2025 Billy Mears Memorial Awards
(image via Houston Dash)
One year ago, we introduced the Billy Mears Memorial Awards as a way to honor the life and spirit of someone who meant so much to Houston soccer. Billy wasn’t just a supporter — he was joy, energy, passion, and heart wrapped into one person. He uplifted strangers, connected communities, and believed deeply in this sport and in the people who play it.
As we arrive at the second anniversary of these awards, we continue celebrating the players whose personalities, effort, and presence echo the energy Billy brought to every matchday.
This year’s honorees embody the same love, intensity, and humanity that Billy showed us every single day.
"Heart and Soul" Award - Griffin Dorsey and Jane Campbell
If there’s an award that feels closest to Billy, it’s this one. Griffin and Jane represent the heartbeat of their teams — the emotional anchors, the constant motivators, the ones who care deeply and visibly. Whether it’s Dorsey’s relentless passion or Campbell’s leadership between the posts, both show the same warmth and dedication that made Billy impossible not to love.
"Clutch Player" Award - Jonathan Bond and Avery Patterson
Moments define seasons, and when those moments hit, these two step forward. Bond’s shot-stopping instincts and Avery’s timely impacts have delivered when pressure peaks. They thrive in chaos, stay calm when stakes rise, and give Houston fans memories stamped in adrenaline. Billy loved players who rose to the moment — these two certainly have.
"The Energizer Bunny" Award - Felipe Andrade and Danielle Colaprico
Few players cover more ground or give more of themselves. Andrade’s nonstop motor and Colaprico’s relentless work rate reflect the tireless energy Billy brought into every room and every stadium. Effort matters — and these two give it in endless supply.
"Wildcard" - Jack McGlynn and Kiki Van Zanten
Unpredictable. Inventive. Capable of brilliance at any moment. McGlynn’s creativity and Kiki’s spark make them game-breakers with flair and personality — the kind Billy admired in players who dared to be bold. When they’re on the ball, anything can happen.
"The Captain" Award - Artur and Paige Nielsen
Leadership isn’t always loud — sometimes it’s steady, intentional, and full of heart. Artur and Nielsen lead by example, by presence, and by representing their teams with humility and strength. They guide, lift, and steady the players around them, the way Billy often did for the community he loved.
Continuing the Legacy
Each year, these awards remind us that Billy’s voice, laughter, and kindness didn’t fade — they live on through the players and people who embody his spirit. The Houston soccer community is stronger because of him, and we honor him by recognizing those who carry pieces of him forward.
Here’s to the 2026 class of honorees, and here’s to Billy — always heart, always joy, always Houston.
