2012-2013 Hall Of Fame Inductees 

American professional soccer midfielder Megan Rapinoe proudly credits the California Youth Soccer Association for her incredible success in life.

Rapinoe, who currently plays for Olympique Lyonnais in the French League, just garnered the honor of being selected as this year’s CYSA’s Hall of Fame Inductee – a recognition she felt privileged to receive.

“It is such an honor to have been inducted and I am so thankful,” said Rapinoe in an email interview from France. “I still feel I am very young and very much in my career so this came as a surprise to me. But I am very proud to represent CYSA and to have been able to make it to the platform I am at now because of CYSA.”

The 27-year-old athlete, who is a member of the United States Women’s National Soccer Team, helped tie a match against Brazil during the 2011 FIFA Women’s World Cup and assisted the U.S. to win a gold medal in the 2012 Summer Olympics.

Her unique style, perseverance, and commitment to the game developed as a young player in CYSA, she admitted, which prepared her for the future and her success.

“I think California has some of the best soccer in the country and the competition is so strong,” she said. “To have had the opportunity to have grown up in that competitive environment really prepared me and helped shape me for the challenges I was to meet later in my career.”

The competition among women soccer players continues to increase, Rapinoe observed. She suggested to current players that they not “get burned-out at a young age” when it comes to competitive sports or putting an emphasis on one sport. Instead, she advised, enjoy the game.

“I would say to enjoy every day and not be too concerned with what will happen in 10 or 15 years,” she recommended. “Enjoy the game you are playing now and when the time comes, your talent will direct you.”

The blonde-haired midfielder, who once played for the Elk Grove Pride team, also commented on the rise in popularity within the U.S. for the beautiful game. She believes this increase is due to a solid support system.

“From the top down, I think that women’s football is very well funded and encouraged, which allows more girls to play. When they get to be a professional, there is money to be made so we can focus on the sport,” Rapinoe said. “I think that the media and the media coverage of the National Team has been a tremendous help. I think the National Team has always been successful but now everyone knows about it, kids and adults alike, who can watch on TV or on the Internet basically every game that is played.”

Although Rapinoe is individually a successful player, she credits the team as a whole for keeping her grounded. The team environment is “unique and special,” she said, which provides “qualities such as team work, cooperation, patience and compassion being used on a regular basis.” “Being able to travel the world has given me a much less ‘me’ centric view of the world and I quickly learned that I am just one piece in the puzzle of this amazing world,” she said.

Rapinoe’s routine to stay fit involves constant conditioning from the coach for the National Team. She also stated that playing on a regular basis keeps her fit, which is one reason why she plays in France this season. However, she does offer one piece of advice for those who want to be prepared for soccer.

“The best way to be fit for football is to play football,” she advised. Rapinoe’s parents, Jim and Denise Rapinoe, attended the 2013 Hall of Fame ceremony to accept the award for their daughter.

“She would have loved to have been here but she’s in Lyon, France,” Jim Rapinoe said. “We’d like to thank CYSA on her behalf for this award. She would like to congratulate all the winners. We do it for the kids; that’s what it’s all about.”

Stephanie Renee Cox, an American soccer defender and member of the United States women’s national soccer team, sounds energized as she discusses her impressive career on the field. And she has every reason to feel this way. The 27-year-old player, who first planted her boots in California Youth Soccer Association’s Elk Grove Youth Soccer League, is on the brink of delivering her first baby girl with Portland baseball player Brian Cox. No doubt, Cox says nonchalantly, that her daughter will be an athlete. The former Elk Grove United player also just added another accolade to her many already existing highlights – this year’s inductee to CYSA’s Hall of Fame.

“I’m honored to be recognized by CYSA. It makes me reflect on the beginning of my youth career,” Cox says. “I’m so grateful to the club coach and ODP (Olympic Development Player) coaches who taught me a lot and gave me so much that helped me to realize my dream.” Recognized for her achievements and contribution to women’s soccer, Cox began her career playing in the EGYSL, quickly moving to the competitive side by age 12.

She tried out for ODP as a U14 player and credits coach Danny Cruz for his encouragement and his belief in her. From there, she was invited to the State tryouts where, she admits, her career took flight. But the process didn’t come easy.

“It’s intimidating to go out to tryouts. You get a number on your back and do different drills with other girls. Even at the district level, they had us split up; I was center mid on my team and everyone who I played against in the league was also center mid. So I scooted over to the defender position and that’s how I got my start,” she says. “It was intimidating but I thought I’d have a better shot. I can definitely sympathize to making it up the ladder. The process is difficult but I’m fortunate the coaches saw something in me and believed in me.”

Parallel to her time in the club, Cox attended Elk Grove High School where she led her team to garner two league championships.

She won the youth All-American award from NSCAA and was named a Parade Magazine All-American. While at the University of Portland, she started in 23 matches of her freshman year and by 2005, helped her team garner an undefeated record of 23-0-2 and an NCAA Championship.

By 2007, Cox became the youngest player on the U.S. Women’s World Cup team and started every game in China.

“That was pretty amazing. The feeling of getting chosen and picked is pretty cool. You’re competing, it’s not nameless, and you’re focused on becoming a team for the team’s success. It’s a different clarity,” she recalls. “It was definitely awesome when they announced the roster to the World Cup, to know all those years paid off to represent your country.”

Cox, whose favorite women’s soccer player is Japan’s Aya Miyama, is two-footed and known for having a calm demeanor when under pressure. She admits that her strength as a defender set her apart from other players. It was the task of making those around her look good, she said, a skill that coaches prefer to see in a player.

“I think they look at a player who can move up and be an asset, work with different players, and who can set themselves apart from others,” she states confidently. Cox then adds advice for up and coming defenders. “Be patient. The faster you can read the game the quicker you don’t have to deal with situations.”

Cox now lives in Washington State and plans to return to the fields after the birth of her daughter with the help of her friends, family, and husband. When asked what message she would send to the girls playing soccer today, Cox doesn’t hesitate to answer.

“I think it takes a lot of time and sacrifice to be proud of who you are as a player. They should put themselves in situations that are challenging, one that will help them grow, and not take the easy way out,” she states. “If they’re failing, that means they have an opportunity to grow. Most of all, keep their love and passion for the game. That will sustain them throughout their career.”

Cox’s parents, Robin and Cindy Lopez, attended the Hall of Fame dinner in her place.

“On behalf of Stephanie, we’d like to thank all the coaches, parents and volunteers who pour their lives into soccer, Robin Lopez said. “They made it into a wonderful game to watch. She wants to say thank you to everyone.”