Hall of Fame

Each Year Beachside inducts distinguished Alumni or Volunteers into our Hall of Fame.

Our inducted Beachside Hall of Famers ipitemize our club core values to the fullest extent. These individuals believe in our Beachside way, contributed a great deal of their time and effort to Beachside, and continue to be inspirational embassadors of the club to this day. Their genuine care for the club, selfless efforts to help others, and their impact on Beachside will never be forgotten.

We thank you all for your years of service to Beachside. You are all always welcome at Beachside, and will always be apart of our Beachside Family.

Reconnect with the Club

2018 Nicholas Zuniga

My life has always revolved around the Beachside Soccer program from U-12 to U-20. During my time there, I also had the pleasure of playing up an age group, joining my older brother Jake for 1 year as a U17 player.

Beachside helped me develop not only as a soccer player but also, as a young man. Being a forward, it has been said, that I was one of the top goal scorers in Beachside’s history. One of my top achievements was winning the Disney Soccer Showcase in 2010 by scoring 9 goals in just 4 games.

With the help of great teammates and players, I was recognized by the Coaches of the UConn Soccer program, which was ranked the number 1 soccer program at the time. I proceeded to commit to UConn and joined their team in the fall of 2012. Starting as a rotating player for the top team in college soccer was an honor for me in my freshman year. I was able to score my first goal against New Mexico in a tough 2-1 victory in overtime and send my team to the NCAA Quarterfinals. Being recognized as a true leader and respected teammate, I was appointed 1 of 4 in the leadership team starting my Sophomore spring. This sparked my career at UConn where I played from 2012-2017.

2018 Denise Brown

Denise Brown Photo

Denise was hired as a part-time bookkeeper in 2003 to help Beachside Soccer bring their office together. Little did she know that this position would quickly turn into full time, encompassing team registration, office procedures, and administration, along with all the bookkeeping responsibilities.

For the fourteen years working at Beachside, her role behind the scenes allowed Denise to know many families, helping them in various ways as they moved through the program. The tasks at hand were boundless, and through the years the importance of “Success is a Choice” became a motto to follow.

She grew up in Darien and graduated from Darien High School, and received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Arts from Silvermine Guild of The Arts. She was a freelance graphic artist until she married and had her daughter, Vanessa. She also studied bookkeeping and became certified in the field. Denise and her husband Cliff now live in Norwalk.

She was incredibly dedicated to Beachside Soccer and was fortunate to be part of the evolving growth of the club.

2017 Anna Borea

Anna played for Beachside from 2008 to 2013.

Anna prides herself on the countless hours of work and dedication that she put into being the best Center-back player that she could be. Without a doubt, her renowned tough-girl façade was due to her constantly practicing and working with her older brother who was also a Beachside player. From early mornings in the gym with her dad to long tournament trips with mom, Anna continuously pushed herself to succeed.

Anna graduates from Fairfield University and will be taking her LSAT in June before she continues her education in Law School.

Region 1 ODP Team – 2012
Fairfield University Women’s Soccer Team ‘Class of 2017’ Captain – Spring 2016 through Fall 2016

2017 Shane Recklet

Shane played for Beachside from 1999 to 2006.

Shane joined Beachside Soccer Club in 1999 as a U12 player and went on to graduate through the program at U18. Due to Shane’s hard work, commitment, and love for the game, he developed into a standout player for Beachside Soccer and overall one of the best Center-Backs in the state.

After his time with Beachside, Shane excelled as a four-year starter for Division 1 at Quinnipiac University. Shane continued his soccer career after college and went on to play professionally both in Germany & Hungary. Shane contributes his success to the core values he learned and developed while playing at Beachside. Shane has now circled back to the club where he started, as a dedicated coach for our Beachside Premier and Academy Teams.

2016 Kevin Gavey

k_gavey

Kevin Played for Beachside from 2002 through 2010 – joining the club at U12 and played his whole youth premier career at Beachside ending with the men’s super 20 team.

A true competitor who worked extremely hard every single minute he trained or played, Kevin’s unmatched work ethic, athleticism, competitiveness combined with his technical ability with both feet made him one of the best two way players in clubs history.

Consistency was part of his DNA and we could always count on Kevin from practice to practice, and game to game.

He went on to play four years at Brown University – Class of 2013

His Beachside team was Connecticut Open Cup Champion –– Spring 2008

2016 Michael Troy

m_tryoy

 Played for Beachside from 1999 through 2003 – joining the club at U15 and playing through U18.

Michael came in to one of the most talented teams in club’s history and made them much better.

He was a physical, athletic, fast, technical, smart, a complete soccer player.  Michael was offensive minded and scored a lot of goals – including some of the best goals forwards at Beachside have ever scored.  He could change the game at any moment and was a player opponents did not want to play against.

Michael went on the play four years at Fairfield University  – Class of 2007

His Beachside team where Connecticut Open Cup Champions and Region 1 Semi-Finals – Spring 2008

2015 Kyle Martino

 

kyle

Kyle played for Beachside in 1995-96

A Gatorade National Player of the Year for Staples High School Kyle was ACC Player of the Year at University of Virginia and 2002 MLS Rookie of the Year. He had an 8 year career in the MLS with the Columbus Crew and the Los Angeles Galaxy.

Kyle made 8 Appearances for the United States National Team and is currently a Color Commentator for NBC Sports for MLS.

2015 Marcus Tracy

 

Marcus

Marcus Tracy  played for beachside through  2005.

He played for Wake Forest University for 4 years and was awarded the prestigious Hermann Trophy (the equivalent to the Heisman award in football)  which honors college soccer’s best player. This trophy, which is voted on by college coaches, is considered the biggest individual award in Division I soccer.

Marcus made history by becoming the first Wake Forest player to win the award in its 41-year history soccer. He played in 77 games for the Deacons and scored 30 goals in his college career.

In 2007 Marcus was the Most Outstanding Offensive Player of the College Cup, as the Deacons won the school’s first national championship in soccer. In that College Cup he scored both goals in a 2-0 win in the semifinals over Virginia Tech and also scored the tying goal in a 2-1 win over Ohio State in the title game.

2014

The entire
1995-96
U12 Team

First beachside Team 1994

Coach Mickey Kydes, Greg Schultz, Marshall Dee, Brian Dorsey, Alex Ostrowski, Joe Roos, Alex Far, Tyler Hassen, Ben Visnyei, Rich Godomski, Coach Simon Kay,
Will Ethridge, Mike Trofa, Mike Carey, John Mantia, Derek Graser, Manouch Tarzan, Billy Connell
With the U12 Open Cup Trophy.
Not Present: Juan Franck, Scott Goepfert, Mike McEntee, Tom Cerabino

These boys’ work ethic, ability and team spirit set the standard for the future of the club.

2013 Robin Leach


DSC_0347-Edit-2

Robin’s affiliation with Beachside began in 1997. Her two sons, Matt and Jeff, were long time players for Beachside; Matt for 9 years, Jeff for 10 years. Both boys are Beachside Hall of Fame members.

Robin managed Beachside teams for 7 years; she led the effort for Matt’s U-15 through U19 team, served in a back-up role for Jeff’s U13 to U18 team, and managed the U20 team for its first 2 seasons. She chaired several successful Beachside banquets.

Considered by her sons to be the quintessential “soccer mom”, her love of soccer began while living in England where Matt and Jeff were first introduced to the game at a very young age. She was a dedicated supporter of her son’s soccer passion, rarely missing an opportunity to cheer them on from the sidelines beginning with recreational/travel league through Beachside and culminating with their collegiate careers.

She and her husband Brian continue to be committed supporters of the Beachside program.

Robin graduated from Franklin & Marshall College and received a Master of Science degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. She worked for Bellcore (formally Bell Labs) before retiring to focus on raising her family. She and Brian have been married for 27 years.

2013 Tommy Skara

 

tom_s

Tommy joined Beachside  in 1997 as a 10 year old playing U12. He led one of the most successful Beachside teams to 4 consecutive state cup victories.

From U15-U18 the team was always ranked nationally in the Top 25 as they were always serious contenders in the USYS Region1 Championships. Tommy continued his success through high school and was recruited to play at Fairfield University.

It was at Fairfield that he was rewarded for his hard work and dedication to the sport by earning MAAC Defensive Player and 1st Team All-Conference.

2012 Dean Melitsanopoulos

 

DeanHeadshot

Dean joined Beachside SC in 2002 and captained one of the most successful teams in club history to four Connecticut Open Cup Championships – 2002-2005 – and two Regional Semifinals – Spring 2004 and 2005.

He is an exceptionally talented and unselfish central midfielder known for his vision, skill, and passion. A tremendously driven and committed player who strove to be the best teammate and represent Beachside SC with integrity both on and off the field.

Dean won two Ivy League Championships while playing for Brown University, Class of 2009

2012 Julia Byrne

 

Julia

 Julia played for Beachside from 2005 through 2010 and was an integral member of Beachside’s first girls team. Julia’s commitment, work ethic, competitive and team oriented attitude paved the way for future Beachside female athletes.

Julia was a hard working central midfielder whose vision of the field and passing skills consistently elevated the level of her team’s play. Through her hard work outside of practice, Julia developed her individual skills to a very high level.

She later played for the Connecticut College in the NESCAC Conference.

2011 Marco Antunez

 

marco

Marco joined the club as a U13 player and  played for Beachside from 1997 to 2003.

He was on ODP Region 1 team form  U14 to U16, and National Pool U15 and U16. Marco a High School All New England Selection and 3 time All-State. Attended and played soccer at Davidson where he was Conference Honorable Mention in 2005.

Competitive, committed, fit, hard working and a dynamic player. His technical ability and explosiveness offensively thrilled many fans. He truly valued the Beachside program and represented the club with pride every practice and game.

2010 Jeff Leach

jeff-leach

Played for Beachside from 1999 to 2009.

Jeff joined the club in 1999 aged 10  playing up at U12, and played for us for 10 years: the longest by any player in club history.  He was a Youth All American in 2006 and 2007, and captain of his Beachside team for many years. He was selected for US 18 National.

He played Collegiate Soccer at Wake Forest and Colgate Universities.

Very competitive, committed, fit, hard working, Jeff played with tremendous pride when wearing the Beachside jersey. His impact on the club, on and off field, has been immeasurable.

2010 Matt Leach

 

men's soccer; colgate vs. lasalle

Matt played for one of the most successful Beachside teams in the club’s history from 1998 to 2007.  There were  a 4-Time Connecticut Open Cup Champion:  in 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, and a Regional Semi-Finalist in 2005

Exceptionally committed, hard working and played every second of the game at full effort, his tireless work rate and speed up and down the flank played a huge role in team success. Matt was a true competitor and team player.

He was Captain of New Canaan High School’s team in 2006 and later Colgate University

2009 Joseph Roos

 

roos

Joe played for Beachside from 1994 to 2001. As member of  the original Beachside 1994 team (which he captained for his whole career in the club) he is the only person to have been inducted into the Hall of Fame twice.

Joe was a hard-working, committed and athletic Goalkeeper that impressed all with spectacular saves. He was very competitive and passionate about soccer and specifically Beachside.

He later payed for Boston College – Class of 2005

2009 Zach Schwartz

schwarz

 Zach played for Beachside from 1996 to 2003. He joined the club at age 10 paying up on our U12 team.

A very competitive and versatile player that could use both feet, Zach was one of the best all around players in the history of Beachside.

He captained his team for many years they were two time open Connecticut Open Cup Champions – spring 1997 and 1999 and Region 1 Semifinalists 1999.

Zach later played for Princeton University – Class of 2007