As the volunteer coach of the “El Toro”U-13 Boys team from Mt. Tabor Soccer Club in Portland, Oregon, Terry Gentry personifies the ideal recreational coach.  His endorsements from parents and peers all cite his skill as a teacher of soccer, his strong example of sportsmanship to players and parents alike, and his ability to make the sport fun for all of his players, gifted and-not so-gifted alike. Teamwork and citizenship take precedence over winning on Terry’s team, and he presents a truly positive role model for his players encouraging poise under pressure, and a commitment to team and community.  Terry truly cares about each of his players, and makes a special point of praising small successes as well as big ones.  Terry recognizes the importance of including his parents in the “team attitude” circle and stresses positive conduct with them as well, no matter how the game is going.

Region IV is pleased to nominate Terry Gentry for the title of U.S. Youth Soccer’s  2006 Boys Coach of the Year.

Described by those around him as a “soft-spoken motivator who gets fantastic results,” Idaho coach Mat Henbest, has been named Region IV’s 2006 Girls Coach of the Year. Holding a National “B” license, Mat has coached at almost every level of youth soccer in Idaho.  With nine years of involvement in Idaho’s youth soccer community, Mat is currently the head coach of the Boise Blast U-15 Girls team. He is also the club’s vice president, and their scholarship chairman where he works to make the game more affordable for kids.  In addition, Mat is the varsity Girls coach at Timberline High School in Boise where he can boast two state championships.  He is also a teacher there. Mat is most notably recognized by peers, players, referees and parents for his tremendous attitude of sportsmanship and his great way of encouraging his players to pursue excellence in the sport.

Region IV is pleased to nominate Mat Henbest for the title of U.S. Youth Soccer’s 2006 Girls Coach of the Year.