Congratulations to the 2011 Winner who receives a $7,500 academic scholarship.
CHRISTIAN METZLER – WOODBRIDGE, VA
Christian Metzler is among the top goalkeepers in the state of Virginia leading his team to a winning season and a spot on the All-State Team. It is easy to see why Christian is known for his ability as a talented soccer player, excellent student and a compassionate mentor, rather than his disability, as he was born with just one leg. Watch his inspirational video!
Runners-Up
Congratulations to the Runners-Up who each receive a $2,500 academic scholarship.
TARA MCNAUGHT – LAKEWOOD, CA
Tara is a normal teen that must do the extraordinary every day as she goes through hours of breathing treatments and medication, and endures a special diet, to combat her Cystic Fibrosis and CF-related diabetes.
HUMBERTO ALVAREZ – MEDFORD, OR
Humberto, a terrific soccer player who had extraordinarily made the Far West Region IV ODP team, had to sit this season out while he recovered from surgery – surgery to donate marrow to his five year old brother Marco, who was stricken with Lymphoma.
MICHAEL COOPER – BLACKWOOD, NJ
Michael excels in school, on the soccer field, and within his community. It’s hard to believe that he does all of this while battling Crohn’s Disease. His disease, often making him feel sick and fatigued, doesn’t stop him from assisting his autistic brothers with their daily activities, and supporting the local soccer clubs by donating his time.
Fan Favorite
Congratulations to the Fan Favorites who each receive a $2,000 academic scholarship.
ERIK ARSENAULT – LAKE WORTH, FL
At the age of 12, it was discovered that Erik had a tumor on his spine that eventually required removal surgeries. After the tumor was removed and replaced with metal rods, Erik found himself working hard to get used to his new body. Throughout his recovery he continued to volunteer with the AYSO teams that have been such a big part of his life. Watch his inspirational video!
MARITZA VALDESPINO – HOUSTON, TX
Maritza is a familiar face within her community. Having been nicknamed “Robot”, it isn’t surprising to see the list of extra curricular activities she is involved in. What is surprising is the area in which she works so hard to help. Having already made a lasting impression on her school, there is no doubt Maritza is inspirational. Watch her inspirational video!
Finalists
Congratulations to the Finalists who each receive a $1,000 academic scholarship.
BECCA LIDVALL – LAKEWOOD, CO
Becca Lidvall holds her family together with her passion for soccer. When her father, and biggest fan, Dave, suffered a stroke last year, the family found happiness and stability once again through the sport, as Becca has worked for years to empower her two older brother’s with special needs through the The Outreach Program for Soccer. Watch her inspirational video!
LAUREN LUKE – MUKILTEO, WA
Lauren was taken from her biological parents at the age of two, and shuffled between five foster homes before the age of five. She was adopted by the Luke family, and has since flourished, providing inspiration to everyone around her. In the news…
BROCK MARVIN – ELIZABETHTOWN, NY
In April of 2008, the healthy Brock endured a massive heart attack, which left his heart pumping at 7 percent capacity. He was put on a transplant list, and was given a new heart, and a new lease on life, in December of 2010.
GAELA NORMILE – VIRGINIA BEACH, VA
After the tragic loss of her youngest sibling, Gaela Normile didn’t waste any time making an impact on her community on behalf of her fallen brother. She sets a great example for her family by staying positive. Raising money for other grieving families in a time of need is only one example of the impression Gaela has already made. Watch her inspirational video!
SAM PORTER - GRESHAM, OR
Sam Porter may live away from her mother and at times been without a father due to his battles with addiction, crime and homelessness, but she has found stability in her passion for the sport of soccer, which she now shares with other young women as a volunteer coach. Watch her inspirational video!
GONZALO VASQUEZ – OKLAHOMA CITY, OK
From an impoverished and gang-filled area in Oklahoma City, Gonzalo has overcome stereotypes and peer pressure to become a role model for the young men and women in his area. He is a leader on and off the field as a captain for his soccer team while he excels in the classroom, volunteers in his community and works part time to support his family. Watch his inspirational video!
