John and Dianne Carenza's names have long been synonymous with excellence, leadership, and a deep love for the game of soccer. Now, their legacy will inspire future generations of SIUE Cougars through two endowed scholarships — the John and Dianne Carenza Olympic Legacy Men's Soccer Scholarship and the John and Dianne Carenza Olympic Legacy Women's Soccer Scholarship.

Each year, these scholarships are awarded to returning members of the SIUE men's and women's soccer programs who best exemplify the Olympic values of Excellence, Respect, and Friendship — ideals that John and Dianne lived by both on and off the field.

"This gift is more than a scholarship," said Andrew Gavin, SIUE Director of Athletics. "It's a lasting tribute to a couple whose lives have embodied what it means to be a champion in sport and in life."
A towering 6'4" forward from St. Louis, John Carenza helped elevate the SIUE men's soccer program to national prominence from 1968 to 1971. He remains the Cougars' all-time leading scorer with 71 career goals and ranks second in career assists with 29. A two-time Hermann Trophy runner-up and 1971 All-American, Carenza was known not only for his physical dominance, but for his leadership and sportsmanship.

His collegiate success propelled him onto the U.S. Olympic Soccer Team for the 1972 Summer Games in Munich. During Olympic qualification, Carenza scored five goals, including the decisive match-winner against Jamaica that secured the United States' first Olympic berth since 1956. He later played professionally for the St. Louis Stars in the North American Soccer League and is a member of the St. Mary's High School, SIUE, and St. Louis Soccer Halls of Fame.
Dianne (Emling) Carenza, a Collinsville, Illinois native, met John while studying Speech Pathology and Audiology at SIUE. Their college romance grew into a 50-year marriage, raising three children and later welcoming four grandchildren. Together, John and Dianne built a life rooted in faith, family, and service to others — values that shaped their enduring connection to SIUE and to the sport of soccer.

Following John's unexpected passing in March 2023, Dianne sought a meaningful way to honor his memory while inspiring young student-athletes to pursue their best selves. The resulting scholarships reflect the core principles of the Olympic movement — striving for excellence in all pursuits, showing respect for teammates and opponents, and building friendships that transcend backgrounds and unite through sport. These values defined John's journey, from competing against global icons like Pelé, to representing his country on the Olympic stage, to mentoring young players long after his professional career ended.

The inaugural John and Dianne Carenza Olympic Legacy Men's Soccer Scholarship is awarded to Bobby Pauly, a junior majoring in Exercise Science from Saint Charles, Missouri. Pauly has been a cornerstone of the SIUE men's soccer program, contributing to six trophy wins over his first three seasons and leading all Cougars in minutes played during the 2025 season. "More than his on-field contributions, Bobby has been a tremendous teammate, friend, and leader on and off the field and in the community," said Men's Soccer Head Coach Cale Wasserman. "A staple at our SIUE soccer camps, Bobby has impacted hundreds of youth players in the area and was recently named one of our team captains."

The inaugural John and Dianne Carenza Olympic Legacy Women's Soccer Scholarship is awarded to Marin Vines, a junior majoring in Electrical Engineering from Kirkwood, Missouri. Vines exemplifies the scholarship's values through her academic focus and her commitment to the core principles of the women's soccer program and SIUE Athletics. "Marin embodies the principles of this value-driven scholarship by her focus academically and in the way that she upholds our core values to the highest degree in everything she does," said Women's Soccer Head Coach Derek Burton.
"She is the consummate teammate — leading by example, maximizing her effort, and constantly encouraging and supporting everyone around her in a genuine, compassionate way."

With this gift, John and Dianne Carenza ensure that their love for SIUE, for soccer, and for the ideals of the Olympic movement will continue to shape the lives of student-athletes for decades to come. "John's legacy was never just about goals scored," said Dianne Carenza. "It was about the relationships built, the respect earned, and the pursuit of excellence in everything he did. We want future SIUE Cougars to carry that forward."

Through the John and Dianne Carenza Olympic Legacy Scholarships, SIUE Soccer not only honors one of its greatest players, but also challenges future generations to live, lead, and compete with the same passion and integrity that defined the Carenzas' lives.

Those interested in creating and naming their own endowed scholarship at SIUE are encouraged to contact Shane Taylor, SIUE Director of Development, at 618-558-8319 or staylaa@siue.edu. Endowed scholarships at SIUE require a minimum commitment of $25,000, payable as a one-time gift or over up to five years, and establish a permanent endowment managed by the SIUE Foundation that provides perpetual, donor-directed support for students.