Congratulations to Aleks Mihailovic for being selected into Illinois State Soccer Association Hall of Fame
Chicago Blast Soccer Club is proud to announce that Aleks Mihailovic will be inducted into the Illinois State Soccer Association (ISSA) Hall of Fame on October 3rd, at 7:00pm at Chicago Fire’s Toyota Park. Aleks will be presented the traditional Hall of Fame Inductions Jersey by the Hall of Fame Committee Chair Julius Roth. The ISSA Hall of fame celebrates 100 years of outstanding commitment and service to soccer by recognizing individuals who have excelled either on or off the field of soccer in an exceptional manner. Aleks will be joined by a prominent list of inductees which include former US National Team and Chicago Fire star Frank Klopas along with Steve Landek, Mayor of Bridgeview and Illinois Youth Soccer Association President Gus Bender. Aleks has shown an outstanding commitment to soccer on and off the field throughout his career. As a collegiate player Aleks was Jacksonville University’s all time scoring leader, an All American Player and NCAA Division 1 record holder for goals and assists. Aleks played professional soccer for the NASL Washington Diplomats and the Jacksonville Tea Men. He currently serves as the Director of Coaching for United States Adult Soccer Association and Illinois State Soccer Association. Aleks is also the United States Adult Association Men’s National Select Team Head Coach.
The Illinois State Soccer Association and the Chicago Blast coaching staff would like to invite team members and parents to join Aleks and his family as he receives this prestigious honor for his contributions to the game of soccer. You can reserve seats by calling Maria Edith Nieto at the ISSA office, 312-226-7920 and let her know you would like to join the Chicago Blast family that evening. The deadline for reservation is September 22nd.
ALEKS MIHAILOVIC-
Aleks Mihailovic, United States Adult Soccer Association Men’s National Select Team Coach, is one of the nation’s most respected soccer coaches. He holds a USSF “A” license and a high level international coaching license. Aleks has made a debut as a professional coach at the young age of 29. Mihailovic’s innovative technical and tactical training expertise earned him the honor of being commissioned to pen the U.S. National Youth Soccer Coaches Handbook by M&M Mars/Snickers. He is also the author of the S.M.I.A. Coaches Manual, and producer of 6 SMIA DVD Training Series. Most recently, Aleks has been named the National Coaching Director for United States Adult Soccer Association and serves as the Illinois State Soccer Association Director of Coaching since 2004.
Mihailovic’s accomplishments as a player paved an easy route to the professional ranks. A two-time High School All American from Morton East High School, Aleks gained his experience in Chicago starting with the Juveniles, and then through National and Metropolitan Soccer Leagues. On Many occasions, Aleks represented Illinois and various Chicago All Star games against other states, National Cup games and international matches. A two-time All American and East West Senior Bowl selection, Aleks became only the third player in NCAA Division I history to amass more then 40 goals and 40 assists in his career. Mihailovic’s 54 career assists rank sixth all-time in the NCAA record books. He also ranks in the top five all-time in NCAA career assist per game. In 1978, Aleks was invited to the U.S. Olympic Tryouts and the University Games. His playing jersey at Jacksonville University was retired, and in 1993 was one of the first inductees into that institution’s Sports Hall of Fame. In 2009, Aleks was honored as one of the top 75 most prestigious graduates in the history of Jacksonville University. He was drafted by the Washington Diplomats and later played with the Jacksonville Tea Men prior to sustaining a career ending ankle injury. Mihailovic turned his personal knowledge of the game into a vehicle to train players and coaches across the United States. In 1984, he founded Soccer Made in America, recognized today across the United States as one of the finest consulting and training grounds for players and coaches. Through SMIA, Aleks has made tremendous contributions to the game including working with underprivileged children through the SAFE Foundation which he founded in 1987. Since 1984 hundreds of thousands of children have kicked the ball for the first time in a Soccer Made in America training program. Many have gone to compete at collegiate, professional, Olympic, and nation team levels. In 2002, Aleks founded the Chicago Blast Soccer Club, where the club has earned three National Championships. In 2006 Aleks Mihailovic was recognized as the USASA National Coach of Year.
