The 2023-24 Earnhradt Auto Center Spirit of Tex Yearly Awards, which honors the legacy and values of Tex Earnhardt, have been announced. 

Tex had some sayings he would often repeat and share in both his business and personal endeavors. Some of those were: “Treat everyone the way you’d treat your mama”, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” and “Always be able to say three things: Please, Thank you and Sorry.”  Such wisdom was simple, honest and endearing. It led to the success of an on-going automotive business here in Arizona and is also great guidance for fair-play and sportsmanship. For these reasons, RSL-AZ was excited to honor these individuals below with the Spirit of Tex awards.

As we move into the upcoming season, monthly winners will be announced; thus creating a pool of candidates for subsequent “Spirit of Tex” awards.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners! 

Spirit of Tex Male Student-Athlete of the Year- Zach
Zach attends Notre Dame Preparatory High School where he will be a senior this upcoming year. Off the field, Zach is an AP Honors student holding a 4.28 GPA and is a president of the NDP Debate Club. He also volunteers at his church, youth soccer camp, and with Feed My Starving Children where he helps prepare meal packs for malnourished kids throughout the world. Zach is a 3-year varsity letterman in soccer and also played on the football team. Zach is entering his twelfth year of club soccer serving as a team captain for 8 years. On the RSL soccer field, Zach is the team captain and plays center back. He is a huge part of his team's defensive side which only conceded a few goals all year long. He is a leader who kept the defensive side strong. He also contributed on the offensive end with his long ball accuracy into the wide channels that sparked considerable offense for his team. Zach took free kicks and went in for most corner kicks where his height and jumping ability made him a threat.

Spirit of Tex Female Student-Athlete of the Year - Amelia
Amelia graduated from Hamilton High School this year and is committed to playing at University of California - Irvine, whose women’s soccer team made it to the NCAA sweet sixteen last season. Off the field, Amelia volunteered with the Kiwanis group, Feed My Starving Children, and was a member of the National Society of High School Scholars. On the field, she played for the Royals FC AZ 05/06 ECNL RL team where she was the team captain and led by example on and off the field. She helped uphold the standard for competitive spirit and work ethic. She helped create a positive environment that is stress-free and high energy, providing direction and vision for the team to compete to win and play with high intensity in matches. 

Spirit of Tex Volunteer of the Year - Christy Schnettler
Christy has been an invaluable asset to the RSL AZ South 11 Boys Catalanotte team and has demonstrated exceptional dedication and leadership. Her ability to balance managerial duties for multiple teams, along with her responsibilities as a mother of three boys and a full-time job, speaks volumes about her commitment and organizational skills.

Christy's initiative in bringing a speaker to play music before each game and setting the tone with the RSL fight song adds a unique and positive touch to the team experience. Her positive attitude and attention to detail are evidently contributing to the success and positive experiences of the team, players, and their families.

Spirit of Tex Coach of the Year - Sarah Land
It is hard to explain how great of an environment Sarah has created for our girls over the past two years.  She has truly elevated each of the girls to a level I did not know was possible at this age.  The trust she has built with all of the girls has allowed her to keep pushing each of them to be their very best.  She has continually created opportunities to challenge the girls and give them chances to get extra reps. 

Spirit of Tex Referee of the Year - Garrison
I am 15 years old and going to be a sophomore at Mountain Ridge High School. I have been playing club soccer for 7 years. I started referring 3 years ago to earn money to buy a car someday.