Craig Hohlbein

Craig Hohlbein has been unselfishly volunteering for many years with Freedom Optimist Soccer. He began coaching soccer with his son, Connor in 2006, and when his son Max began playing, he coached multiple teams for over 10 years. In 2008, he joined the Freedom Optimist Soccer Board of Directors where he has held numerous positions. He has been a Division Coordinator in every Boys age group from 1st Grade through High School; has coordinated the coed divisions of Kindergarten and Clinic 3 & 4 years old and this year when the board was looking for additional help, he stepped up to coordinate the Girls Grade 1 Division. In 2014, took over the responsibility of the leagues website and in 2016 he implemented a new updated website. In 2019, he added referee game signups to the website to help streamline the scheduling process.

When the soccer program added their Spring Program in 2017, Craig began working with the referees in the 1st and 2nd grade division to not only referee but help teach the players the game and the rules as they refereed the games.

In 2018, he started a cleat exchange program which is held prior to each season where parents can exchange old cleats that their children have outgrown for ones that fit that season.

In addition, he helps set up the fields at Eldersburg each week in the fall from September through November and each Spring from March – May.

Craig exemplifies what a true volunteer is, and we are honored to have him as our 2023 Volunteer of the year.

Wayne demonstrates the true nature of being a volunteer, always there to lend a hand when needed.

It is an honor and a privilege for us to have Wayne Straitz as our 2022 Volunteer of the Year.