For the time being, the bragging rights belong exclusively to Amanda Vogelman.
Vogelman was a star defender at Archbishop Ryan High School and later Temple University. And she was always one of the best athletes around. But now she might not be the best soccer player in her house now that her sons Colin, 5, and Nolan, 3, are playing soccer and they’re giving her a run for her money.
“They are playing for Philly Soccer, they don’t have a position, they’re too young for that, but they love it,” Vogelman said. “Me and Colin mess around and argue about who’s better. We have fun, I love watching them play.”
Vogelman has a great ace in the hole to pull next time someone questions her soccer game. She’s officially a hall of famer.
On Friday night, Vogelman was inducted into the Archbishop Ryan Soccer Hall of Fame. She joined girls players Maureen McGinley Rocks, Monica Rubino Reynolds, Maria DeGeorge Kosmin and Nicole Sinclair Aaronson as well as boys inductees Joseph Stackhouse, Nick Pratico, Steve Kientzy and Joe Brocker.
The school also honored Ana Tobon, who was inducted two years ago but was unable to make the banquet, and George Todt, the longtime coach of the boys program. Todt retired as the all-time winningest soccer coach in Pennsylvania and ranked No. 5 in the nation when he stepped away from coaching. He has remained on as the athletic director, this year helping in the transition as Joe Zeglinski takes over the post. He will officially retire in June.
This was the second class for the girls program and meant a lot to Vogelman, who has been a part of the program for the past five years as an assistant coach.
“When (girls soccer coach Jon Geist) called to tell me I was going in, I thought I was getting pranked,” said Vogelman, who led the Ragdolls to the Catholic League championship game in her senior season. “It’s such a very special honor. It means a lot. And the banquet was so nice. It was just a great time because I was honored to be around all of those great players.
“Ryan soccer has a great history. I know it. It’s great to be part of it all.”
It was extra special for Vogelman, who was joined by her goalie, Sinclair Aaronson.
“Nicki was a great player, I loved playing with her,” Vogelman said. “We had great chemistry, we played well together. She was a great player. I think we helped each other a lot, so it was special going in with her. I was happy we were together.”
Vogelman was proud to be honored with the greats of the school, but she seemed even more proud to represent the school she loves.
That’s one of the reasons she went back to the school to coach when her playing days were over. And it’s why she’s so proud of the accomplishments of her players. In five years, she has helped the Ragdolls win three Catholic League championships. They also finished runner-up once.
“We’ve had some great players, a few hall of famers, I think,” Vogelman said. “I came back here because I wanted to coach, but I really wanted to coach at Ryan. It’s a special place. I love coaching with Jon and working with him. And I love being around the school. Everyone there is family.”
Vogelman was also happy the school started a girls hall of fame. The inaugural hall of fame class was two years ago, and this year was the second.
“I think this is great for the girls program, the boys program started it before, but it’s great they do it and do it together,” Vogelman said. “It’s a huge honor. It’s a great accomplishment. I’m so proud to be part of it.”
And she’ll make sure everyone knows.
Every hall of famer received a plaque and a sweater with the school emblem and the words “Hall of Fame” on them.
“I might just wear it every day,” she said with a laugh. “And the plaque will be showcased prominently. I’m really proud of it.”
It also will help her when trash talking her son.
“The banquet was great, my whole family was there,” Vogelman said. “It was fun that my sons were there. They didn’t see me play, I’m happy they were there for this. It was special having them there.”
