expansive programming. Under Corey’s guidance, Cincinnati TOPSoccer has grown in both size and scope. The program welcomes children and adults of all abilities, offering training, small-sided games, and tournaments, with adaptive divisions for athletes using wheelchairs, walkers, or other supports. Players are thoughtfully placed in programs that best match their abilities, whether in inclusive community leagues, club teams, or partner programs like Special Olympics.
Together with his wife Lisa and a devoted team of coaches and volunteers, Corey has built a program that fosters skill, confidence, and community. His leadership shines each fall during the TOPSoccer Fall Classic, now in its 27th year, which unites athletes from across the Midwest for a day of celebration and inclusion. Randy, Lisa, and their daughter Kylie have become true ambassadors of the game, creating a legacy of opportunity and belonging for all athletes.
Faith-Based Coaches – Rick McKinley
Rick McKinley’s soccer coaching journey began in Puerto Rico after his college graduation in 1981. Though he describes his own collegiate playing career as only slightly above average, his passion for soccer was profound. In 1986, Rick earned a master’s degree in Educational Ministries from Wheaton College (Ill.), focusing on coaching as a ministry. That same year, he and his wife Janice moved west to dedicate themselves to soccer ministry, marking the start of a lifelong calling.
Since 1987, Rick and Janice have served with Missionary Athletes International (MAI), raising four children and now enjoying ten grandchildren “almost a full side,” as Rick jokes. He credits Janice as the foundation of their family and his ministry, emphasizing that his work would not have been possible without her support.
For more than 35 years, McKinley has coached at the club, high school, and collegiate levels. In 1997, he founded the Chicago Eagles soccer ministry, a division of MAI, and later launched the Chicago Eagles Summer Academy, a two-month soccer and leadership program for collegiate athletes. More than 500 students from over 80 colleges and 13 countries have participated.
He currently serves as MAI’s Director of International Tours, having led nearly 50 soccer mission trips to over 20 countries. He also mentor’s coaches through MAI’s Coaches On Mission Ministry. Rick is a longtime member of the United Soccer Coaches and holds a USSF National “C” License. His enduring desire is to impact coaches and players with God’s love.
Latino Soccer Coaches – Juan Carlos Michia
Juan Carlos “Juanca” Michia is a lifelong ambassador of the game whose impact on soccer spans playing, coaching, education, and mentorship in both the United States and abroad. Born in Sarandí, Argentina, he began his professional career with Quilmes Atlético Club before moving to the U.S., where he played nine years in the NASL and MISL.
Michia has influenced thousands through his work with U.S. Soccer’s Youth National Teams and elite development programs. As an assistant coach with the U14, U15, and U18 national teams—and as a staff member at the FIFA U17 and U20 World Cups—he helped guide young athletes using a philosophy centered on technical excellence, humility, and character.
Committed to expanding access to the sport, he founded U.S. Soccer’s first Inner City Talent Identification Program, a groundbreaking initiative that created meaningful opportunities for underserved youth and reflected his belief in equity and the transformative power of sport.
For more than two decades, Michia has served as a U.S. Soccer coaching instructor, mentoring future leaders through national coaching schools and international seminars. His work consistently promotes both athletic development and the growth of responsible, resilient individuals.
His leadership roles have included serving as a U.S. Olympic Team scout, Director of Coaching at Weston FC, and Head Coach for Inter Miami CF’s Development Academy. He currently advises the Florida Soccer School and the West Florida Flames SC while coaching the WFFSC U-12 program. A 2022 inductee into the International Soccer School Hall of Fame, Michia remains a role model whose influence continues to shape the game for generations to come.
Native American Coaches-Chris Behler
Christopher “Chris” Behler is a revered figure in American soccer, whose career has spanned playing, coaching, mentorship, and advocacy—and whose lifelong dedication has shaped generations. A former professional player, Chris competed with the San Jose Earthquakes, the San Jose Grizzlies, the San Francisco Bay Blackhawks, and the California Jaguars.
Transitioning seamlessly from the field to the touchline, Chris built an extraordinary coaching résumé. He served more than a decade on the collegiate sideline, including as first assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at San Jose State University. He has held leadership roles in elite youth development—most notably as Director of Coaching for U14–U19 and as College Director for Real Salt Lake – Arizona (RSL-AZ), guiding ECNL and MLS NEXT teams. He also served as the UPSL Head coach and General Manager. Along his journey, he has won a national championship, multiple and numerous Regional and State Championships.
His coaching credentials are among the highest in the game: UEFA A and B Licenses, NSCAA Master Coach Diploma, and multiple other national-level coaching distinctions. As a U.S. Youth Soccer Region IV ODP Staff Coach, he has had a profound influence in regional player development.
Off the field, Chris has been a powerful voice for inclusion and access. He currently serves as Chair of the United Soccer Coaches Native American Soccer Coaches Community, tirelessly working to expand opportunities in underserved communities.
His leadership, character, and commitment to the beautiful game have made him not just a coach, but a mentor, advocate, and builder of futures. Tonight, we celebrate Chris Behler—a lifetime of passion, purpose, and impact in soccer.
Women Coaches Award of Excellence – Lisa Cole
With over thirty 30 years of coaching experience spanning youth, collegiate, professional, and international levels, Lisa Cole has dedicated herself to advancing coach education and women’s soccer. She has been a cornerstone of United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA), serving as Director of Goalkeeping and on the National Coach Education Staff. As Education Chair for the United Soccer Coaches Women’s Committee, she championed educational programming for women coaches nationwide.
Cole’s service to the association includes roles as Convention clinician, Final Four and Algarve Cup Symposium Coordinator, and instructor for coaching courses across multiple states. Her contributions earned her the United Soccer Coaches President’s Award in 2024. Cole is also a recipient of the association’s Letter of Commendation and Certificate of Appreciation.
Currently, she serves as assistant coach and Player Pathway Scout for the U.S. Women’s National Team, leading talent identification, and player development initiatives for the national team program.
A licensed U.S. Soccer Coach Educator, Cole led goalkeeper coach education for United Soccer Coaches for seven years and has served as a U.S. Soccer Grassroots Instructor, SheBelieves Program Mentor, and Concacaf Coach Education Staff member.
Internationally, she has served as head coach for the Fiji Senior, Antigua & Barbuda Senior, and Papua New Guinea U20 Women’s National Teams, and as Technical Advisor for Zambia at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. Cole coached in the NWSL and WPS with the Boston Breakers (assistant and head coach) and held NCAA Division I positions at the University of Rhode Island (head coach), Florida State University, the University of Connecticut and the University of Mississippi.
A graduate of Pacific Lutheran University, Cole is pursuing her U.S. Soccer Pro License and holds the United Soccer Coaches Premier Diploma with Distinction.
