John and Maureen Hendricks are the recipients of the 2006 NSCAA Honorary All-America Award. They were presented their award by NSCAA President Louise Waxler (left) at the NSCAA/adidas All-America Luncheon, on Jan. 13, 2007, in conjunction with the NSCAA Convention.

The award is presented to those who have brought particular distinction to the sport of soccer through their efforts within and beyond the boundaries of the sport. Past recipients include astronaut Sonny Carter, comedian Jon Stewart and the late Lamar Hunt, owner of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs and the Major League Soccer franchises in Columbus, Dallas and Kansas City.

Hendricks is best known as the Founder and Chairman of Discovery Communications, the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Hendricks created the Discovery Channel in 1982 as the first cable network in the United States designed to provide high quality documentary programming enabling people to explore their world and satisfy their natural curiosity. From that vision sprouted The Discovery Channel, a phenomenon that has mushroomed into an array of channels that have become a part of the everyday American lexicon, including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel and Discovery Kids. The networks have introduced us to The Crocodile Hunter and Shark Week, shown us how to redecorate our homes and overhaul our vehicles.

Perhaps less known is the personal investment the Hendricks’ have made in the sport of soccer. As spectators at the women’s gold medal match at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, they witnessed the excitement that surrounded that event and the passion the game evokes. With that vision as the inspiration, they were the driving force behind the creation of the WUSA.

John and Maureen continue to be involved with soccer on the professional level as part of the new ownership group for Major League Soccer’s D.C. United. On the youth level, they and their foundation have contributed millions of dollars to the creation and expansion of the Maryland SoccerPlex, which opened in October 2000 in Germantown, Md.

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