We are proud to award our 2022 Humanitarians of the Year from Sounders FC, Tacoma Defiance, Sounders FC Academy and Washington Youth Soccer! This year’s winners use soccer as a tool to act in support of inclusion, tolerance, and justice in our community. They work to Fight Racism, Defend the Right to Play, Protect Our Planet or Stand for LGBTQ+ Equality, in alignment with the club's Social Justice Framework.
STEFAN FREI, SOUNDERS FC
Stefan has used his incredible art skills to help design a wine label for Elsom Cellars to help fundraise for Washington Youth Soccer and a GlassyBaby to benefit childhood cancer research. He helped launch the third edition of “You Shall Not Pass” scarf to raise funds again childhood cancer research. An avid gamer, Stef donated electronics and video game equipment to Seattle Children’s, personal items to RAVE Foundation, Contrib, and STG DOORS. Stef was Captain of the TreeKeeper program that aims to preserve the Brazilian rainforest and move tree species off the endangered list.
RANDY MENDOZA, TACOMA DEFIANCE
Randy frequently helps coach local youth teams around the Seattle area. He also plans to become a police officer after his soccer career, in order to better serve his community.
SHAUN BRUN, SOUNDERS FC ACADEMY
Shaun volunteers with GOALS HAITI. Shaun is half Haitian, so this helps him feel connected to his community. He trains 1st to 6th grade age kids 1-on-1 for an hour, teaching them basics of soccer. Shaun likes to give the kids he works with the same opportunities that he had when he was younger. Through his work, Shaun has raised around $600 for GOALS HAITI so far.
ISABEL WILLEMS, WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
Isabel is a leader within the youth soccer community who shares her love of the game to reach beyond the pitch. She has given back to the community as a volunteer with our Soccer for Success program at Bow Lake Elementary for 3 seasons. Isabel is also a participant in WYS's Youth Advisory Committee and works diligently to help make soccer more accessible for all.
