After coaching soccer at BVNW since its opening, head coach Rick Pribyl is now a legend, according to Sporting Kansas City. The club will recognize Pribyl as a Sporting Local Legend  during halftime of their match on Sunday Oct. 15, at Children’s Mercy Park.

According to Sporting’s Vice President of Marketing, Gerald Holland, Sporting Local Legends was introduced by Sporting Kansas City this year in an effort to recognize members of the community who have made an impact on soccer.

When Pribyl first found out earlier this school year, he said his initial reaction was to be thankful that a Major League Soccer team recognized his work.

“I was very, very grateful and humbled,” Pribyl said.

The process of selecting a person starts with the application process. Whether it’s internally or externally, anyone can nominate someone on sportingkc.com. Then, a board reviews the applicants and finally selects a nominee to be recognized for his/her work. Holland said nominees can range from coaches to businessmen, and the club plans on recognizing someone quarterly. 

Although Holland does not know who nominated Pribyl, he said Pribyl is well known around the community.

“[Pribyl has] been the guy I think who has really set a great example for everybody,” Holland said.

Pribyl will get to tour Children’s Mercy Park before the game Oct. 15 and then will be honored by Sporting Kansas City President, Jake Reid, during halftime in front of the fans attending the game. Pribyl will be given a jersey and a replica shield to remember the day.

BVNW Athletic Director Kevin Gerke said he believes Pribyl’s success is largely due to his ability to connect with players on and off the field.

“I mean of course the guy knows the game,” Gerke said. “But, at the end of the day these kinds of recognitions come from his ability to build great relationships with people.”

After years of coaching and seven state championships at BVNW combined between both boys and girls soccer, Pribyl said he attributes his success to continuing to enjoy the game.

“I’m a big advocate for continuing to make it fun and not to worry about competition,” Pribyl said. “To me, soccer gives you everything that you want if you really love it.”