REFLECTIONS OF KATIE URBAN  Brad Griste had the honor of coaching Katie for the first time this past fall, and was immediately impressed by Katie’s engaging personality, her bright smile and sense of humor, and that Katie could play at a high level.  As one of the older girls on the team, Coach Griste noted that Katie took an important leadership role on the team, helping out her teammates while at the same time playing "rock-solid defense" as the team’s sweeper. "In the short time that I knew Katie, we had some great laughs, and experienced some moments of triumph and defeat.  Through it all, Katie had a great attitude," Coach Griste stated.  "Our team became very close throughout the course of this one season, and I will speak for myself, Coach Dave, and her teammates when I say that Katie will be greatly missed."

Katie’s leadership abilities weren’t only noticed by her coaches, but also by her teammates.  One of Katie’s teammates from this past fall season, Maggie, spent time this past week talking to her mom about the impact Katie had on her while they were teammates.  "Katie made me feel like I was doing a good job at soccer," Maggie shared.  "She always gave me good advice on what to do on the field."

Katie’s coach from this past spring 2010 season, Gail Thompson, described Katie as a “short little fire plug with big cheeks, shocking crystal blue eyes, and with a huge smile that filled her face.”  Coach Thompson used Katie in the sweeper position, as she recalled that Katie was a wall of defense that no one could get past.  Coach Thompson noted that Katie came from a big soccer family, with an uncle who coaches at a local university, and with extremely supportive parents.   Katie was always ready to work hard at practice, Thompson added, and always gave 100 %.   “You coach a lot of kids in your many years of coaching,” Thompson reflected, “But there are some players that you just fall in love with and have a special connection with – that was Katie for me.”  

SCHOLARSHIP FUND TO BE STARTED IN MEMORY OF KATIE URBAN Per the wishes of Katie Urban’s family, West Chester United Soccer Club is accepting donations in Katie’s memory.  Katie was active in the WCUSC In-House League for many seasons, and it was here that she developed a passion for the game.  Any donations directed to the Katie Urban Scholarship Fund will be used to provide scholarships for in-house league players under the parameters set by the Board of Directors and Katie’s immediate family.  Donations can be forwarded to WCUSC, ATTN:  Katie Urban Scholarship Fund, PO Box 5, Westtown PA 19395.  Acknowledgements will be sent to all donors and to Katie’s family. 

SOCCER FRIENDS AND FAMILIES, NEIGHBORS, AND RELATIVES REMEMBER KATIE  One West Chester United soccer family, who sent in a donation to WCUSC in Katie’s memory, commented:  "Please accept this donation in loving memory of Katie Urban.  We met Katie and her family on the soccer field and were on teams with her several times over the years.  Katie was a determined player on the field, and always had a big smile for her teammates.  We will all feel a loss each time we head out to play in the coming years."   

 A teammate and a friend recently sent in a donation in Katie’s memory, signing her note, "from her [Katie’s] friend." 

A neighbor of Katie’s wrote a short note with her donation, which succinctly described Katie as "a beautiful young lady with a kind smile." 

From our neighbors in Canada, we received a donation and a note which said, "It is with great sadness that I learned of the news of Katie’s ... passing.  I know that she enjoyed playing soccer and I would imagine that she was a great asset to the team.  I know she will be dearly missed by all who knew her."

The Katie Urban Scholarship Fund will keep Katie’s memory alive and her presence felt in our In-House League programs for many seasons to come. 

PICTURES OF KATIE IN ACTION ON THE FIELD AND WITH HER SPRING 2010 TEAM