I Get A Kick Out Of Soccer!!!!!
Soccer is not just a game to Sergio and his family....
IT'S A WAY OF LIFE!
Sergio Coaches Alyssa's Soccer Team to
CHAMPIONSHIP!!!!
The season of 2006 for Alyssa's Girls Under 16 soccer team started like every other one before it- call a team meeting before practices start. But at this meeting, Sergio had to let the team and the parents know that he has ALS and that his body is going to not work very well as the season goes on. He was going to need a lot of help from not only the players but all the parents too. By the end of the meeting, Sergio had every volunteer slot filled. He had the most generous set of parents and players that a coach could ever ask for.
words from Sergio.....
"In our second game of the season, I felt the ref was calling the game unfairly and that our girls were being cheated on the calls. So after another non-call for my team, I let the ref know what I thought about it. WELL.... the ref turned around and booted me from the game- wheelchair and all! I did get a round of applause from my players and parents. I may have ALS and have to coach from a wheelchair but I will not take bad officiating and I think the league knows that now!"
"After our 2nd lose in our first 3 games, I got the girls together for a talk and showed them the red "Never Give Up" wristband that I (and many of my friends and family) wear. I told them what it meant to me (No matter what- NEVER GIVE UP!!!). I could see at that moment that a few girls had tears in their eyes, I then handed each girl a wristband of there own to wear. After that game, we went on to wine 14 games in a row! During that run, we won the League Championship 3-0 against the #1 team in the league (who, by the way, had won us 5-0 earlier in the season and was also the only team that we had lost to). The girls came off the field VICTORIOUS! They came running up and hugged me and told me that they won it for me which brought tears to my eyes and even the eyes of some of the parents. Nothing could have happen without the amazing help and support of my great friends and wonderful team mom, Cathy Rude and terrific assistant coaches, Bob Julian and Mario Mijangos- They were the best!
We won the Girls Under 16 AYSO Region 37 Championship and Commissioner's Cup 2007!
When my sister asked me to name a few people who helped out this season, I told her that was impossible… There’s just too many to name but I did want to thank a couple of amazing parents and players…
“Jen Thomas, our goal scoring machine, made me look like a professional coach! Chelsie Julian was our defensive stopper, “Nothing gets by this one”! After the 3rd game, and once I put Alyssa in goal, we never lost again. 14 games in a row! Courtney Thornton was the controlling force in the mid-field. Yet, every player did what it took to play the game of soccer at it's best- every single player!
I had so much support from the parents that we ran out of things to volunteer for. AYSO is an all volunteer organization. Before we ever had a practice or meeting, Paul Carmichael, Yovann's dad, sponsored our team with $ 250.00. Each team needs to have 3 certified Refs. I had 5! Paul was on the AYSO Ref staff, but one parent went beyond his duties of refereeing. Greg Campbell, Angela's dad. Cathy Rude, Courtney’s mom was my Team Manager and did a FANTASTIC job as team mom. Scott Nunez, Kristen's dad, and Dutch Thomas, Jen's dad, help set-up and take down the nets every game!
This team was the envy of the league when it came to helping out, especially for the age of the girls. Every year I've been blessed with great kids and parents who become great friends. This is the 2nd team that I've coached that’s won both Commissioners Cup and the League Championship (Frankie's team in 04, and this team in 07). Is that blessed or what?!?.
One thing that really touches my heart is when I would go to field, there are so many kids and parents wearing my red wrist bands. The kids run up to show me that they have them on and if they break or lose them they make sure they get another one.
I can't thank you enough for all the wonderful memories. You all mean so much to me."
Love, Coach Serg
For more pictures of Sergio and the team, click on link below...