New Jersey Youth Soccer formally inducted Alecko Eskandarian and Denise Reddy into the NJYS Hall of Fame during a ceremony held at the New Jersey Hall of Fame inside American Dream.
The NJYS Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose leadership, dedication, and achievements have made a lasting impact on the growth and development of soccer throughout the state. Inductees are selected in one of two categories (player or contributor), reflecting distinct but equally meaningful paths of influence within the game. Alecko Eskandarian and Denise Reddy both represent those paths at the highest levels.
Alecko Eskandarian: A New Jersey Player with National Impact
Alecko Eskandarian’s career traces a direct line from New Jersey youth soccer to the top tiers of the sport. A standout at Bergen Catholic High School, Eskandarian earned national recognition, including Gatorade National High School Athlete of the Year honors and three New Jersey State Player of the Year Awards. He continued his development at the University of Virginia, where he became one of the nation’s most decorated collegiate players. In 2002, he captured the Hermann Trophy as the top player in college soccer after scoring a single-season record of 25 goals for the Cavaliers.
Selected first overall in the 2003 MLS SuperDraft, Eskandarian built a professional career highlighted by an MLS Cup championship, MLS Cup MVP honors, multiple All-Star selections, and appearances with the U.S. Men’s National Team.
Following his playing career, he has transitioned into leadership roles that continued to shape the game. Eskandarian served as Youth Technical Director for the Philadelphia Union and later as assistant coach and head coach of the New York Cosmos, guiding the club to an undefeated season and league championship. He currently serves as Vice President of Player Relations & Player Development with Major League Soccer, overseeing initiatives that impact players across the league.
Eskandarian’s recognition reflects both his achievements on the field and his continued investment in the sport’s long-term growth. To the day, the New Jersey resident remains engaged with NJ Youth Soccer events and development programs, reinforcing the pathway that shaped his own career.
Denise Reddy: A Career Defined by Leadership and Development
Denise Reddy’s soccer journey also began in New Jersey. Raised in Hazlet, she developed as a youth player with the Middletown Cosmos before becoming a four-year starter at Rutgers University. During her collegiate career, she helped lead Rutgers to two Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference championships and earned NSCAA All-America second-team honors in 1991.
Reddy’s professional playing career took her to Sweden, where she competed for Umeå IK and later Malmö DFF. Over a decade with Malmö, she served as team captain for seven seasons, contributing to a Swedish Cup title and deep runs in European competition, including appearances in UEFA Women’s Cup semifinals.
She began coaching while still playing, laying the foundation for a distinguished career in player development. Her coaching résumé includes roles with the New Jersey Olympic Development Program (ODP), NJ/NY Gotham FC (formerly Sky Blue FC), the Chicago Red Stars, Washington Spirit, Chelsea FC Women, and most recently the United States Women’s National Soccer Team, where she serves as Assistant Coach.
Reddy is recognized for sustained leadership, mentorship, and technical expertise at the highest levels of the women’s game, and for maintaining strong ties to the New Jersey soccer community throughout her career.
A Broader Standard of Excellence
The New Jersey Youth Soccer Hall of Fame is designed to recognize more than accomplishments alone. It honors individuals whose work elevates the game and whose influence extends beyond individual teams or seasons.
The careers of Alecko Eskandarian and Denise Reddy reflect the long-term impact of the state’s development system, and the enduring responsibility many of its alumni carry forward. Their induction serves not only as recognition of distinguished careers, but as affirmation of the role New Jersey continues to play in shaping leaders across the sport.
To contact New Jersey Youth Soccer, please email communications@njyouthsoccer.com. Also make sure to follow us on social media: @NJYouthSoccer