2016 Fifer Award for Long-Term Achievement in Colorado High School Soccer

July 13, 2016 French Field, Fort Collins, Colorado

The Fifer Award is presented to a coach who has demonstrated a body of work in high school soccer that is sometimes hard to imagine, let alone accomplish.

Mike has achieved that distinction amassing in over 40 years an impressive range of accomplishments and dedication making the game better for all those who encountered him as a coach, volunteer, player, advocate, administrator, representative of numerous soccer governing bodies, and gentleman.

Mike started his career in Trenton, New Jersey in the sandlots often playing with and against foreign-born players, before playing high school ball and then rep
resenting the United States Air Force Academy on the pitch.

The start of his coaching career coincided with that of being a cadet, coaching his squadron to its first Wing Championship. Over the next 20 years he volunteer coached age groups from 5 years old to U-18’s, not just soccer but softball, volleyball, t-ball, baseball, and basketball, even coaching and playing for adult teams in at least 7 states. He earned recognition as Community Volunteer of the Year in Nebraska for his service. In his efforts to better the game at all levels he also was a soccer referee for 6 years.

After retiring from the Air Force he continued his coaching with Chargers SC (now Pikes Peak SC) and then Pride SC in Colorado Springs earning their COY award taking a U-12 girls developmental team all the way to U-18 Elite status over the next 6 years, retaining many of the same girls over that time, a rare thing in today’s club scene.

When Liberty High School was looking for a coach in 1998 they didn’t need to look far, and a good thing they didn’t. Over the next 14 years he amassed 331 wins with the boys and girls, taking his teams to the State Finals 6 times, with 3 crowned Champions. Liberty soccer teams earned 24 NSCAA Team Academic Awards between them. His players earned 8 National Soccer Coaches Association of America All-American honors, including one National Player of the Year for Academic All-American.

One of the things Mike is most proud of is that 14 of his players, boys and girls, went to and played for his Alma Mater, the United States Air Force Academy.

Mike was recognized over 25 different times as Coach of the Year at the League, State, Regional, and National levels.

Not content to restrict his involvement tocoaching Mike became involved with the CO High School Soccer Coaches Association becoming its longest serving secretary, 12 years. He also developed and maintained the HS records for CO for 12 years, the first high school coaches website, and All-State game set-up. He served on the CHSAA soccer advisory committee and chaired the Boys and Girls High School Soccer playoff seeding committee for 9 years.

When the need for representatives on various NSCAA Committees arose Mike stepped up and chaired the boys and girls All-American State and regional committees, State records maintainer for boys and girls, State boys high school ranking committee, and acted as an NSCAA soccer ambassador. He served on the National Federation of HS soccer rules committee for 11 years. He still serves as the NSCAA girls All-American Region Chair.

Coaches who coached against Mike’s teams know how well prepared they always were, both physically and tactically. His character showed through to his teams as they played intelligently, at a high skill level, and with passion, but always within the rules.

Mike is a gentleman who has represented, and still does, Colorado High School Soccer at the highest level.

We are honored to present this year’s Fifer Award to a most deserving Mike Goyden.

Thank you Mike for your service to Colorado high school soccer.