Generations of Growth: A Lifetime of Soccer Memories with SABR

By Gary Curreri

Where the Journey Begins

At the Soccer Association of Boca Raton (SABR), every player’s story starts the same way: a ball at their feet, a dream in their heart, and a journey of growth ahead. Kristy Whelchel Hartofilis’ path began on SABR fields, leading her through the Team Boca competitive program, Duke University, and into the professional ranks. Now, her daughters are writing their own stories — with SABR as their foundation.

“Having SABR and the Team Boca program together under one umbrella made it so much easier for my girls to grow and move forward,” said Hartofilis, an All-State standout at Spanish River High School who helped the team reach its first-ever state semifinal. “Their transition felt natural because the coaches already knew them and supported their development every step of the way.”

Kristy, who went on to win six state championships in Team Boca and a gold medal with the U.S. U21 National Team, was inducted into the Palm Beach County Sports Hall of Fame in 2016.

A Philosophy Rooted in Player Development

Art Turpel, SABR’s longtime Director of Player Development, has helped shape generations of players since SABR’s founding in 1977.

“Our philosophy from the beginning has been to grow players, not just athletes,” said Turpel. “Through our in-house SABR recreational program, we identify kids who are ready for the next steps and support them if they want to move into the competitive side through Team Boca.”

Turpel emphasized that success isn’t just measured by college scholarships or pro contracts.

“We’re proud of the players who go on to high school, college, and even national teams,” he said, “but we’re just as proud when former players return to coach or when they bring their own kids back to SABR. That’s what this journey is really about.”

A Father’s Wish for the Next Generation

For Gabe Taboada, the journey has come full circle. As a young player, he rose through SABR and Team Boca, winning a state championship with his U18 team before competing at Lynn University. Today, he’s back on the sidelines — cheering on his 8-year-old daughter Parker as she begins her own SABR journey.

“I wanted Parker to experience what I did,” Taboada said. “SABR and Team Boca taught me teamwork, hard work, and how to be part of something bigger than myself.”

Taboada said today’s environment is even more competitive — but the heart remains the same.

“She’s learning skills like spacing, passing, vision, and commitment,” he said. “But even more important, she’s building friendships and a love for the game that will last.”

Coaches Who Nurture Growth Beyond the Field

Mario Rincon, Girls Director for the Team Boca program, understands the full circle better than most — he was once a young player in SABR himself.

“What’s remarkable is how the foundation built in SABR’s recreational program makes the next step into Team Boca so smooth,” said Rincon, who helped lead the club’s first state championship team.

He added that seeing former players return as coaches or volunteers speaks volumes about SABR’s impact.

“The legacy is strong because it’s built on relationships, not just results,” Rincon said. “We’re developing people as much as we are players.”

Building Strong Foundations for a Lifetime

Lauren Reilly, another SABR alum, believes early development is the key to long-term success.
Now Team Boca’s Fitness Director, Reilly played professionally in both the U.S. and Sweden after helping St. Andrew’s win a state championship in 2007.

“At the younger ages, learning fundamentals is crucial,” Reilly said. “SABR gives kids the grassroots skills and love for the game. When they move into the competitive level, their speed of play and technical abilities build naturally on that strong foundation.”

According to Reilly, few programs bridge that gap as seamlessly as SABR does.

“Everything is about growing step-by-step — not rushing,” she said. “That’s why the transition feels so natural for the players.”

Your Child’s Journey: From SABR Recreation to SABR Team Boca

If your child is ready for the next step beyond recreational soccer, SABR Team Boca offers a competitive pathway through a tryout and selection process.

Players are identified based on skill development, commitment, and potential for competitive team play.

Tryouts for the 2025–2026 Season Are This May!

• Girls (U13–U19) Tryout Dates:
  May 1–3 at FAU Glades Fields (777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton)
  May 5–8 and May 12–13 at Spanish River Athletic Facilities (1000 Spanish River Blvd, Boca Raton)
• Boys Tryout Dates:
  May 5–8 and May 12–15 at Spanish River Athletic Facilities

Visit teamboca.com to view detailed tryout schedules by age group.

If you have any questions about the tryout process, please email Team Boca Director Petro Andreadis at pandreadis@sabrsoccer.net.

Start the next chapter of your child’s soccer journey with SABR Team Boca!

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