The Tennessee State Soccer Association (TSSA) recently hosted its 2023 TSSA Annual Awards Dinner, where players, teams, coaches, referees and volunteers were recognized for outstanding performances and contributions to youth soccer in the state.
“TSSA enjoyed an evening together with family and friends of our 2021-2022 Yearly Award Winners,” said Hans Hobson, Chief Operating Officer of the Tennessee State Soccer Association. “The TSSA Board of Directors and Staff presented 10 awards and enjoyed a look at the life and legacy of our guest speaker, Esse Baharmast. It was truly a magical evening.”
Please see below for a full list of the award winners and honorees who were acknowledged at the 2023 TSSA Annual Awards Dinner.
- Boys Competitive Coach of the Year (Male) – John Sintic (NUSA)
- Girls Competitive Coach of the Year (Female) – Enrique Suarez (TSC Murfreesboro)
- Recreation Coach of the Year – Dave Baughman (Kings Hammer Recreation)
- Volunteer of the Year (Sponsored by Soccer Village) – Paul Parkerson (Kings Hammer)
- Administrator of the Year (Sponsored by Publix) – Jinny Baker (Tri Cities)
- TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year – Allison Darnell
- TOPSoccer Buddy of the Year – Kyra Kleparek
- Young Male Referee of the Year – Braden Nye
- Young Female Referee of the Year – Rachel Dollar
- Referee Trail Blazer – Mark Herrington
National Soccer Hall of Fame member Esse Baharmast delivered the keynote address at the TSSA Annual Awards Dinner. Baharmast officiated at multiple FIFA World Cups and at the Olympic Games, and he also served as the Director of Officials for US Soccer. He earned many accolades during his decorated career as a referee, including the National Association of Sports Officials’ Gold Whistle and the US Soccer Federation’s Werner Fricker Builder Award. He also officiated some of the most groundbreaking matches in American soccer history, including the inaugural game of Major League Soccer and the first-ever MLS Cup.
