Honoring a Legacy: The Greenbrier Soccer Fields to be Renamed in Honor of Coach Russell Everett
- City of Greenbrier
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
The Greenbrier community is forever grateful for the Greenbrier Soccer Club, helping create a great environment for kids to grow not only as athletes but with confidence on and off the field. In 1994, Hector Reyes, Steve Tapley, and Bobby Kierna came together with a shared vision: to bring organized soccer to the Greenbrier area. Working with Don Jones and Greenbrier Public Schools, they helped form the Central Arkansas Soccer Association. A few years later, around 1997, Joe Gordon joined their efforts, contributing to the early development of soccer fields in Greenbrier.
By 2001, the group began building the current Greenbrier Soccer Complex, located behind Eastside Elementary on Glenn Lane. The fields officially opened for play in 2003 and have since become a centerpiece of youth sports in the community.
On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, the Greenbrier Soccer Club and the Arkansas Soccer Association gathered to honor one of the most influential figures in Greenbrier soccer history, Coach Russ Everett. In recognition of his tireless service and lasting impact, the complex will be officially renamed The Dr. W. Russell Everett Soccer Complex in a dedication ceremony on June 10, 2025.
Coach Russ first became involved in 2004 when he volunteered to coach his daughter Cassidy’s team. That simple act sparked a passion for the game and a deep commitment to the youth of Greenbrier. He quickly became a fixture in the local soccer scene, and in 2008, he stepped up to serve as Club President, following the retirement of Tony Davis.
As president, Coach Russ never stood on the sidelines. He led by example by painting fields, fixing equipment, helping coaches, and ensuring every child had a place to play. Despite the demanding role, he remained humble, often pointing to others who made the journey possible. He especially recognized the contributions of Herb Evans, LaVonne Johnston, Joe Crum, Larry Green, Kevin Griffin, and many more, saying, “It really takes many people to be successful.”
Under his leadership, the club introduced youth leadership mentoring, coach and referee training programs, and significant facility improvements. He also worked at the state level to raise standards in coaching certification, facility maintenance, and referee safety.
One of Coach Russ’s proudest achievements is the Greenbrier Soccer Club Centennial Pavilion, created in partnership with Centennial Bank, Herb Evans of Greenbrier Custom Homes, and the club. What was once just a small shed and a few port-o-potties became a modern facility with restrooms, concessions, a meeting room, and equipment storage. Thanks to his collaboration with Coach Larry Green, the sprinkler system they installed continues to keep the fields lush and green.
Perhaps most impactful is the youth mentoring program he launched in 2018. High school and college students began coaching the youngest players (ages 3 to 6) in the Greenbrier Soccer Academy. This program brings hundreds of families together each season and embodies what Coach Russ has always stood for: community, development, and character.
With his retirement approaching, Coach Russ leaves behind big shoes to fill, but he also leaves a strong foundation and a legacy that will inspire future generations. As Hector Reyes put it, “When Russ Everett got involved, it got things going. He’s someone that makes things happen.”
When asked what it meant to have this prestigious honor of having the complex renamed after him, and what that felt like, Everett shares, "I never dreamed they would name the soccer complex after me. It means a lot. I partially feel a little bit guilty because although I've been helping the program for 20 years, and we've done a lot of things out there and we've made a lot of improvements, I wasn't unfortunately there when they built the complex. There were people that were here before me, and people that will step up to see it continue to grow. But, the program would not be what it is today with out the many many volunteers standing alongside making it happen." The army of soccer moms through the years needs to be celebrated as well, they are really the magic making a lot of things happen.
The Greenbrier community will deeply miss his hands-on leadership, unwavering dedication, and kind heart. But his legacy lives on, in the fields he helped build, the players he mentored, and the community he brought together.
We thank Coach Russ for everything and look forward to celebrating the official naming of The Dr. W. Russell Everett Soccer Complex on June 10, 2025.
Special thank you to Scott Demers and Ashton Snowden Pruitt for their assistance with this story.
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