Shane’s Story: A Coach, A Volunteer, A Champion for Youth Soccer
Indiana Soccer Rec Coach of the Year Award
For Shane, soccer has always been more than just a game—it’s been a lifelong connection to community, family, and growth. His journey began in the 1980s, playing in his local parks department league as a kid. Between the ages of 10 and 13, he took the next step, joining a traveling team to develop his love for the sport further. But when high school arrived, his school system lacked a soccer team, leading him to switch gears and play golf to earn his varsity letter.
Fast forward to today, and Shane is fully immersed in the Indiana youth soccer scene. He currently serves as an assistant coach for the Huntington United FC White 12U team, under Coach Jeremy Steele, and will also coach two recreational teams for Fort Wayne Sport Club (FWSC) during the summer session.
A Passion for Volunteering
Shane has been volunteering as a soccer coach since 2018 with Roanoke Youth Soccer. When Fort Wayne Sport Club took over league management in 2022, Shane stepped up even further, helping with field setup, league planning, and coaching both of his kids’ teams.
“It’s been a blessing,” he says. “The club’s willingness to take over and improve the level of soccer in Roanoke has truly made a difference in our community.”
A Family Affair
Shane shares his love of soccer with his two children. His daughter, Tayteum (14), has been playing since the age of four and now represents the Crestview Cougars middle school team. His son, Kash (10), also started young and currently plays for Huntington United FC’s 12U team.
Why He Got Involved
Like many parent volunteers, Shane’s coaching journey began with a simple need: someone had to step up. That someone turned out to be him—thanks in part to the encouragement of John Nelson, who previously led the Roanoke league.
“John talked me into coaching and supported me during my first year. I never would have started coaching without his encouragement.”
Vision for Youth Soccer
Shane believes in creating a fun, developmentally appropriate environment for young players. “It’s not just about winning,” he emphasizes. “It’s about building skills and falling in love with the game.”
He also sees parents and coaches as critical partners in this mission. “Parents need to spend more time outside with their kids, just kicking the ball around and encouraging them to work on skills outside of practice.”
On Referee Abuse
Shane is also deeply concerned about the increasing issue of referee abuse. “It’s a serious problem in all sports. Without refs, there are no games. We’re losing good referees because of the verbal abuse they take—and that needs to change.”
Volunteering: A Worthwhile Journey
His message to those considering getting involved? “Do it. It’s worth it in the long run. You get to look back and see how the kids have grown—not just as players, but as people.”
Recognition That Matters
When Shane was invited to attend a banquet and found out he was receiving an award for his efforts, he was caught completely off guard. “It means more to me than I can express with words,” he says. “I didn’t even know the award existed.”
A Message to Indiana Soccer
“Thank you, Indiana Soccer, for all that you do for the kids and for the game. Keep doing what you’re doing—it matters.”