KANSAS CITY, MO. (November 7, 2024) United Soccer Coaches announced on Thursday the recipients of the association’s 2024 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 Bob Warming (College), Dave Lane (High School), and Tom Turner (Youth) are this year’s honorees.
“Congratulations to Bob Warming, Dave Lane and Tom Turner for their Long-Term Service Awards for their contributions at the college, high school and youth levels respectively,” said Rusty Oglesby, United Soccer Coaches President. “Each coach epitomizes excellence in leadership and longevity, and we are honored to recognize their achievements and thank them for their dedication to United Soccer Coaches and the game.”
The honorees will be presented their awards at the association’s annual United Soccer Coaches Awards Ceremony on January 10, 2025, in conjunction with the association’s 85th annual convention in Chicago, Ill.
Bob Warming, Omaha, NE
Bill Jeffrey College Long-Term Service Award
A United Soccer Coaches member since 1977, Warming left an indelible mark on college soccer, leaving a lasting impact on players, coaches, and the soccer community over four decades. He retired as the head men’s coach at the University of Nebraska-Omaha following the 2021 season, compiling a career record of 485-270-89 (.626) in 44 seasons at eight different institutions (Transylvania University, Berry College, University of North Carolina-Charlotte, Creighton University, Old Dominion University, Saint Louis University, Penn State University and Nebraska-Omaha). Warming guided his teams to 28 conference championships, including back-to-back Big Ten Conference titles at Penn State. He also earned back-to-back Big Ten Coach of the Year honors. He is one of only three other coaches to take two different schools to the NCAA Division I College Cup.
Beyond his coaching accomplishments, Warming has been a dedicated advocate for the sport at the intercollegiate level. He served on various NCAA Division I committees, functioned as a liaison for MLS and US Soccer and played a key role in marketing and promoting collegiate soccer. He was also instrumental in designing the soccer stadiums at Saint Louis and Creighton, solidifying the sport’s importance in each community. Warming received the association’s Certificate of Appreciation in 2017 and its Letter of Commendation in 2018.
Hired as a small college head coach just a year after his playing career at Berea College concluded, Warming’s commitment to coaching education is evident through his creation of the free coaching education website, The Triangle Training Method. He has also been a guest on numerous podcasts and conducted the largest free coaching education seminar in the country.
Dave Lane, Ellicott City, MD
Robert W. Robinson High School Long-Term Service Award
A United Soccer Coaches member for 39 years, Lane has served with distinction on behalf of high school soccer in Maryland throughout his career.
He made significant contributions to Maryland high school soccer, particularly through his involvement with the Maryland Association of Coaches of Soccer (MACS). Lane served in various leadership roles within the organization, including president, vice president and Executive Board member. He was instrumental in organizing and hosting numerous high school soccer events, including the MACS All-State Senior All-Star game and Baltimore County Senior All-Star game.
Lane played a key role in advancing girls high school soccer in Maryland. He successfully advocated for the inclusion of girls soccer programs in the MACS by-laws, ensuring that girls received the same recognition and opportunities as boys. Lane also played a crucial role in securing funding for the first high school artificial turf soccer field in Baltimore County. Additionally, he initiated the recognition of Allied Soccer Programs and Allied High School Spirit of Soccer Awards to honor the contributions of all soccer in the state. For his longtime outstanding service to Maryland high school soccer, Lane was presented with the MACS Colaw Award.
His impact to United Soccer Coaches is far-reaching. Lane has served on various committees, including the NCAA College Cup Hospitality committee, the High School Scholar All-America Committee, and the Convention All-America Registration committee. He has also volunteered at numerous events, such as the NSCAA Booth & Fanfest and the College Cup coaches seminar registration.
Lane previously received the association’s Certificate of Appreciation in 2019.
Dr. Tom Turner, Richmond Heights, OH
Charlotte Moran Youth Long-Term Service Award
A United Soccer Coaches member for 39 years, Tom Turner is a legendary figure in the youth soccer community. His dedication to the sport, passion for coaching education, and his tireless efforts to develop young talent have left an enduring legacy.
Throughout his career, Turner served in various leadership roles at the national and regional levels. He held positions such as Ohio North Technical Director, Ohio Soccer Association Technical Director, and US Youth Soccer boys and girls regional head coach. He was also a member of numerous USYS advisory committees, including the National Coaching committee and actively contributed to US Soccer Coaching Education as an educator developer.
Turner’s commitment to coaching A education is unparalleled. He has delivered over 700 courses and clinics across all levels from Grassroots to licenses. His expertise and engaging teaching style have inspired countless coaches and players, shaping the future of soccer in the United States.
In addition to his coaching and administrative roles, Turner has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the sport. He is a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Tom Fleck Award and the Ron Wigg Award.