KANSAS CITY, Mo. (Oct. 31, 2025) – The United Soccer Coaches Foundation announced Thursday Ralph Polson has been selected as its 2025 William Holleman Award for Meritorious Service. Polson will be honored at the annual Foundation Reception on Thursday, January 15, 2026, in conjunction with the association's 85th annual convention in Philadelphia, PA. 

Established in 2018, the award recognizes an individual or organization that embodies the mission and vision of the Foundation, demonstrates philanthropy by paying it forward through time and monetary giving, and has gone above and beyond to help the Foundation's philanthropic works. It is named in honor of Bill Holleman, who first envisioned the concept of the foundation and helped organize and establish the organization's charitable arm in 2003. 

 "Ralph Polson epitomizes the true meaning of explementary service," said Foundation President Jeff Vennell. "He has for years served the NSCAA/United Soccer Coaches, including serving as President and chairing the All-America Committee since 2002. As the current Foundation Secretary, Ralph administers the Foundation's awards programs – no easy task leading the awards committee in evaluating over 100 applications each year. He also administers the Foundation's For The Good of the Game Fund that supports soccer program needs following natural disasters. His recognition as this year's Holleman recipient is a tribute to his work ethic and willingness to take on any task."

A member of the association since 1983, Polson is a distinguished soccer coach and leader with a career spanning over four decades in collegiate athletics.

He served as Head Coach for the Wofford College men's soccer team from 2008-18. He earned Southern Conference Coach of the Year and NSCAA South Region NCAA Division I Coach of the Year in 2009, after leading the Terriers to their first ever Southern Conference title and a trip to the NCAA tournament. Prior to Wofford, Polson contributed as Associate Head Coach at the College of Charleston, where the team won the Southern Conference Tournament and advanced to the NCAA Division I National Championships in 2004. Polson led Presbyterian College Men's Soccer team from 1983 to 2000, achieving an impressive 196-104-26. His coaching journey began as an assistant at Erskine College in 1979 and 1982.

Beyond coaching, Polson has demonstrated exceptional leadership in soccer organizations. He served on the Executive Committee of United Soccer Coaches (formerly NSCAA) from 2008-13, including a term as President in 2012. He currently acts as National Administrator for the Senior College Men's and Women's All-America Committee and previously chaired the Senior College Men's All-America Committee. Polson's influence extends to the Missouri Athletic Club Hermann Trophy Committee and various United Soccer Coaches councils and foundations.

United Soccer Coaches has recognized Polson over the years. He was awarded a Letter of Commendation in 2016, the Bill Jeffrey Award in 2018, and recently in 2024 with the CEO Award.

Polson is also a certified NISOA referee, having officiated over 200 collegiate games since 2019. He has received numerous honors, including induction into the Erskine College, Greer High School, and South Carolina Youth Soccer Association Halls of Fame. His legacy is marked by a commitment to excellence, mentorship, and the advancement of collegiate soccer.

"I am humbled to be recognized as this year's recipient of the Holleman Award," Polson said. "I have enjoyed my service to the Foundation, and it means a great deal that the Foundation board felt my body of work was worthy of this prestigious award. I am excited to know my name will be listed among some of the most amazing people I have had the pleasure of working with."

Article via unitedsoccercoaches.org.

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