soccer and shows it by his actions of great coaching. He is a coach that truly lives for the development of his players, while making sure they enjoy the game as much as he does.
Affiliates. “We as an organization, couldn’t be prouder and happier to have him as our inaugural National Coach of the Year.” AYSO United is not only a soccer club for Player Development, it is one that prides itself on the continual education of their vast number of coaches. With United programs across the country, local coaches of each United club join a larger network that encourages sharing knowledge and coaching ideas. Hollar is glad to be united with this network.
This connection to the national network is spearheaded by Ed Alameda. Alameda is responsible for the growth and development of the more than 30 teams, ranging from Flagstaff to Tucson, Arizona. From day one of AYSO United Arizona’s inception, he knew he had a great opportunity to nurture an environment where both his players and coaches can prosper. Alameda’s positive leadership has been highlighted before, being the catalyst to Arizona’s Gage White’s Successful Return to Club Soccer. So, it comes as no surprise that this training location has another great success story with Michael Hollar.
“The bigger picture is that it’s more about the kids than it is about us. You kind of got to set your ego aside sometimes." “We are all united, we all wear the same uniform, all our kids are learning the same criteria, coaches are trained the same way - it’s much more cohesive, I love it. It’s a great structure behind us,” said Hollar. “It’s nice to have a big organization behind you to give you support - someone you can always talk to and bounce things off of.” AYSO.org
With the spotlight on him, moments after being announced as the Coach of the Year, his humility is unwavering. He’s asked if he has something he would like to share with his fellow coaches what they should be doing out on the pitch. With the Coach of the Year trophy in hand, an endearing smile on his face, Hollar departs with time tested coaching wisdom unto his AYSO United colleagues. “The bigger picture is that it’s more about the kids than it is about us. You kind of got to set your ego aside sometimes. It’s not about wins and losses, it is about the kids’ experience and helping them develop and enjoy the game and hopefully - play for a very long time.”
“We believe Coach Hollar’s leadership, demeanor and attitude make him the perfect coach to represent not only Arizona but AYSO United nationally,” said Ed Alameda, AYSO United Arizona Director of Coaching. Beyond the help of the national network, none of this would have been possible without Hollar’s life of passion to action. He is passionate about the sport of PLAYSOCCER
21