WASHINGTON- DC Soccer Club held its Annual General Meeting on Wednesday. 

The night started with a vote to approve the Board of Directors for the upcoming year. The 2023 Board members will be Zainab Schwartz, Erin Harcourt, Ken Clark, Chris Bell, Giles Coates

Dawn O’Connell, Tori Robinson, Michael Sriqui, and Dave Wakeman. Zainab Schwartz, the current Chairwomen, thanked Grace O’Toole and Kelle Bevine for their years of service and dedication to the players and families of DC Soccer. Grace O’Toole and Kelle Bevine will be ending their terms as members of the Board of Directors. 

Nine honorees were recognized for their service to DC Soccer Club and the DC Community.  Bob Stowers, a coach, teacher, friend, and administrator at Jelleff Recreation Center and an integral supporter of the DC Soccer Club for many years, was the first honoree. Khaled Hamami, the Technical Director for DC Soccer presented this award and noted Bob's dedication to the youth of our community. 

Kelle Bevine was presented with an Honor Award by Zainab Schwartz. Bevine most recently served as a member of the Board of Directors but has been involved with the club in different capacities spanning 15 years. 

Cara Hilliard, DC Soccer Club’s current Registrar, presented an Honor Award to Jennifer Gootman, former Executive Director of DC Soccer Club. Hilliard emphasized that Gootman has been “hands-on” and is “always there when you need her.” 

Another Honoree was then recognized for their dedication to the club. Walt Anderson was presented with an award by the club’s outgoing Director of Operations, Justin Wilt. Anderson has served DC Soccer Club managing the club’s referees. 

Nick Papadis, the Director of Events and Tournaments for DC Soccer Club, presented Pharis Owens with an honor award. Pharis, a former player and staff member of DC Soccer Club, currently with the D.C. Department of Parks and Recreation, was regarded as a great asset to the club and by Papadis as a “wonderful friend.” Owens regarded DC Soccer as the “club that he believes in.” 

Current travel coach for DC Soccer Club, Mavis Danso, was presented an Honor Award by Khaled Hamami. Hamami regarded Danso as someone who “is constantly willing to help without having to be asked” and who “has a passion for soccer.” 

Finally, Justin Wilt our current Director of Operations, and longtime Director of the Recreation Program, was honored by Jennifer Werth, the club’s Office Administrator. Werth said Wilt is “organized, detail-oriented, and cares deeply about the kids who are part of our club.” 

Some honorees were not present at the meeting. Eric Hoy and the Cohen Family are also recognized for their dedication and support for the club. The DC Soccer Honors Award will be given annually, with our staff and members nominating deserving members of our club and community. 

Executive Director of DC Soccer Club, Greg Andrulis says, “DC Soccer has a significant history of serving players and families alike. We are fortunate that so many great community-minded people have been part of this incredible journey. The DC Soccer Honors Awards are our humble way of thanking some of those fantastic people who have had and continue to have, such a positive impact on the lives and communities we serve. Our sincerest thank you!”

DC Soccer Club extends congratulations to all of the Honorees and, thanks to everyone who was able to attend this event.