Sunil Gulati, a life-long contributor to American soccer who is serving in his second term as president of U.S. Soccer, has been selected to receive the Honorary All-America award by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

Gulati has more than 30 years of experience at all levels of American soccer. Born in Allahabad, India, in 1959, Gulati and his family came to the United States and settled in rural Nebraska in 1964. He grew up playing soccer and graduated from Cheshire (Conn.) High School. A magna cum laude graduate of Bucknell University, he holds two master’s degrees in economics from Columbia University, where he has served on the economics faculty.

“I cannot think of anyone who has given more selflessly to the advancement of American soccer than Sunil Gulati,” said NSCAA CEO and Executive Director Joe Cummings. “As a former employee of Kraft Soccer Properties, I have witnessed first-hand the passion and drive Sunil brings to our sport. It is unsurpassed.”

Involved in the growth of American soccer since the early 1980s, Gulati was called “the single most important person in the development of soccer in this country” by Major League Soccer founder and former U.S. Soccer President Alan Rothenberg. As deputy commissioner, Gulati played a key role in the launch of MLS, remaining in the position until 1999. He also has served as president of Kraft Soccer Properties, where he was responsible for the management of the New England Revolution franchise. Elected vice president of U.S. Soccer in 2002, he became the federation’s president in 2006 and was unanimously re-elected to a second term in 2010. He has served on the bid committees for two FIFA World Cups, including the successful bid to host the 1994 event.

Each year the NSCAA Honorary All-America award is presented to those who have brought particular distinction to soccer through their efforts within and beyond the boundaries of the sport. Among past recipients are MLS owner/investor Lamar Hunt, Special Olympics founder Eunice Kennedy Shriver, comedian Jon Stewart, two U.S. astronauts and soccer legend Pelé. The award will be presented at the 2012 NSCAA All-America Luncheon, to be held Saturday, January 14, in conjunction with the 2012 NSCAA Convention.

NSCAA members log in to comment. Not a member? Learn more today.