South River Assistant Coach Up for Nationwide MLS Award

Marlyn Argueta, an assistant coach for the South River boys' varsity soccer team, has been nominated for the MLS WORKS Community MVP Contest. The Major League Soccer award is a nationwide process that looks for an individual who best uses soccer to make a difference in their community. Every club in the league has a representative up for the award- Argueta is DC United's.

"I'm a huge MLS fan and a DC United season ticket holder, so I've always heard about the contest but never took it seriously," said Argueta. "My brother nominated me and he was the one who wrote the essay about me and what I do."

What Argueta has been doing is putting in a lot of time as an assistant coach for the Seahawks. Argueta makes the 45 minute trek from his full time job as a construction office manager for Blair Construction to help coach the team.

"One day Head Coach Jeff Vincent got in touch with me and offered me a position as assistant coach. I jumped at the opportunity," said Argueta."I like the way he teaches and the way he wants the team to play. I took the volunteer position because I love soccer and because it's a way for me to give back to the community and the game that has given me so much in my life."

For Argueta, all the time and effort is worth it because he's working at South River. Argueta, an alum of the Anne Arundel County School, had a distinguished career as a player, becoming an all-county standout as a forward. When asked why South River is a special place to coach, Argueta gave a multitude of answers.

"One: It's my alma mater. I loved my time at South River, especially during soccer season. Two: Coach Vincent, who brought out the best in me as a player. We have a good relationship, along with Coach Brian Camper and JV coach Bill Hesgard- those guys make it a great place to coach," said Argueta. "Three: The kids. We always get talented kids so that makes my job much easier and more fun."

If Argueta does get selected as the winner, he would certainly be giving a lot back to South River: the school would receive $10,000. With the voting process closing on July 28, Argueta has started to think of what it means to be a finalist for such a prestigious award.

"It means a lot to be nominated because I put in a lot of time and effort into getting to practices and games, especially during the regular season," said Argueta. "If you're not a teacher, it is hard getting off work in time (2 PM) for those things. Luckily my employer, Blair Construction, is a place where they value my work in the community and support me by being flexible."

"My Dad, the best person I know, taught me that I should never expect things in return for volunteering. He is the main reason I volunteer."

You can learn more about how to vote for Marlyn Argueta at this URL: http://www.mlssoccer.com/communitymvp-voting?entry_id=40337633
July 17th, 2015By: Wick Eisenberg

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