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

• Through a partnership with Earnhardt Auto Centers, RSL AZ families have been invited to join the exclusive VIP program. Registration & more details here.
   

Every month from September to April, 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 June, 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 and last the entire season. No need to nominate every month. 

• Student-Athlete of the Month (Male and Female)
• Coach of the Month
• Volunteer of the Month
• Referee of the Month

Spirit of Tex Female Student Athlete of the Month - Hayden
Hayden is a junior at Great Hearts Lincoln Preparatory Academy where she was one of three recipients to receive the Scientist Award for excelling in Honors Bio. She also is a Student Ambassador and serves on the Student Athletic Leadership Committee. She is a dual sport athlete, competing for the RSL AZ South 07 Girls DPLO team and her school's varsity basketball team. She is the captain of both teams.   "Hayden is a selfless leader that wants to improve her own performance and the performance of her team. She will play any position asked and seeks out opportunities to train and play within our ECRL Program. She welcomes feedback and implements the feedback she receives immediately. She is an amazing young female student-athlete that will continue to receive accolades both on and off of the field. Hayden is very deserving of this honor," said her coach Nathan Fairchild. 

Spirit of Tex Male Student Athlete of the Month - Kellen
Kellen is a sophomore at Brophy College Preparatory where he maintains a 4.131 GPA and is participating in the AP Capstone Diploma track. At school, he is a member of the Soles to Soul nonprofit, Brophy Entrepreneur Club, and Futsal Club. He has volunteered at St. Mary's Food Bank and St. Vincent de Paul. Off the field, he is an accomplished pianist, and has performed at the ASU School of Music. On the field, he is a consistent starter for the MLS Next U16 team and is an adaptable player who is willing to play in a number of different positions to help his team.  "Kellen is a great example of hard work and determination both on the field and in the classroom. Kellen is able to manage and balance a very strenuous academic schedule with the demands of playing in the MLS NEXT platform. Kellen rarely misses a training session, shows great responsibility and accountability, and is a great example for his teammates. Kellen is a young man of high character and respect. He is absolutely deserving of this award," said his coach James Garces. 

Spirit of Tex Coach of the Month - Etgar Wagner
Coach Etgar has created an environment in which the players strive to "give him goosebumps". The praise that he gives them motivates them to compete with their teammates and to better themselves each practice. He pushes them to play at their highest level and expects them to put in the extra work outside of regular practice to excel. 

Spirit of Tex Volunteer of the Month - Beth 
Beth has been instrumental in helping our MLS next programs over the last couple of years. With this year being even more impressive. Beth is helping with both our U19 and U17 teams and works tirelessly behind the scenes to help with everything from hotels, to PlayerData, to team starting XI pics, to registration. She has been absolutely instrumental in the MLS Next and I cannot thank her enough.

Spirit of Tex Referee of the Month - Noya
My name is Noya Maimon. I am a 14 year old student at Horizon High School. I am passionate about referring soccer games and am dedicated to ensure fair play and good sportsmanship for all players involved. My love for learning expands beyond for soccer. Constantly seeking to expand my knowledge in various subject I particularly enjoy marketing, biology, and geometry. I’m driven with the desire to grow and always improve. Through refereeing I’ve developed strong communication skills, staying calm under pressure, and a deeper understanding of sportsmanship and teamwork.