Willy Roy emigrated to the United States with his family as a thirteen-year-old. He earned All-American Honors at the University of Illinois, made 20 appearances for the United States National Team and was head coach of the NASL Chicago Sting. Roy also had a fifteen-year career at Northern Illinois University and was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1989.

Upon being notified of his selection as a Walt Chyzowych Lifetime Achievement Award recipient Willy Roy said, “I am deeply humbled and honored to receive this prestigious award. I had the opportunity to play against Walt Chyzowych years ago. I knew that his hard work on the field and his commitment to coaching was a belief we both shared. I consider myself very fortunate to be part of this group of honored past recipients. I would like to acknowledge and thank my family, my teammates, my players and my colleagues over the years who supported me during my playing and coaching career and thank the Walt Chyzowych Fund for all it is doing to support the continued growth and development of soccer in the United States.”