The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association (CJSA) is proud to announce its 2025 annual award winners, who will be recognized during the CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner at the Bristol DoubleTree by Hilton on Friday, February 27th. The evening will bring together players, coaches, referees, administrators, volunteers, and supporters from across the state to celebrate the individuals and teams who continue to make a lasting impact on youth soccer in Connecticut.
“The Connecticut Junior Soccer Association Awards Dinner is our opportunity to celebrate the people who make youth soccer in our state so special,” said Josh Krusewski, Executive Director of the Connecticut Junior Soccer Association. “From referees and administrators to coaches, teams, and players, we recognize the dedication, leadership, and passion that help our game thrive throughout Connecticut.”
Each year, the President’s Awards Dinner shines a spotlight on the people behind the game. The event honors those individuals who lead, teach, mentor, officiate, and serve their communities to help young athletes grow both on and off the field. From recreation programs to competitive play and TOPSoccer, these award recipients represent the very best of CJSA and the spirit of the soccer community statewide.
2025 CJSA Annual Award Winners
- CJSA Administrator of the Year: Peter Cicolini
- CJSA Volunteer of the Year: Jason Partenza
- CJSA Coed Recreation Coach of the Year: Justin Zizik
- CJSA Boys Recreation Coach of the Year: Vinny Piscitelli
- CJSA Tommy Leahy TOPSoccer® Buddy of the Year: Rayna Esch
- CJSA TOPSoccer® Coach of the Year: Jeff Gallagher
- CJSA TOPSoccer Volunteer of the Year: Stephen Kish
- CJSA TOPSoccer Athlete of the Year: Michael Galbicsek Jr.
- CJSA Boys Competitive Coach of the Year: Peter Lepak
- CJSA Girls Competitive Coach of the Year: Luigi Guerrera
- PRIME Hydration ODP Female Player of the Year: Emily McKelvey
- PRIME Hydration ODP Male Player of the Year: Max Gadarowski
- CJSA Youth Female Referee of the Year: Penelope Harrold
- CJSA Youth Male Referee of the Year: Luke Kalke
- Mark Wollman Referee of the Year Award: Scott Singerman
- Special Recognition: Randy Gage
- Special Recognition (USYS Presidents Cup): Wethersfield 15U Girls
- Special Recognition (USYS Presidents Cup): Naugatuck 14U Girls
CJSA is also honored to welcome Kari Seitz as the featured guest speaker for the 2026 Annual President’s Awards Dinner. Seitz is one of the most distinguished figures in international soccer officiating, having made history as the most experienced female referee in the world. Over her remarkable career, she officiated at four FIFA Women’s World Cups and multiple Olympic Games, representing U.S. refereeing at the highest levels of the sport. Beyond her on-field achievements, the National Soccer Hall of Famer has continued to shape the future of the game through leadership roles focused on referee development and empowerment worldwide, making her insights especially inspiring for all members of the soccer community.
Members and supporters across CJSA are invited to join us for this special evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, leadership, and the continued growth of the game across Connecticut. Seats for the CJSA Annual President’s Awards Dinner are available in a variety of packages, and tickets for this signature CJSA event can be purchased now online.
