KANSAS CITY, MO. (Nov. 6, 2025) United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday the recipients of the association’s 2025 Long-Term Service awards for college, high school, and youth soccer. The awards are presented annually to members who have exhibited a career of contributions at their level of the sport and a continued commitment of service to the association Janet Rayfield (College), Ray Alley (High School), and Sue Ryan (Youth) are this year’s honorees.
“Three legendary coaches, whom we honor with the Long-Term Service Award, have positively impacted the game on and off the field and we are indebted to each of them.” said Paul Payne, United Soccer Coaches President. “Janet, Ray and Sue have given so much to their players, teams and the game that honor the best of what a coach is. United Soccer Coaches and soccer are better today because of them. Congratulations to these worthy recipients of the United Soccer Coaches Long-Term Service Awards.”
The honorees will be presented at the association’s annual United Soccer Coaches Awards Ceremony on January 16, 2026, in conjunction with the association’s 86th annual convention in Philadelphia, PA.
Bill Jeffrey College Long-Term Service Award
Janet Rayfield
A member of United Soccer Coaches since 1991, Janet Rayfield has left an indelible mark on the sport of women’s college soccer. She dedicated 34 years to coaching and service, retiring after the 2023 season.
Her coaching journey spans three years as an assistant at the University of Arkansas, followed by six more seasons as the Razorbacks’ head coach. After two years as an assistant at the University of Illinois, and a stint with US Soccer, she finished out with an impressive 23 years leading the Illinois program. Her leadership was recognized with two Big Ten Conference Coach of the Year honors.
Beyond the sidelines, Rayfield has been a pillar of the United Soccer Coaches organization. She has contributed as a member of the Women’s Committee, served on the association’s Board of Directors and its President, and played key roles on the Awards, Honor Award, and Hall of Fame Committees. Her influence extends to the National Academy Staff, where she has helped shape the next generation of coaches.
Rayfield also made contributions to the US National Teams as a World Cup scout and Youth National Team coach and Regional ODP Director while also coaching her college teams.
Her advocacy for women’s soccer is evident in her work with the NCAA, serving on both the Women’s Soccer and Regional Ranking Committees. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Rayfield helped author safety protocols as part of a return-to-play committee, demonstrating her commitment to athlete welfare. Throughout her career, Rayfield has championed the women’s game, promoted its growth, and mentored countless players and coaches. Her legacy is defined by leadership, service, and a passion for elevating college soccer and the broader soccer community.
Robert W. Robinson High School Long-Term Service Award
Ray Alley
A member since 1978, Ray Alley’s influence extends well beyond the sidelines. Alley was instrumental in advancing soccer education through initiatives like the All-Star Soccer Camps and the North Carolina Soccer Coaches workshop, offering coaches and players key opportunities for skill enhancement and professional growth.
As a publisher and advocate, his 38-year leadership of Southern Soccer Scene had a profound impact: the publication brought vital attention to high school soccer, celebrated championships and achievements, and championed pressing safety issues such as the proper anchoring of soccer goals. Alley’s persistent advocacy for safer playing conditions and his commitment to recognizing high school soccer’s significance left an indelible mark on the sport’s development throughout North Carolina and the broader region.
Alley’s association with Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School represents a pivotal period in his distinguished coaching journey, marked by nearly three decades of dedicated service. As both assistant and head coach—spanning 27 years across Western Guilford High School and Bishop McGuinness—Alley brought unparalleled experience and steadfast leadership, deeply influencing countless student-athletes. His six-year tenure as head coach of the Bishop McGuinness girls’ soccer team was especially noteworthy; under his direction, the program flourished, culminating in accolades such as his recognition as Girls Class 1A State Coach of the Year in 2017. He is a Class of 2018 North Carolina Soccer Coaches Association Field of Honor inductee. These accomplishments underscore Alley’s talent for inspiring athletes and elevating the quality of high school soccer in North Carolina.
Alley’s coaching philosophy centered on the values of teamwork, discipline, and personal development. He fostered an environment where athletes could thrive both individually and collectively, instilling a culture of sportsmanship, community involvement, and perseverance that extended beyond wins and losses. The positive culture he cultivated at Bishop McGuinness became a lasting part of the program’s identity.
Charlotte Moran Youth Long-Term Service Award
Sue Ryan
A member of United Soccer Coaches since 1985, Sue Ryan is an advocate for youth, high school and college soccer stretching over the past 40 years.
A former member of the association’s Board of Directors and Chair of the Advocacy Council, Ryan is an academy staff instructor. In 2011, she was named the recipient of the association’s Women’s Soccer Award of Excellence, which honors those women who have brough distinction to women’ soccer. She was a recipient of the association’s Letter of Commendation in 2016. Ryan also been a fixture at the annual Convention, having been has been a featured presenter at the annual convention.
She has served as the US Youth Soccer Region I Girls ODP Director for 36 years and has held leadership roles with United Soccer Coaches, including Chair of the Advocacy Council and the Women’s Committee. Appointed by former ODP Administrator Charlotte Moran, Sue has consistently demonstrated professionalism and dedication, maintaining her position as a tribute to Charlotte’s legacy.
She has given back to the sport by being a service on the local level; Northport Soccer Club, Stony Brook Soccer Club, and Long Island Junior Soccer League Select Program, the Region level; Eastern New York Girls ODP Program, and the National level; USYS Olympic Development Program, and US Soccer.
Her honors and accolades include US Youth Soccer Youth Coach of the Year, Long Island Soccer Player Hall of Fame and Distinguished Educator, SUNY Cortland Alumni.
Sue has coached at two Long Island clubs since 1985 and served as Head Coach for the Eastern Region Girls ODP program for 30 years, where she continues to coach. She currently instructs United Soccer Coaches and US Soccer grassroots courses for youth coaches.