Aaron Marston was born and raised in Maine and attended Katahdin High School where he excelled in academics and athletics. Soccer was his passion and he sat right here at this banquet in 1991 and 1992 and was awarded a Northern Maine Regional All Star both years and in his senior season was All State. After high school, Aaron went to the University of Maine at Presque Isle where he played soccer all 4 years, was named team captain his junior and senior seasons, and graduated with a degree in Athletic Training. While at UMPI, he met his wife Keli Daigle Marston of East Millinocket, who also graced us with her presence in two of these banquets, also earning Regional All Star and All State Awards. After graduation, Aaron and Keli left for West Virginia and Florida to start their family, pursue their masters degrees and started their fitness and wellness careers. In 2012, Aaron and his family moved back to Maine and just 2 years later, he was hired as a Professor of Exercise Science at UMPI. In 2018, he and Keli took over the women’s soccer program at UMPI and a year later, Aaron was named the head coach. 

In October of 2022, while departing campus to play their county rivals UMFK, Coach Marston collapsed on the bus and passed away. Aaron will always be remembered for his love and passion for his players, the game of soccer, the opponents, and everyone he met. His players loved him. His friends and former teammates always looked up to him. 

This award was created after his passing to honor those student-athletes in Maine who live their lives as Aaron did, with dignity, honor, love, passion, and leading others, always in the right direction.