Our Virginia Soccer Family is deeply saddened to inform the membership that Denise Edwards, former VYSA President of 22 years, passed away at her home in Norfolk, VA on December 11, 2024.
Comment from Bill Phillips, VYSA President:
“Denise Edwards’ contributions to the game of soccer, both nationally and across the Commonwealth of Virginia are unparalleled.
Denise served as President of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association for more than twenty years. During her tenure as President and among her many accomplishments, she was one of the main architects of the League Championship pathway to the National Championship Series. She helped guide the procurement of land which would become the Publix Virginia Soccer Training Center. She helped lead the efforts to build a first class soccer facility in Spotsylvania County.
Denise Edwards was inducted into the Virginia-DC Soccer Hall of Fame Class of 2014.
Professionally, Denise held the role of Executive Director with Virginia Rush, formerly the Virginia Beach Soccer Club. She also served as Administrator for the Virginia Soccer League, Inc.
On a national level, Denise was well respected by her peers. She was outspoken on key issues that would have a significant impact on the game. She was well informed and others turned to her for guidance and support.
For those that knew Denise, we will always be indebted to her; and I can think of no better example of someone giving back to the game than Denise Edwards.”
Comment from Gordon Miller, VYSA Technical Director:
“Denise was instrumental in my hire as the first full time Technical Director at the VYSA. She cleared the way for new and innovative programming and was behind the technical team at every turn. She was politically astute and knew how to get things done at the board level. But more importantly she was a staunch advocate for the players and the under served. She had empathy for the economically disadvantaged and found ways to help them receive opportunities that they might have otherwise missed. She cared a great deal and fought tooth and nail for the VYSA both in the state, in the region and around the country.
She will be missed.”
Comment from Bob Maynes:
“Denise Edwards was at the helm of the Virginia Youth Soccer Association when it achieved incredible results. VYSA became one of the largest state associations in the country and it had one of the highest state wide participation levels in the country. The VYSA coaching education and ODP programs became absolutely top notch and were widely respected throughout US Youth Soccer. VYSA also became one of the few state associations that owned its own training facility, with 8 fields that were also some of the best maintained fields in the country. Denise was a leader in all those processes.
So deep was the respect for Denise that at regional and national meetings attendees always wanted to know what Denise thought about an issue. Once at a national meeting a very controversial proposal was being debated. After a long heated and noisy discussion Denise finally stepped up and the room suddenly grew quiet. Everyone wanted to know what she thought. Denise briefly summed up the question and related issues and proposed a solution. Immediately the question was called and Denise’s solution was overwhelmingly adopted. It so happened that her solution was the opposite of what the USYS President wanted. Afterwards he came to her and told her he would check in with her next time before he brought up a controversial issue.
Denise received that kind of respect because of her knowledge, her skill, her leadership and because she was a truly fine human being. She will be missed.”
Comment from Adele Dolansky:
“Denise Edwards was one of the most dynamic Presidents in the history of VYSA. Her leadership skills and relentless dedication to the wonderful game for all kids have earned her the respect and admiration of her VYSA member clubs and leagues, fellow State Association Presidents throughout US Youth Soccer and members of the US Youth Soccer Board of Directors.
Denise throughout her years as VYSA President have never been shy about stepping up to the microphone at Region I meetings, and US Youth Soccer meetings to speak for or against a proposed rule, proposed budget, proposed anything that would not be in the best interest of VYSA and the east region. Her passion and knowledge of what is right in all areas of soccer programs caught the attention of many people standing in the crossroads.
Her vision and determination to build a VYSA Soccer Complex became a reality. Without a doubt the complex has become a great asset to the programs and membership of VYSA.”
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Edwards family.