The late Carolyn Jones is known to many as the “mom” of girls soccer in Columbia. She was an original board member of the Soccer Association of Columbia and served as a volunteer with the organization from 1971 until her untimely passing in 2002. Carolyn founded the first all-girls SAC soccer team and sparked the formation of Wilde Lake High School’s girls’ soccer program and the Adult Women’s Soccer League. She coached at all levels, shepherded kids to and from practices and games in her white station wagon, and paved the way for the growth of girls soccer in Howard County.

For 23 years, Jeffrey Loveless has served as a volunteer in every role imaginable with the Howard County Youth Program (HCYP). Before computers did the work, Jeff spent many late nights completing baseball and basketball drafts to ensure teams were put together properly and fairly. Even though his children are now adults, Jeff remains a dedicated HCYP volunteer. From vice president to coach, he epitomizes what it means to be a part of youth sports. 

Dave Procida got his start with the Soccer Association of Columbia as a coach in 1996, soon after his family moved to Columbia. In 1998, Dave joined SAC’s Board of Directors, a position he held until 2007. Dave made his impact with the association, developing team work among disparate sports organizations in the county to achieve mutually beneficial goals; advocating for financial assistance to provide economically disadvantaged children the opportunity to participate in organized soccer; and helping to bring high-quality soccer fields to Howard County at Covenant Park. Most of all, Dave tirelessly promoted good sportsmanship and a love of soccer. “SAC/HC is a place for all to play and a place where anyone who cares can coach,” Dave said.

Bill Shook founded the Columbia Volleyball Club (CVC) in 1985. At the time, there were very few club volleyball programs in the region. Since its inception, the CVC has grown from 25 players and three coaches to an organization that includes over 100 players on 14 teams with 25 coaches. The mission of the club is to improve skills and to instill in its players the values of team play, individual discipline and good work habits. In 1994, Bill left CVC to coach college volleyball. He returned to the organization in 2015 to coach its 17s Eclipse team. The CVC has served as a feeder program to Howard County’s high school state championship volleyball teams.

Since 1995, Allan Waschak has served many roles with Special Olympics of Howard County, including ensuring the group’s financial stability so it can continue to provide athletic opportunities for children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Time after time, Allan stepped up when it looked like the program might become inactive by securing sponsorships and other
funding. Since Allan became fundraising director in 1998, the organization has raised $2.8 million. He has also led the aquatics program since 1995. What started out with eight athletes has grown to include 94 athletes, nine coaches and 34 student volunteers. It is the largest Special Olympics swimming program in the state.  Watching the reaction of Special Olympians and their families gives Allan the incentive to keep the program running.