Aaron Brunner (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2026

Aaron Brunner proved himself to be a student of the game in high school, leading the Hylton Bulldogs to various accolades—such as NCAA All South, VHSL 1^st Team All-State, and Washington Post 1^st Team-All Met. He would be named VHSL All-Star Game Most Valuable Player, and that was only the beginning.

 

Aaron started for New Hampshire University for all four years of his college career, playing a myriad of roles for the team. He would go on to receive numerous All-Tournament accolades at Clemson, Penn State, Vermont, and New Hampshire universities.

 

Post-college, Aaron signed with the New Hampshire Phantoms for one season. However, he quickly recognized that he had a true passion for coaching. He joined the Seacoast United Soccer Club, where he earned the title of NHSA Competitive Coach of the Year.

 

Aaron began coaching youth soccer for Prince William Soccer Inc. He served as head coach for the Richmond United/Strikers for more than 10 years, all the while coaching full-time for the Girls ECNL. He would go on to become the ECNL National Selection Director and is currently the US Soccer National Coaching Education Instructor.

 

He also coached at a collegiate level, assisting the 2022-2023 Florida State Seminoles back to former glory in the College Cup. Aaron was among the staff that received the 2023 United Soccer Coaches Coaching Staff of the Year.

 

Aaron assisted the FSU Women’s Team to championship gold and helped to produce All-American players. He is currently head coach of the Women’s Team at George Mason University, and continues to inspire excellence in his players.