Alan Ross (Meritorious Service) - Inducted 2026

In 1970, Alan Ross arrived on the soccer scene with a bang—cinching a spot on American University’s varsity team before classes could even start. Due to his high energy, school alumni bestowed upon him the moniker of “The Freshman Whip.” That title would soon become his name, and he’s been known as “Whip” ever since.

 

Whip played every minute in his freshman year, becoming 2^nd leading scorer on the team. When the season ended, he realized there was no established form of off-season training. Alongside other players, Whip petitioned the university’s Student Government Association to fund a spring club team. Whip spent the rest of his collegiate years leading his team to great success.

 

After the Fall 1970 season, the team had no goalkeepers left—leaving Whip with the task of finding a new one. Whip recruited his fraternity brother, Kurt Kuykendall, even though Kurt had never played a minute of soccer in his life!

 

In his first game, he wanted to quit at halftime. But, through Whip’s insistence and his promise to coach him, Kurt stayed on the team and continued to excel over the years as a player. In 1973, both Whip and Kurt would go on to co-captain American University’s team, leading them to their best season in years. Kurt would later go on to play on the US Olympic Team in 1974—something that would never have occurred without Whip’s steadfast belief in his friend’s potential.

 

Although a knee injury in 1988 put an end to his playing career, Whip’s passion for soccer never wavered.  As the Woodbridge Senior High School girls coach, he was named District and Region Coach of the Year numerous times.

 

In 1990, he was named All-Metropolitan Coach as well as National High School Coaches Association Region II Coach of the Year. That same year, Whip retired from coaching to become WSHS Vice-Principal. In 2008 he was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame.

 

To this day, Whip is beloved by his former teammates, students and players. In all things soccer, Whip brings his absolute best to the field. He continues to inspire a new generation of players.