We are thrilled to share that our very own Coach Joey Sasvari has been selected as this year’s NYCSA Girls Classic Coach of the Year!!

Joey, we are so proud of you and excited that you are recognized for all that you have done for our club. CONGRATS!!!

Coach Joey has been with HFC since 2013. In his time with the club, he has coached numerous teams in both the boys and girls programs. He served as Director of Coaching of the girl’s program, then led the club’s entire competitive program through the pandemic as DOC.

Joey’s nomination and recognition is specific to his time with the 2005 HFC Red Girls. Joey has set the standard when it comes to performance with his team and players. Among their achievements, the girls were winners of the Kepner President’s Cup in 2019, finalists at the NC USYS State Cup in 2020, and semifinalists there in 2021. The team has qualified into the National League (Piedmont Conference) for the last two years. Not only are the 05 Red Girls accomplished on the field, but they set the program standard as leaders off of it in our community. The girls have helped with the clean up after the flooding at JBL, volunteered with our younger HFC players, and have been part of our Kick Out Hunger program with our local Manna Foodbank.

Joey has a big impact not only at HFC but on the soccer community in Asheville, being involved at all levels of the game. He originally came to Asheville as the Assistant Coach for the Women’s Team at UNC Asheville. He has coached with Asheville City Soccer Club with both the women’s and men’s teams. To say he has made a big impact in our Asheville community is an understatement.

Here is what some of our club members and colleagues had to say about Coach Joey Sasvari:

“Coach Joey has carried out his promise to his team of becoming champions by following a rigorous but effective method of instilling a high level of character and work ethic on the field that results in young women of integrity and respect that will take them far in life, further than the game of soccer itself.” -Mark Sevier.

“Aside from his tremendous leadership and ability as a coach, Joey has showed them time and time again that he believes in them. He has invested countless hours not only being their coach and developing them as players, but working to get to know them as people and earn their trust and respect.” -Sandi AuBuchon

“My respect for Joey has nothing to do with Wins or Losses.  My admiration has everything to do with what he has done for my daughter and her teammates in the much bigger picture of CHARACTER BUILDING!” -Doug Pratt

“Joey has been an exemplary leader and a shrewd cultivator of positive culture with his team. I had the pleasure of working alongside Joey for a quite a few years and he has always shown the ability to manage, motivate, and coach his players extremely well but also takes the time to build a strong relationship with parents and the local community as a whole.” -Hasani McKenzie

“Joey is a great teacher of the game, phenomenal leader, role model & inspires so many to be their very best both on & off the field. I nominate him for his success on the field but also for who is away from it and the affect he has on all involved in the game.” -Kate Hammes

Thank you Coach Joey for leading the way and inspiring our future generations here at HFC!! Congratulations on being chosen as th e North Carolina Girls Coach of the Year!! We are so happy & proud to have you on our staff here at HFC!!