2023 Male Player of the Year – Nicholas (Nico) Quinonez

United MVPs

Congratulations Player

2023 Male Player of the Year Nicholas (Nico) Quinonez

Nico Quinonez is a junior with a 3.3 GPA. He is involved in the sports med program at school and is a member of the HOSA program. (HOSA, officially known as HOSA-Future Health Professionals, is the career and technical student organization (CTSO) specifically dedicated to preparing students for careers in a Health Science career).

As a soccer player, Nico was a starter for his ODP team in his last two years of eligibility and has been a three-year letterman for his high school team. He has also been selected as captain for his 06 AYSO United Club team for the last 3 years.

When he is not playing soccer, he can be found on the pitch as a certified official, who is part of a referee crew with his dad. He is a youth leader at his church and helps with the sound and lights for mass and other services. He also volunteers with Arizona Magic, a summer acting program for kids with special needs.

Outside of soccer, Nico has discovered a love for cooking through his high school culinary class.

“I’ve been coaching Nico since he was a U6 player at AYSO Region 688. His most positive characteristic is his leadership on and off the field. He remains positive even in moments where others do not. He always attends training sessions with a great attitude and work rate. He is willing to listen and respond to coaching. His positivity is also something that makes him stand out. From a coaching standpoint, to have him as a captain and leader means I don’t have to worry about things and prepping the boys to play. Having watched Nico grow into a leader and a great young man is the reason I am putting him up for this nomination.” AYSO United 2006 Coach Ricky Rawls.

“It is players like Nico that make me so proud of this organization. He and his family have chosen AYSO and AYSO United to be part of their soccer journey and it has paid off for us as a club and for the community as well. Nico is a testament to all of the players who have dedicated themselves to the mission of our club. It is with great pleasure that we have selected Nico Quinonez as our 2023 Male Player of the Year.” Director of Coaching, Ed Alameda, AYSO United AZ.