RSL AZ and Earnhardt Auto Centers are pleased to announce the January Spirit of Tex monthly awards, which honor the legacy and values of Tex Earnhardt, founder of Earnhardt Auto Centers. 

• See September winners here
• See October winners here
• See November winners here
• See December winners here
• See January winners here
   

Every month from September to May, RSL AZ and Earnhardt Auto Centers will recognize a Coach of the Month, Referee of the Month, Volunteer of the Month, Male Student-Athlete of the Month, and Female Student-Athlete of the Month. In May, all monthly winners will be eligible to be named the Spirit of Tex Coach of the Year, Spirit of Tex Volunteer of the Year, Spirit of Tex Referee of the Year, Spirit of Tex Male Student-Athlete of the Year, and Spirit of Tex Female Student-Athlete of the Year. Winners will also earn a scholarship. 

Nominations are now open for February!

• Student-Athlete of the Month
• Coach of the Month
• Volunteer of the Month
• Referee of the Month
   

Spirit of Tex Male Student-Athlete of the Month - Anthony
Anthony in 4th grade at at Sirrine Montessori Center here he carries a 3.5 GPA and is the Vice President of the Student Council. Off the field, he is a member of the DND and match club. He also plays flute and trumpet in band. On the field, Anthony overcame emergency surgery of his appendicitis early in the season. Since then, he has worked hard and was given the honor to lead his team for the first time as captain at the Max Shacknai Tournament where his team won the championship. 

"Anyone who has ever come across AJ can witness this kiddos compassion and kindness. He is one of a kind. He loves his community, family and always enjoys embracing challenges," said coach Nick Markette. 

Spirit of Tex Female Student-Athlete of the Month - Marlee
Marlee is a Junior at Basha High School where she is a National Honor Society member. She just recently committed to play college soccer at Kansas Wesleyan University. Off the field, she has volunteered at Pet Depot to take care of animals, Basha blood drive, and HUGS, which is a company that works with low income students. On the field, she is a top defender for her ECNL - RL 07 team which has posted a 9-3-4 in the Southwest Conference Mojave division, which is one of the toughest in the country.

Spirit of Tex Coach of the Month - Ernando Novias
Coach Ernando has embodied the core values of what it means to be a coach. He has been a great leader and not only leading these children but teaching them to be leaders. He has become a role model and mentor to the children on the team. His way of providing nurturing, caring, encouragement and motivation coupled with dedication to the success of the children is what makes coach Ernando a true coach. He constantly is teaching and instilling sportsmanship to the children. Constantly encouraging teamwork and good sportsmanship on and off the field. 

Spirit of Tex Volunteer of the Month - Sherilin Williams
Sherilin has been involved in RSL AZ only since this past season, but that didn't stop her from stepping up and becoming the team manager and equipment manager for the RSL AZ North 07 Kenny Boys team. She has been very helpful in her duties as manager and always goes above and beyond. Sheri has two boys, one who is 22 and has Autism and another who is 16, the RSL AZ soccer player. Sheri spends most of her free time helping out as team manager for her son's RSL AZ team. Sheri also works 2 jobs, one as a special education teacher and works also with one of her students in the evenings. She has worked and volunteered with special needs individuals ages 0 to 99 for over 20 years. She has a true passion for helping people. Sheri lives up north in Cottonwood and still makes time to make it down to the Valley for all of her son's practices and games. 

Spirit of Tex Referee of the Month - Garrison
I am 14 years old and a freshman at Mountain Ridge High School. I have been playing club soccer for 6 years. I started reffing 2 years ago and am saving up for a car.