Matt Homonoff has come a long way since his days as a student at Barrington High School.

The son of Marvin and Linda Homonoff, of Old Chimney Road, Matt has not only attained or exceeded some of his own expectations, but also those of whom he works closely with as general manger of the Des Moines, Iowa Menace soccer team.

Recently, he was named the 2015 Premier Development League “Executive of the Year.” He received the award at the United States Leagues’ 2015 USL and PDL Winter Summit in Clearwater, Fla.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by our league, but anyone who’s been involved in team sports knows that success is a collective effort,” said Mr. Homonoff, who is in his fourth year as Menace GM. “I am very lucky to work with a great front office that leads our league in operations and youth development, as well as a top-notch coaching staff and fantastic players. I am grateful for the continued support of our owner, Kyle Krause, and the entire Kum & Go family — and, of course, the best fans in the PDL.”

With Mr. Homonoff leading the way, the Menace’s 2015 brought new faces to the organization. In his first year on the Menace sideline, head coach Mike Matkovich guided the PDL team to an 11-1-2 mark. Women’s head coach Justin Vorster and director of youth programs Lyle Hunt also joined the Menace in 2015.

The Des Moines Menace provides the highest level of soccer in Iowa.

Matt Homonoff, a 1996 Barrington High School graduate who recently celebrated his 38th birthday, became the Menace's general manager in Nov. 2012, bringing experience from stints with D.C. United (MLS) and F.C. Edmonton (NASL). He is a graduate of American University in Washington, D.C., where he majored in political science. He resides in West Des Moines with his wife, Sophie, and children, Hailey and Lester.

“I oversee the men’s and women’s teams, the Academy Program, our camps and tournaments, and the Jr. Menace Program. In short — everything Menace,” he explained. “The best thing about my job is that I get to interact with soccer fans and families at all levels of the game.”

Not bad for someone who never played a second of soccer as a youngster or as an adult.

Mr. Homonoff became a fan of the international game by being exposed to World Cup USA ’94 and the start of Major League Soccer in 1996. Trips to Europe and a semester abroad in London solidified his passion for the sport.

According to his mom, Matthew has always been cognizant of the world around him.

“I recall a time when he was on a particular trip in college, he could identify every world flag without any problem,” she said. “He showed a great interest in world soccer. I knew the world would open up to him. I’m so proud of him, and I’m more proud of him as a father and husband.”

Marvin Homonoff said that although his son never played soccer in high school, he did compete in wrestling and volleyball. He also played Pop Warner football as a youngster.

“We couldn’t be more proud of him,” he said. “He’s a very special young man.”

Prior to coming to Des Moines, Mr. Homonoff served as manager of corporate partnerships for D.C. United, associate at Keppler Speakers Bureau, and director of sales and marketing for FC Edmonton. His favorite sports teams, aside from the Menace, are the US Men’s, Women’s, and Youth National Soccer teams, and Tottenham Hotspur. His favorite soccer player is Clint Dempsey.