Class of 2026 Inductee Bios
Gary Donaldson • Chris Gbandi • Phil Kydes • Lou Labbadia • Jeff Lea • Erin O’Grady
Bruno Prusaczyk • Manya Makoski Puppione • Beth Regan
2026 Ceremony Photos
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2026 Ceremony Videos
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Gary Donaldson
“Gary Donaldson was a phenomenally successful coach in the highly competitive FCIAC conference ”, said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “He sustained excellence, reaching the state final seven times in eleven years.”
From 1978 to 2000, Gary Donaldson led the Danbury High School boys’ soccer team to unprecedented success, building one of Connecticut’s premier programs. Over 22 seasons, his teams compiled a remarkable 311-71-23 record, captured seven FCIAC titles, and reached the state championship game seven times in eleven years. Under his leadership, Danbury claimed three CIAC Class LL State Championships (1990, 1997, 1998) and finished as finalists four additional times. National recognition followed, with rankings as high as #5 in 1997, #6 in 1990, and #11 in 1998. Honored as the CHSCA Coach of the Year in 1993 and recipient of the CSCA Special Coaches Award in 2000, Donaldson’s enduring impact was celebrated with his induction into the Danbury High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
Donaldson was recognized posthumously after his passing in 2016.
Chris Gbandi
“Chris Gbandi is simply one of the most decorated individuals in CT soccer history,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “He earned almost every recognition available during his time at UConn, before being drafted 1st by MLS.”
Chris Gbandi starred for the UConn Huskies from 1998 to 2001, leading the program to four BIG EAST regular-season titles and a conference championship in 1999. A dominant defender, he was a four-time All-BIG EAST selection, three-time BIG EAST Defender of the Year, and BIG EAST Rookie of the Year. Gbandi reached the pinnacle of college soccer in 2000, scoring the game-winning goal in the NCAA National Championship, earning College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player, and capturing the prestigious Hermann Trophy as the nation’s top player. A three-time All-American and Hermann Trophy finalist in 1999 and 2001, he was selected first overall in the 2002 MLS SuperDraft by FC Dallas, where he played until 2008 before joining FK Haugesund in Norway and representing the Liberian National Team in 2004. Returning to his roots, Gbandi became UConn Men’s Soccer Head Coach in 2022, continuing his legacy of excellence after having coached 6 years at Northeastern University.
Phil Kydes
“Phil Kydes was a high school and college superstar, winning a state title at Brien McMahon HS and leading Harvard to two final fours,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut soccer Hall of Fame. “He set the New England HS scoring record and his 13 assists in 1969 are 4th most all-time by an Ivy League player.”
Phil Kydes distinguished himself as one of Connecticut’s greatest soccer talents, beginning at Brien McMahon High School in Norwalk (1965–67), where he became the school’s all-time leading scorer with 78 goals in just three seasons. He set FCIAC scoring records three straight years—23 goals in 1965, 24 in 1966, and a New England record 31 goals in 1967—while leading his team to a state championship in 1965, a finalist finish in 1967, and back-to-back FCIAC titles in 1966 and 1967. A three-time All-FCIAC and All-State selection, Kydes continued his stellar career at Harvard University, earning All-American honors (1971) and First Team All-Ivy selections in 1970 and 1971. He helped Harvard capture Ivy League titles in 1969 and 1970, reach the NCAA Final Four twice (1969, 1971), and post an impressive 39–4 record over three years. His 13 assists in 1969 remain the fourth-most in Ivy League history, and he totaled 31 goals in his collegiate career. Playing at a time when freshmen were not allowed to play, Kydes’ records stand the test of time. After college, he was drafted by Montreal in the NASL but chose to pursue another career. He then played locally for Vasco da Gama (CSL).
Lou Labbadia
“Lou Labbadia reached the highest levels of officiating the college game in the nation,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. ”His reputation for excellence was earned through his consistent demonstration of quality refereeing in our state and others, regardless of the level.”
Labbadia’s resume demonstrates the respect others had for his integrity and skill which resulted in his selection to officiate the highest level college games.
Lou Labbadia had a distinguished career in soccer officiating, earning recognition at both state and national levels. A member of the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association (NISOA) since 1990 and the Greater New Haven Soccer Officials Association since 1986, he officiated at the highest collegiate levels, including six NCAA Division I Men’s Final Fours—highlighted by five national semifinals and the 1998 National Championship between Indiana and Stamford—as well as four Division I quarterfinals. He oversaw nine Division II Final Fours (including two national championships), two Division III semifinals, and two NAIA tournaments, including one national final. Labbadia’s excellence has been recognized with numerous awards: CT Soccer Coaches Association Referee of the Year (1993), New England Intercollegiate Soccer Official of the Year (1994), NISOA Region 1 Referee of the Year (2002). Labbadia was honored nationally with induction into the NISOA Hall of Fame (2014) and by his community with induction into the Middletown Sports Hall of Fame (2013).
Labbadia was one of the great referees in the nation after having established himself in Connecticut soccer.
Jeff Lea
“Jeff Lea’s tenure at Staples High School continued a tradition of excellence and solidified the program as one of Connecticut’s all-time best,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “Staples was always the team to beat under Lea’s leadership.”
Jeff Lea dedicated 34 years to coaching Staples High School boys’ soccer, serving as assistant coach from 1968–1977 and head coach from 1978–2002, making him the school’s longest-tenured coach. Over his head coaching career, he amassed an impressive 357-77-42 record, leading his teams to five CIAC Class LL championships (including 1970 as co-coach) and 12 FCIAC titles. His squads competed in 20 championship games, losing only three, a testament to his consistent excellence. Recognized for his impact, Lea received the CHSCA Boys High School Coach of the Year (1986), the NHSACA Region 1 Soccer Coach of the Year (1988), and was a NHSACA National Coach of the Year finalist in 1998 and 2004. He was also honored with the CT Boys Soccer Coaches Association Special Coaching Award (2003), inducted into the FCIAC Hall of Fame (2006), and named by the Hartford Courant as one of Connecticut’s “Best of the Century” soccer coaches, solidifying his legacy as one of the state’s most accomplished high school soccer leaders.
Erin O’Grady
“Erin O’Grady was phenomenal at every level of soccer,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “She is a youth national champion, collegiate scoring record holder, and pro league winner. She may be Syracuse University’s all-time best player and has been consistently excellent throughout her entire soccer career.”
O’Grady met with early success as a youth player with World Class SC of Windsor, CT, winning the USYSA Under 16 National Championship, three Northeast Regional titles, and nine CT Open Cup competitions. At Glastonbury HS (1995-1997), O’Grady earned All American (Parade & NSCAA, 1997), All New England (1996 & 1997), All State & All CCC (1995, 1996, 1997).
Erin O’Grady has had a distinguished soccer career spanning youth, high school, college, and professional levels. She began with World Class Soccer of Windsor, winning the US U20 National Championship (2000), three Northeast Regional titles, and nine CT Open Cups. At Glastonbury High School (1993–1996), she earned All-American honors (NSCAA-1997 & Parade-1996), All-New England (1995 & 1996), and multiple All-State and All-CCC selections. At Syracuse University (1997–2000), she was Player of the Year (2000), Rookie of the Year (1997), led the team in scoring and assists, and still holds 20 individual and career records, including points (117), goals (49), game-winning goals (14), and games played (82). Professionally, she won W-League titles with Boston Renegades (2001 & 2002), a WUSA regular-season title with Boston Breakers (2003), and captained New England Mutiny (WPSL, 2007–2008), reaching league finals twice. Honors include W-League Tournament MVP (2002) & All Tournament Team (2001, 2002), Syracuse Hall of Fame (2005), #9 jersey retired by New England Mutiny, WPSL Hall of Fame (2012), and Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2005).
Bruno Prusaczyk
“For more than 50 years, Bruno Prusaczyk has been the glue that held together multiple quality soccer clubs, teams, and the Connecticut Soccer League,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “Bruno is an icon in the Polish community and the Connecticut State Soccer Association.”
Bruno Prusaczyk has been a cornerstone of Connecticut soccer for over 50 years, beginning his involvement in 1969. He served as Connecticut Soccer League Registrar (2002–2024) and held leadership roles with the Hartford Polish Soccer Club (1969–1972) before co-founding and managing Hartford Polonia SC (1984–2024). He merged the Polonia team with NB Falcons to form Polonia-Falcons SC, creating a dominant CSL club that captured CSL championships in 1989 and 1992 and CT State Soccer Association Bertil Larson State Cup titles in 1992, 1993, and 1994. Recognized for his leadership and contributions, Prusaczyk earned CSSA Manager of the Year honors(1987, 2005), was named Polish American Soccer Association Manager of the Year (2014), and received the Polish Falcon of America Silver Legion Honor Award (2012), leaving a lasting legacy in Connecticut men’s soccer.
Manya Makoski Puppione
“Manya Makoski is one of the most accomplished players in CT soccer history,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “She is a World Cup winner, college All American, and 3-time Connecticut state champion.”
Manya Makoski enjoyed a decorated soccer career at the high school, collegiate, professional, and international levels. At Trumbull High School (1998–2002), she led her team to three CIAC Class LL state championships and four FCIAC titles, earning multiple All-American honors in 2000 and 2001. She was named CT Player of the Year by NSCAA Adidas (2001), Gatorade (2002), CJSA (2001), Hartford Courant & CT Post (2000 & 2001), and NH Register (2000). At Arizona State University (2002–2006), Makoski was an All-American, NSCAA Academic All-American, ASU Female Scholar Athlete of the Year, and earned the Outstanding Graduate Award. Internationally, she represented the U.S. U19, U21, and U23 National Teams, winning the U19 FIFA World Cup in 2002 and three Nordic Cups (2004, 2005, 2007). Professionally, she played for Los Angeles Sol (WPS 2009 champions), Atlanta Beat, Sky Blue FC (NWSL 2013), Thor/KA (Iceland 2011), and Aland United (Finland, 2012 & 2014; Player of the Year 2012). Playing semi-pro soccer, Manya won the 2007 USASA U23 Open Cup with Soccer Plus CT Red of the WPSL, cementing her legacy as a standout player at all levels, both domestically and internationally.
Beth Regan
“Beth Regan had an all-time great record at Tolland High School and built the women’s soccer program at Eastern Connecticut State University,” said Bill Duffy, President of the Connecticut Soccer Hall of Fame. “Additionally, she was a role model for women and girls as one of the lone female soccer coaches at a critical time in women’s sports. She was a motivator, competitor, and mentor for her players, on and off the field. You could practically count the number of female high school coaches on one finger in 1982.”
Beth Regan is a pioneering figure in Connecticut women’s soccer, coaching Tolland High School girls (1981–1985, 1992–2007) and the Eastern Connecticut State University women’s inaugural teams. She led Tolland to an undefeated 54-0-6 stretch from 1982–1985 and secured three consecutive CIAC Class S State Championships (1982–1984). At Eastern (1986–1991), Regan built the program from the ground up. In short time, Regan led Eastern to 3 post season berths and one NCAA tournament appearance. In recognition of her lasting impact, the Beth Regan Endowed Women’s Soccer Fund was established to support ECSU’s women’s program. Regan has been inducted in the Connecticut Girls Soccer Coaches Association Hall of Fame (2012), ECSU Athletic Hall of Fame (1998), and the New Britain Athletics Hall of Fame (2005). Celebrated for her leadership and dedication, she was the Tolland School District Teacher of the Year (1995). Regan has also contributed to Special Olympics. As a superior coach and role model for young women, Beth Regan shaped the early growth and development of women’s soccer in Connecticut.