SYA athletes and volunteers recognized for their sportsmanship, leadership and dedication to helping others.
At SYA, we believe the greatest lessons in youth sports extend far beyond the playing field. Four members of our SYA community were recognized at the 2026 Fairfax County Stephen A. McLaughlin Champions of Character Awards for demonstrating those values through athletics, volunteerism, and community service.
The awards recognize individuals who exemplify six pillars of character: Respect, Responsibility, Caring, Trustworthiness, Citizenship, and Fairness.
We are proud to celebrate our four Sully District honorees.
Kanan was recognized not only as an outstanding teammate in baseball, soccer, flag football, and track and field, but also for his dedication to serving others.
Through Kids Do Good and other community service activities, he has helped collect food, prepare care packages for active-duty military members, create care kits for children experiencing homelessness, and make cards for hospitalized patients. He has also participated in community cleanup efforts and food drives.
His recognition reflects the importance of kindness, compassion, and giving back to the community.
Natalie’s commitment to helping others extends from the softball field to her school and community.
She has mentored younger baseball catchers, pursued Little League umpire certification, and participated in volunteer projects. At school, she helped organize a project involving caring for and raising chickens and ducks, contributing to a team that earned first place in the 2025 Caring for Our Watersheds competition and secured $2,000 for an outdoor coop.
Natalie has also served as a school ambassador, volunteered through her church, and joined the Civil Air Patrol.
Her willingness to lead, teach, and serve makes her a wonderful example for other young athletes.
John joined SYA’s summer touch rugby program in 2025 and immediately stepped forward to share his experience with young players.
Bringing decades of rugby knowledge, he has helped athletes develop fundamental skills, build confidence and prepare for the transition to tackle rugby.
His technical expertise, positive energy and leadership have strengthened SYA Rugby’s coaching community. The ceremony also recognized the program’s success at the U12/U14 level and John’s contributions to its continued growth.
Piper was recognized for her exceptional volunteer contributions to SYA’s 2026 summer rugby program.
A Centreville High School student with years of rugby experience, she dedicated her summer to helping coach young athletes from U6 through U14.
Present at practices and games throughout the season, Piper supported coaches, encouraged players and helped young athletes feel comfortable learning the sport.
Her ability to connect with children and share her enthusiasm for rugby made her an invaluable part of the program.
These four honorees remind us that youth sports are about more than competition. They’re about learning to lead, supporting teammates, helping others and building a stronger community.
We congratulate Kanan, Natalie, John and Piper on this well-deserved recognition and thank them for representing the very best of SYA.
Watch the 2026 Fairfax County Champions of Character Awards ceremony, with the Sully District presentation beginning at approximately 58:35.
