Center Circle
The Walt
DR. JAY MARTIN Member since 1977, Ohio Wesleyan | Soccer Coach Emeritus
5From the Editor is a recurring column in Soccer Journal.
Center Circle has reported on the Walt Chyzowych Award since its inception. The following is the press release that honors this year’ s recipient.
January 10, 2026 – The Walt Chyzowych Fund( WCF), a charitable fund of the United Soccer Coaches Foundation, is delighted to announce that TONY MEOLA was honored at the Walt Chyzowych Fund Annual Award Celebration and Reception during the United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia on Saturday, January 17, 2026, in the Philadelphia Convention Center. The Walt Chyzowych Fund( www. waltlegacy. com) was founded after the Philadelphia soccer legend’ s passing in 1994 to honor his life and legacy as U. S. Men’ s Olympic and National Team Coach and Director of Coaching in the modern formative years of U. S. Soccer. The fund provides coaching education scholarships and grants to aspiring young coaches through its fundraising efforts in partnership with United Soccer Coaches( formerly the NSCAA).
Tony Meola, one of the most recognizable names, faces and voices in U. S. soccer, has a career playing record that includes three World Cups, twice being named a collegiate All-American, a Hermann Trophy as a freshman at the University of Virgina and a MAC Award as a sophomore. Meola was named League MVP of Major League Soccer( MLS), Goalkeeper of the Year and MLS Cup MVP when, in 2000, he led Kansas City to the championship. After his playing career, Meola remained in the game as a coach and mentor prior to a broadcasting career which included commentary during the 2018 World Cup, a Copa America, and MLS broadcasts which continue to this day. Meola also serves as a host of SiriusXM FC, which is dedicated entirely to soccer.
When learning of his selection as a Walt Chyzowych Fund Lifetime Achievement Award honoree, Meola said:“ I am honored and humbled to be recognized by the Walt Chyzowych Fund and United Soccer Coaches Foundation with this Lifetime Achievement Award. Walt Chyzowych was part of my soccer journey during one of the proudest periods of my career when a group of young men, and great teammates, embarked on making history in 1990. Representing the USMNT in our first World Cup in 40 years was a dream come true for me personally and helped spark a new generation of players and fans of this beautiful game. I accept this award in remembrance of Walt, and on behalf of every teammate and coach I had throughout my career.” n
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