Kyle Hicks Memorial Award Recipients

May 29, 2025
Arlington Police Department

On May 29, 2025, the Kyle Hicks Memorial Fund partnered with the Arlington Police Department to recognize five outstanding officers who are further serving their communities by volunteering during their off duty hours.


The men and women in blue work their shifts and keep us safe. Afterwards, they go back into the communities and make them better for all.


The following Arlington Police Officers were presented with the Kyle Hicks Memorial Award, along with a combined check
in the amount of $2500. Each officer will be allocated $500 to go towards their program.


THANK YOU, Arlington Police Department.

Officer Cody Adams

Officer Adams is currently assigned as the North District Community Engagement Officer. He has taken on the extra duty of doing Car Seat installations
and inspections for families in need. Cody also assists at a local AISD Elementary School to help with bikes and bicycle safety.

Officer Jonathan Crocker

Officer Crocker is currently assigned as a Crash Investigator in the APD Traffic Unit. He has taken on the role as a
Coach 5-0 Assistant Coach for the Martin High School Girls Soccer team. Jon attends practice and provides mentoring and encouragement during the season.

Officer Christopher Holder

Officer Holder is currently assigned to the APD / AISD Hometown Recruiting Program and is the lead coordinator.
He also teaches an academy-like class at the AISD where students can prepare for a future career in Law Enforcement.

Officer Thomas McLeod

Officer McLeod is a School Resource Officer currently assisting his unit as an acting Sergeant. He is the lead coordinator for
the APD Cadet program where students can volunteer to assist the police department. Thomas takes one evening a week to teach and train the Cadets.

Officer Carla Stauser

Officer Stauser is a 30-year veteran with the Arlington Police Department. She is the Chairperson for Santa Cops.
The APD Santa Cops program partners with the Arlington ISD Title 1 schools to make sure families in need have a Christmas.
May 11, 2025
North Texas Referees / First Responders

On May 11, 2025 – at the Fort Worth Cowtown Classic Tournament 

We were proud to recognize an outstanding group of referees who also serve in their communities as first responders.

Referees that serve/work as a Police Officer, Nurse, Educator or chose to be a stay-at-home mom.

These 11 individuals are making a positive difference in their communities. They are loved, respected, and appreciated by many. It brought us great joy to gather and applaud them.

Thank you all for making a positive difference, working hard and serving so many with a smile.

Matt Barrientez – 14-year referee, Police Officer Grand Prairie Police 7 years.
Matt is an incredible referee, bringing professionalism and a solid work ethic for years on the soccer fields. Now he keeps the Grand Prairie communities safe.
Matt volunteers in charity events that honor our fallen heroes. Matt approaches being a police officer with the utmost professionalism, integrity, and dedication to the service of others. 

Noe Bernabe – 9-year referee, TCU Graduate – earning a degree in Criminal Justice.
Noe is one of the most positive role models, always encouraging the newest referees, sharing valuable feedback that inspires others to do their best.
Noe currently serves the Fort Worth community as a Civilian Response Specialist – he works in partnership with the Fort Worth Police Department to help
maintain a safe, peaceful community by providing excellent police services dedicated to the highest standards of ethics and integrity. 

Marcus DeBruno – 27-year referee, Police Officer Grapevine Police Department.
Marcus loves being a police officer. He is now taking on the additional responsibility of being a training officer.
He takes the initiative to obtain special training and certification to allow him to do the ATV patrol along the Grapevine Lake trails.
As busy as he is, he still finds time to enforce the laws of the game on the pitch.

George Estrada – 12-year referee / (George's wife Areli is a stay-at-home Mom)

George received this award because of his solid work ethic. He married his high school sweetheart, Areli. They have 3 beautiful children.
Areli is blessed to stay at home to be with the kids. After the birth of their first child, George, and Areli, felt it was very important for their family that Areli stay home.
Three kids later, their family thrives from both their hard work. 

Britany Hollis – 1st year referee, Nurse
Britany is an ER Nurse. She shows immense compassion as a referee and nurse. She gives to her community with endless energy and commitment
and ideas to continue to grow and develop youth soccer. She gives her whole heart to everything she does. 

Trent McColly – 30-year referee, Assistant Principal Woodrow Wilson HS.
Trent is a leader whose infectious positive attitude and servant leadership continue to make profound impact on every one he encounters.
Trent brings unmatched energy and dedication to the students and staff he serves daily. Juniors at the high school recently were asked, in three words, describe Mr. McColly.
Some of the words were – caring, supportive, friendly, kind, engaging, “Mr. McColly offers a presence we can count on."

Kelly McLean – 20-year referee, Stay-at-home Mom
After Kelly’s 3 sons were born. She stayed home with them. She enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom. She volunteered in their schools.
When 2 of her sons were old enough, they started refereeing together. Kelly has continued her referee career with much success and can be seen on the field with
7-year-olds one weekend, and in a college stadium the next. She is a volunteer with North Texas Soccer – FORCE Program.
She is very active in her church, heading to Peru this June for a mission’s trip.

Mike Moore – 2-year referee, high school teacher Haltom HS.
Mike has been teaching for 28 years. He has coached girls soccer, volleyball, basketball and softball. He spends the first 10 days of summer break
grading the National AP exam. On top of his endless hours at school, Mike is a loving husband, father of two beautiful girls. He volunteers at church.
Mike brings a lot of positivity, hard work and sets a great example as a referee, helping to usher in the newest referees. 

Monica Moreno – 6-year referee, Social Service Specialist FWISD.
Monica is a pillar in the Fort Worth Youth Soccer Program. She is site coordinator and helps with "Diane’s Kids", which brings soccer to young kids with disabilities.
She serves with a smile and dedication to give the program her best. For FWISD, she is a voice for many. She is an advocate for those who needs some extra kindness, representation.
Monica gets things done and she loves helping others. 

Valerie Solis – 10-year referees, First year teacher/soccer coach at Arlington Martin HS

Valerie is constantly finding creative ways to help her students succeed in the classroom, on the field and in life. She enjoys teaching, coaching, and refereeing and spreads positivity through her actions.
My initial reaction to seeing Valerie shine in the coaching role, I thought, these young girls are blessed to have someone that cares so much about them
and wants them to thrive in their lives. What a role model Valerie is to so many. They are blessed to have her as a teacher/coach.

Michele Watson – Nurse for 58 years.
Michele has been saving lives for 58 years, running the ER Nurse Program, coaching and inspiring hundreds of nurses. She loved it so much it inspired here daughter to follow in her footsteps.
Michele has been volunteering for Wichita Falls Soccer for decades and is so positive. She has encouraged and motivated hundreds of referees in Wichita Falls.
She is a pillar in the Wichita Falls community on and off the fields. What an inspiration to so many. Saving lives, encouraging young people to be their best - referees and nurses. An amazing career!
April 12, 2025
Waxahachie Soccer Coaches

Look at the impact YOU are making.

Reoccurring words – positive, kind, motivating, encouraging, supportive, making players feel valued.
Helping to shape young people into respectful, confident, hardworking individuals. The role of the coach is so important.

It’s our joy to be able to recognize and celebrate your role in the community through our son’s foundation.

I’m so glad the parents took the time to tell you how important and appreciated you are.

Coach Miguel Barbosa

U5 Knights

Coach Miguel leads by example, demonstrating patience, enthusiasm, and a deep respect for the kids and their families.
He creates a fun, supportive, and safe environment where every player feels valued, encouraged and excited to participate.

Coach Rafael Busato

U4 Hippos

Coach Busato works wonders with 3–4-year-olds. He understands that it takes time for these young minds to grasp the fundamentals of the games and is willing to repeat instructions and demonstrate techniques multiple times without showing frustration. – Coach Busato is GREAT!

Coach Busato was unable to attend (he was coaching a game) so his wife, Lauren, accepted the award on his behalf.

Coach Mark Campos

U9 War Hawks

Coach Mark has done so much for our kids on and off the fields. We have played in several tournaments, have had 2 end of the year banquets at Daver & Busters, participated in 2 parades have done two hand-to-hand player walk outs with FC Dallas and Austin FC. Coach Mark is very thoughtful and shows great respect for our players.

Coach Brian Dobbins

U8 Raptors

He spends time learning and watching new drills to help the boys. He always checks on the kids when they are sick.
There have been times when he holds practice at an indoor facility (at his cost) because it was too cold. Coach Dobbins is
a blessing in our lives. He makes playing soccer enjoyable for my son. My son is a better kid on and off the field because of Coach Brian.

Coach John Davis

U4 Dragons

Our kids have grown in character and sportsmanship. Coach John emphasizes the importance of teamwork, discipline and respect – instilling these values in every player. He fosters a positive and nurturing environment where players feel valued and motivated to excel. He is so patient, and the kids love him!

Coach Jason Honrud

U8 Pink Panthers

In addition to being great with kids, Jason does a great job communicating with parents. This makes a huge difference, so we are all on the same page and know what is expected. Coach Jason is great with the players, very positive. He has so much patience, he is motivating and uplifting with our girls, win or lose. He is always positive and helps the girls grow into respectful young ladies.

Coach Brandon Magri

U13 Fury

He consistently shows up for his team, holding practices regardless of how many attend. He created a “player” of the game incentive award for the player who shows the most effort and improvement for the game. He volunteers countless hours. He is patient, kind and coaches in a positive way.

Coach Gerson Mendoza

U6 Thunder Cats

Coach GR focuses on developing players. His practices are fun and engaging. He speaks to the children in a respectful, caring way. He always models appropriate sideline behavior. He cultivates teamwork and resilience while making everything fun for the kids. He brings the fun, knowledge and love of soccer to every game and practice.

Coach Danny Ruiz

U11 Ballers

Coach Danny is a mentor and a source of inspiration. He creates a positive and supportive environment where players feel encouraged to push themselves, while also having fun. Coach offers constructive feedback with kindness and respect. Coach Danny instills valuable life lessons, such as teamwork, resilience and perseverance. He is shaping my child into a more confident, disciplined and compassionate person.

Coach Juan Soto

U9 Lady Lions

Coach Soto uses out of the box methods like parent vs player games, unique skill games and led tournaments like Monster Mash, where the girls dressed up like 101 dalmatians. He has fun rewards for the girls, pizza and ice cream parties throughout the season. His ability to retain his players season after season speaks volumes on his coaching ability.

October 19, 2024
Fort Worth Youth Soccer Coaches

Thank you for all that you do in the Fort Worth Soccer Community.

Coach Alexis Dujan

B11 Tiger Owls

Awesome communicator, organized. All about the players – genuinely concerned with their well being and player development. He instills valuable life lessons – teamwork, discipline and perseverance. Connects with each player individually, making sure they feel valued and supported. 

Coach Brendan Fenno

FC Hammers

Patient and kind, puts his whole heart into making our boys the best they can be. Makes sure each player is valued and knows their worth. Coach B has the perfect temperament for working with rowdy 9-year-olds. He encourages them to work together, support each other while he remains calm on the touchline.

Coach Ginny Gallagher

G10 Aledo Bearcats

Ginny is such a positive light. We have had a few losses, but Ginny remains positive and upbeat.  Ginny is a remarkable role model for our girls; exemplifying patience and kindness. Ginny ensures that our players understand the rules, positions and strategies. Ginny's approach fosters a positive, encouraging environment – every player feels supported and valued.

Coach Ryan Hoyler

B19 Eagles

Coach Hoyler is on his 6th season. He spends two nights a week on team practices. Win or lose, Coach Hoyler respects the game. He is honorable, respectful, kind and has a servant’s heart.

He doesn’t scream at the referees 😉. He is amazing!

Coach Kerri Kearney

G8 Denver Bearcats

Coach Kerri has been our leader for two years now. She shows grace to the girls, but teaches them to have grit and determination in the game. The confidence she is building is incomparable. She finds each of the girls’ strong suits and helps them thrive, all while still teaching the technique and discipline of the game. She deserves to be celebrated.

Coach Craig Lauck

Celtic Princesses

Coach Craig goes above and beyond for our girls. His calm demeanor and level-headed approach allow the girls to play their best soccer. He makes each girl feel like she is the star of the team. His commitment to our girls is something that will forever change and shape the way they see themselves as individuals and as athletes.

Coach Eusebio Medellin

G11 Devil Dogs

Coach Medellin dedicates his time, patience and love for soccer to our girls. Win or lose, he shows them how to play with skill, heart and passion. He thinks outside the box to keep these girls interested in soccer. Practices are enjoyable and filled with positive energy. Coach Medellin promotes a strong work ethic and is genuinely concerned for the girls, not only as players but their overall well-being and helping them thrive personally.

Coach Gavin Rusling

B11 FC Barcelona

His dedication to the team is evident in every practice and game, where he brings enthusiasm, strategy and a deep understanding of soccer. He builds a cohesive, respectful team environment. Under his guidance, the boys have learned the importance of discipline, hard work and perseverance – qualities that extend far beyond the soccer field. Coach Rusling is a role model, teaching his team to win with humility and lose with grace.

Coach Andrew Supiano

G8 Penguins/G12 Owls

Coach Supiano – soccer coach extraordinaire. Coaches all his daughter’s teams, running 3 separate practices. He is patient, calm, yet competitive. Coach Sup, always encourages the girls to push hard, think smart. He recognizes each player’s individual strengths and their contributions to the team. Coach Sup is always motivating and caring. He teaches them so much more than soccer, like discipline and work ethic.

Coach Keith Tiner

G13 Stars

He reaches above and beyond in leading our girls to be better stewards of the sport, as well as fair play and sportsmanship on and off the field. He is energetic, giving, compassionate and simply an amazing human being. He never coaches his team to win or lose, but to better themselves every time they play. He is an amazing coach and all-around great person.

August 27, 2024
Sophia Gonzalez

Sofia became a referee in 2022. Right out of the gate, she was one of the most reliable, positive referees to join the referee team.
She gives every game her best – serving with a top-notch work ethic and a smile. She quickly improved with each game. I loved how welcoming she was to all our new referees.
I was teaching a clinic to a group of new referees. I was teaching the importance of getting to the goal line. Almost on cue – Sofia displayed the textbook perfect goal kick, and corner kick.
I couldn’t have planned it any better. I said to the students, bring that work ethic, professionalism to every game and you will do very well.

 

Sofia is off at her first year of college. I have no doubt that she is lighting up the campus with her wonderful smile and her “can do” attitude.

 

Thank you, Sofia, for being so awesome!

The Kyle Hicks Memorial Fund's mission is to promote kindness and strong work ethic. We do this by recognizing awesome people that serve in their communities.

The Kyle Hicks Memorial Fund is a non-profit 501C3 organization created to recognize individuals who are making a positive impact on their communities.
Your donation will go towards rewarding those who are living a life of kindness and positivity with a genuine concern for others.