ROCK HILL, S.C. — The York County Soccer Hall of Fame has announced its 2026 induction class, recognizing five individuals whose accomplishments and service have significantly impacted the growth and success of soccer throughout York County and beyond.
The 2026 class includes David Vance Benson II, George Cobbina, Nick Schuermann, Ellen Bright Borland and Taylor Parker McDowell.
Benson is recognized for a career defined by leadership, athletic achievement and academic success at the high school and collegiate levels. At the University of South Carolina, he served as team captain and helped lead the Gamecocks to a Conference USA regular-season championship and NCAA Tournament appearance. Prior to college, Benson starred at Northwestern High School, where he earned All-State honors and helped lead the Trojans to multiple deep postseason runs, including a state championship.
Cobbina is honored for his dedication to officiating, referee development and service to the game throughout York County and South Carolina. Beginning his officiating career in Rock Hill in 2007, Cobbina advanced through the referee ranks and became a certified referee mentor in 2021. A founding member of the Rock Hill Referee Association, he has served in several leadership positions and currently serves as South Carolina Referees Area Referee Administrator. His officiating accomplishments include selection to six SCHSL state championship crews.
Schuermann is being recognized for a career marked by elite performance, leadership, academic excellence and continued service to soccer. A standout at Wofford College, he started every collegiate match of his career while serving as a three-year team captain. His honors included NSCAA Third Team All-American recognition and NSCAA First Team Scholar All-American honors. Before college, Schuermann was a four-year starter and three-year captain at Fort Mill High School and later returned to contribute to the school’s state championship program as a coach.
Borland is honored for her accomplishments as a player, leader and coach throughout York County and the Southeast. She competed for several elite club programs and represented South Carolina through the Olympic Development Program. At Nation Ford High School, she earned multiple All-State and All-Region honors and was named Region Player of the Year in 2012. At the University of South Carolina Upstate, Borland established herself among the top goalkeepers in program history and later contributed as a goalkeeper coach at the high school and collegiate camp levels.
McDowell is recognized for achievements spanning the club, high school, collegiate and professional ranks. A standout player with Charlotte Soccer Club and the South Carolina Olympic Development Program, she captured multiple state, regional and showcase championships during her youth career. At Fort Mill High School, she earned consecutive All-State honors and was named Region III Player of the Year in 2010. Collegiately, she competed at both the University of Kentucky and High Point University, earning NCAA All-Region honors and multiple First Team All-Big South selections. Professionally, she played for the Carolina Cobras and scored the game-winning goal that advanced the club to the W League National Championship.
The York County Soccer Hall of Fame Induction Banquet will be held Sept. 24 from 6-9 p.m. at the Courtyard by Marriott in Fort Mill, South Carolina. Tickets are available at yorkcountysoccerHOF.com.
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