KANSAS CITY, Mo. – (Oct. 1, 2026) – United Soccer Coaches is proud to announce Ralph Polson as the 87th recipient of its Honor Award, recognizing his remarkable service to the association and exceptional contributions to soccer across all levels of the game.
Since 1942, the Honor Award has been the association’s highest accolade, celebrating individuals whose impact on the sport is profound. Polson will receive the award during the annual Awards Ceremony on January 22, 2027, at the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Kansas City, MO.
Ralph Polson has dedicated extensive service to collegiate soccer through leadership, administrative, and advisory roles within United Soccer Coaches and affiliated organizations. He served on the United Soccer Coaches Board of Directors, becoming President of the Association in 2012. He was also a member of the United Soccer Coaches Board of Governors Advisory Council.
“I have been blessed to be a member of United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) since 1983,” Polson said. “It has educated me, it has shaped me, and it has supported me. Through the years, I have been provided with so many opportunities to serve our association and our sport. I’ve done it simply to give back for all I have received.
To receive the Honor Award is the highlight of my career. What an incredible honor to join such an amazing group of men and women. When I think of those previous recipients, I am humbled beyond words.
I am so grateful to my mentors, my soccer friends, and most importantly my wife Susan, and my children, Megan and Ralph III. They have allowed me to chase my dreams in soccer.”
His administrative leadership spans multiple committee roles. He joined the NSCAA All-America Committee in 1995 as South Region Chair. From 2001 to 2014, Polson was the NSCAA Division I All-America Committee National Chairman and South Region Chairman, eventually serving as the overall Chair for the national Collegiate Men’s All-America Committee. From 2022 to 2025, he served as National Administrator for the Senior College Men’s and Women’s All-America Committee within United Soccer Coaches, managing the All-America voting process across NCAA Division I, II, and III for men and women. He served on the United Soccer Coaches Awards Committee/Council from 2018 to 2026.
“This year’s recipient of the United Soccer Coaches Honor Award, Ralph Polson, recognizes a true servant of the association and the game.” said United Soccer Coaches President Paul Payne. “Ralph’s passion and commitment to the association stands second to none and embodies the best in coaching, on and off the field. He has served the association in so many roles, including President, and has done so while asking nothing in return. A multiple major award winner, Ralph continues to serve the association. We are fortunate to have him lead the way as an example of what a true leader is. My heartfelt congratulations to Ralph.”
Additionally, Polson supervised the voting process for the MAC Hermann Trophy Committee with the Missouri Athletic Club starting in 2013. He currently is an active member of the MAC Hermann Trophy Committee. He is responsible for collaborating with NISOA to create the MAC Hermann Golden Whistle Award to recognize the top referee in collegiate soccer. A NISOA member since 2019, has officiated more than 250 college games across all divisions.
Polson, a 38-year veteran of collegiate coaching, has been a member of the United Soccer Coaches Foundation since 2018 and currently serves as its Secretary, as well as Chair of the Awards Committee and the Grants and Scholarships Committee. He also belongs to the “Red Aprons,” a group of long-time members of United Soccer Coaches who have exhibited outstanding dedication, commitment and passion for the association and the sport of soccer and serve at the annual convention.