Congratulations to Rick Golden, the official D.C. United April Coach of the Month!

Rick's passion for soccer began in middle school when he played in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. After moving to Heidelberg, Germany, he played on the American Youth All-Star team that played against other German youth teams. There he learned valuable skills and competitiveness.

In high school in Albuquerque, New Mexico, he qualified for the varsity team as a freshman and played three years before transferring to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he also qualified for the varsity team. After college, Rick played adult and co-ed recreational soccer in Albuquerque, New Mexico. There, he was asked to became a player/coach due to his natural ability to share his skills with the other players.

As a husband and parent, Rick has transferred his love of the sport to his wife, Tammy, and his children, Christine and Ricky.

Always the soccer enthusiast, Rick even molded team parents and players into a bunch of MLS fans who attend D.C. United games together every year. He remains a member in good standing with the D.C. United Coaches Association and recently received his USSF "E" License.

Last March, Dean Olson and Aric Schneider nominated Rick for the Coach of the Month. While the boys have acquired teamwork and leadership skills under Rick's direction, Dean believes the parents have responded to Rick's coaching as well, giving more of themselves and coming together as a team.

Aric attributes the success of the boys' team to Rick's soccer skills, patience, dedication, and passion for the game. Everyone feels truly blessed to have Coach Rick on their side!

Rick hopes to coach his children and their teammates for many years to come and looks forward to many new memories with the players and their parents both on and off the field.