William D.Utter

Native of Fort Plain, NY, Utter came to North Carolina to earn a Ph.D. at UNC Greensboro (1974) where he served as men’s head soccer coach for three years. Officiated soccer for over 20 years from the youth through high school, college and professional levels. Coached recreation and classic girls teams in the Greensboro Youth Soccer Association, where he served on the association’s Board of Directors. Was named GYSA Coach of the Year in 1996. Passed away in 1997.

Born January 13, 1938, in Fort Plain, New York

Married Beverly Maxon, 1958; five children: Jill, Pamela, Jennifer, Becky, Stacey BS, State University of New York, Brockport, 1960; M Ed, UNC-CH, 1964; Ph.D., UNC-G, 1974 Varsity Men’s Soccer, State University of New York, Brockport, 1960-64 Junior Varsity Coach, Men’s Soccer, UNC-CH, 1964 Head Coach, Men’s Soccer, State University of New York, Plattsburg, 1965-72, 1975 Head Coach, Men’s Soccer, UNC-Greensboro, 1972-74 Drug Education Program, Alamance County School System, 1975-81 Faculty member, NC A &T University and Winston-Salem State University USSF State Class I (05) Referee, 1986-1997 Referee of professional, amateur, youth, and college matches for 20+ years Official, NCAA Women’s National Championship Triad-area high school referee assignor, 15+years; Director of Piedmont Soccer Officials, 1986 Mentor for countless young referees; an active force in the development of soccer in Greensboro for 20 years Principal Examiner and Member, Board of Directors, Triangle Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association Referee Director, Greensboro Wrangler/McDonald Soccer Tournament, 1990 1976-1990, coached a variety of Greensboro Youth Soccer Association teams Coach, 8-1-75 ’76 Greensboro Twisters, 1991-94 (North Carolina U-16 finalist, 1991; U-16 champion 1992; U-17 champion, 1993; U-18 champion, 1994; Region III U-17 champion, 1993; National U-17 finalist, 1993; Region III U-18 finalist, 1994) Coach, 8-1-82 ’83 Greensboro Twisters, 1992-Present (WAGS B Division champion, 1993; Jefferson Cup champion, 1994, 1995, 1996; Wrangler-McDonald champion, 1995, 1997; Raleigh Elks champion, 1995; Raleigh Shootout champion, 1995; State Cup finalist, 1995, 1997) Coach, 8-1-77 Greensboro Twisters, 1994-96 Member, GYSA Board of Directors, 1993-97 Coach of the Year, Plattsburg, NY, 1962; GYSA Coach of the Year, 1996

Comments from former players, parents of former players, and associates: expects the best from each player, his involvement with the ’76 Twisters, without question, carried them to the level of regional and national championship play; his passion for the game to be played “the right way” has fostered teams which year in and year out play a clean, sportsmanship style of play until the final whistle; tough but that is what makes him a fantastic coach; shares with us everything that he has learned which makes us better players; the epitome of what youth soccer is all about –team work, dedication; commitment, discipline, and a love for the sport of soccer; teaches that winning is nice but not the key, the key is to play the game…the success will come; “his girls” develop a strong dedication and work ethic toward school, a strong sense of self-respect and self-reliance as well as respect for others; a man committed to excellence and no one can spend time with him and not be affected by his positive outlook on life.