(BACK ROW L-R)
Head Coach John Toner has led the team since its formation ten years ago, and has been at the helm for all of the squad's eight Maryland championships. A native of Philadelphia, Toner played in the highly regarded Philadelphia Catholic League in High School, then ran track and cross-country at Drexel University, and played in the competitive Philadelphia City Leagues that produced such famous soccer players as 1950 World Cup Captain Walter Bahr. Toner is an aviation engineer, and lives in St. Mary's County with his wife and two children.
Manager Mary Lu Bucci is the Director of St. Mary's County Special Olympics, and has been involved in Special Olympics for more than twenty years. Along with her husband Jim, Mary Lu has built St. Mary's County into one of the most active Special Olympics programs in Maryland. The County has sent teams to previous World Games in Soccer and Women's Basketball, and has been competitive at the national level in softball and volleyball.
Brandon Chan is an athletic Back whose defense and corner kicks are compounded by stamina and strength. At a recent 5k fundraiser, he was the fastest team member, crossing the line in just over 25 minutes. Brandon also competes in Basketball. He is a graduating senior at Leonardtown High School and will be attending the College of Southern Maryland this fall.
Avery Long is a Midfielder and a recent addition to the team, adding even more speed and scoring potential to an already-potent offense. Long was a member of the Penn Relays Special Olympics 4x100 champion relay team, and also plays football and lacrosse for Leonardtown High School.
Wesley Thompson plays Back and Forward. The most experienced member of the team, he played for Leonardtown High School and has an outside shot that makes him a threat even from the back. Wesley is a certified aircraft mechanic and played on the St. Mary's Special Olympics softball team that won the national championship, besides also winning multiple state titles in skiing.
Larry Mills plays Back and Forward. His experience, speed, and skill combine to make him the team's scoring and assist leader. Larry's phenomenal athletic accomplishments include the Penn Relays 4x100 title, a softball national championship, and second-place finish in unified volleyball at last year's national championships in Nebraska. Larry works at a local McDonald's with his cousin and teammate, Terrell Nowlin.
Steven Summerfelt is a speedy and crafty Midfielder who specializes in pinpoint passes and corner kicks. Steven is another experienced player, and is the most avid soccer fan on the team. He works at one of the finest restaurants in the county, and also was a member of the national-caliber softball and volleyball teams.
Assistant Coach Ken Cohen only joined the team last year, but brings a wealth of coaching and playing experience. He was an Academic All-American at Allegheny College, then played for Oxford University in England, a pair of USL semi-pro teams, and has coached for the University of Delaware and the USYSA Olympic Development Program. Currently, he is a professor of American History at St. Mary's College of Maryland.
FRONT ROW (L-R)
Thomas Smith is a fast Midfielder capable of springing a breakaway or tracking one down. He joined soccer teammates Avery Long, Larry Mills, and Terrell Nowlin on the Penn Relays 4x100 championship relay team, and also was a member of the St. Mary's unified volleyball team that finished second at nationals last year. This year, Thomas won the Downhill and Giant Slalom state championships. He works at Giant Supermarket, which has featured his athletic performances in their nationwide employee publications.
Shaun Ridley is a ball-winning Midfielder who helps the team regain possession and spring into attack. One of the hardest working members of the team, Shaun helps motivate his teammates with his focus and determination. He played on last year's unified volleyball team that finished second at nationals, and works for the St. Mary's County School District.
Alan Hill is the starting Goalkeeper. Although he has only learned the position this year, Alan's natural athleticism makes him a quick learner, and he already is capable of diving to cover his posts. His vocal leadership also helps organize the defense. Alan was a member of the national championship softball team from St. Mary's County, where he earned the nickname "Pigpen," which also happens to be very fitting for a goalkeeper! Alan is a certified aircraft mechanic for the Navy Test Pilot School.
Terrell Nowlin is a speedy Midfielder whose defensive skills are critical to the team's success. Terrell was a member of the Penn Relay champion 4x100 team, and he works at a local McDonald's with his cousin and teammate, Larry Mills.
Sam Huffman is a Back and is also the back-up Goalkeeper. A very smart player, Sam helps organize the team and provides a sound anchor whether he is in the back or in goal. Sam was a member of last year's national runner-up unified volleyball team and this fall he will attend Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.
