Santy Duarte honored as New Jersey Youth Soccer’s Recreation Coach of the Year

East Windsor, N.J. ― New Jersey Youth Soccer continues its virtual celebration of the 33rd Annual NJYS Awards Presented by RWJBarnabas Health today, officially announcing Santy Duarte as the 2020 NJYS Recreation Coach of the Year.

In addition to receiving a plaque, Duarte also participated in an exclusive interview by New Jersey native Carli Lloyd, who is an NJYS Ambassador and a two-time FIFA World Player of the Year.

“I am incredibly honored to receive this award from New Jersey Youth Soccer,” said Duarte. “However, this would not be possible without the support of the parents and coaches of the Suburban Youth Soccer League of NJ, but especially, the girls who apply the knowledge we give them onto the field.”

A native of Honduras, Duarte is currently the head coach for Bound Brook Recreation Soccer’s 13U Lady Eagles team. Within her coaching philosophy, Duarte recognizes the importance of fundamentals and fully understanding them. Additionally, she constantly reminds her players that teamwork, not individual achievement, is most critical to success. Under her direction, the 13U Lady Eagles have heeded all of these valuable lessons, which has resulted in a stellar record for the program and multiple championships in the Suburban Youth Soccer League of NJ (SYSL NJ). Duarte also realizes that life extends outside of the field and ensures her players that on-the-field lessons translate to everyday life.

Duarte is an ideal role model for the youth players, parents and volunteers of SYSL NJ. Her focus on respect, sportsmanship and having fun are all key characteristics needed in any impactful recreation coach.