Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame Announces Inaugural Induction Class

TAMPA, Fla., June 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame (TBSHOF) proudly announces its inaugural class of 11 inductees, honoring a distinguished group of athletes, coaches, referees, and media figures who shaped the sport's legacy in the Tampa Bay region.

The Class of 2025 features six iconic figures from the Tampa Bay Rowdies' North American Soccer League (NASL) era, three legendary coaches, a nationally recognized referee, and a pioneering journalist.

Rowdies legends Mike Connell, Derek Smethurst, and Steve Wegerle headline the class, joined by Coach Eddie Firmani, executive Francisco Marcos, and team owner George Strawbridge. Also being honored are Coach Jay Miller, Coach Jim DiNobile, and Coach Vicky King, along with referee Mike Mekelburg and journalist Jim Henderson.

"These inductees have made incredible contributions to the history of soccer in the Tampa Bay area," said Perry Van Der Beck, Board of Directors member. "We couldn't be more thrilled to honor their legacies at our inaugural induction dinner. It's going to be a can't-miss event."

The induction ceremony and dinner will be held on Thursday, August 14,2025 at Higgins Hall, located at 5225 N. Himes Ave., Tampa, FL, on the campus of St. Lawrence Catholic Church from 5:30-9:00 p.m. This event is open to the public with tickets priced at $90. A table package is $1,000 and includes seating for eight people. Additionally, premium seating for the event, table signage, and recognition within the dinner program/video will be included.

Additionally, there's a chance to join the organization's ground floor through a lifetime membership in the Founders Club for $250 annually for six years, or a flat rate of $1,500.

Tickets and memberships are available at TampaBaySoccerHallOfFame.org. For more information, call (813) 467-6916.

Additional Honors:
As part of a continued effort to celebrate Tampa Bay soccer excellence, the 1975 Tampa Bay Rowdies will receive the Team of Distinction Award for their NASL Soccer Bowl championship. The celebration coincides with the team's 50th anniversary and includes support for the Rowdies' nationally televised match against Phoenix Rising FC on Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Al Lang Stadium.

The Tampa Bay Sun FC, inaugural champions of the USL Super League, will receive Special Recognition. The first-year Sun defeated Fort Lauderdale in an overtime thriller to capture the championship on June 14, 2025.

Florida Premier FC will also receive Special Recognition after capturing the inaugural Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) Super Cup National Championship by defeating Georgia United Futbol Alliance in a shootout.

Meet the TBSHOF Class of 2025:

Mike Connell – "Iron Mike," a Rowdies defender (1975–84), NASL record-holder in starts (179), two-time All-Star, and founder of the FC Tampa Rangers.

Jim DiNobile – Accomplished player, youth champion coach, Eckerd College head coach, and U.S. National Team goalkeeper coach.

Eddie Firmani – Head coach of the Rowdies' 1975 NASL championship team, 1976 NASL Coach of the Year, and leader in both outdoor and indoor NASL championships.

Jim Henderson – Pioneering journalist who chronicled the Rowdies' rise with the Tampa Tribune, later serving in key national PR roles, including for the 1994 World Cup and MLS's Tampa Bay Mutiny.

Vicky King – Landmark coach at Land O'Lakes High School with 591 wins, a state title, and more than four decades of leadership and inclusion in soccer.

Francisco Marcos – Visionary team executive (1974–85), founder of the United Soccer League (USL), and 2024 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee.

Mike Mekelburg – Nationally recognized referee and mentor whose trainees include FIFA officials; active in U.S. Soccer since 1990.

Jay Miller – NCAA champion coach at University of Tampa, former USF coach, and U.S. Soccer National Coaching Coordinator.

Derek Smethurst – Prolific Rowdies forward, NASL All-Star, and held the team's all-time leading scoring mark (57 goals in just 65 games) for 40 years.

George Strawbridge – Founding Rowdies owner who helped establish the franchise as a national success, with one title and seven playoff appearances.

Steve Wegerle – Electrifying winger with 32 Rowdies goals, fourth in NASL career assists, and a decorated youth coach in Tampa Bay.

About Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame:
The Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame (TBSHOF), a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation, was established in 2024 to celebrate and preserve the rich history and lasting impact of soccer in the Tampa Bay region. Honoring players, coaches, referees, executives, media members, and teams who have significantly contributed to the growth of the game, the Hall of Fame serves as a bridge between generations and a source of inspiration for future athletes.

SOURCE Tampa Bay Soccer Hall of Fame