Hometown: San Diego, California
National Team: Men’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Chris Ahrens represented the U.S. Men’s CP National Team for nine years, earning 54 international caps. He competed in two CP World Cups and represented the United States at the London 2012 Paralympic Games. Throughout his playing career, Ahrens demonstrated leadership and consistency, contributing to the continued development and international competitiveness of the U.S. CP program.

Athlete Council Experience:
Ahrens has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2014 and has held the role of Chair since 2016. He previously served as an Athlete Board Representative and continues to lead council initiatives supporting athlete representation and governance development. His work focuses on strengthening communication between athletes and leadership, improving policy transparency, and supporting long-term athlete-centered decision-making across federation programs.

Hometown: Atlanta, Georgia
National Team: Women’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Kate Ward represented the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team from 2009 to 2025, earning multiple international honors throughout her career. She is a four-time Deaflympics Gold Medalist (2009, 2013, 2021, 2025) and a three-time Deaf World Football Champion (2012, 2016, 2023). Ward was nominated for the 2022 ESPY Award for Best Athlete with a Disability in Women’s Sports.

Athlete Council Experience:
Ward has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2023 and currently holds leadership roles supporting athlete development and inclusion. She serves as Vice Chair of the Disability Soccer Committee and contributes to governance initiatives through the Membership Advisory Committee. Her work also includes participation in national and international groups focused on advancing disability soccer and athlete safety.

Hometown: Murrieta, California
National Team: Women’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Cassidy Leake has served as captain of the U.S. Women’s CP National Team since its inception in 2021. She has competed in nearly every international match during that period, earning World Cup gold and silver medals as well as an Intercontinental Cup gold medal, where she was named tournament Most Valuable Player. Leake was named U.S. Soccer Player of the Year in 2024 and received a subsequent nomination in 2025.

Athlete Council Experience:
Leake has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2022. In 2023, she was elected to the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors, becoming the youngest board member in federation history, and was re-elected in 2025. Her council service emphasizes access and inclusion initiatives and includes collaboration with national and international partners to expand participation opportunities.

Hometown: Houston, Texas
National Team: Men’s Youth National Team

Playing Experience:
Nelson Akwari represented the United States across multiple youth national team levels, including the U-17, U-20, and U-23 teams from 1998 to 2003. He played collegiate soccer at UCLA before beginning a professional career in Major League Soccer from 2002 to 2006. Akwari later competed in the United Soccer League from 2006 to 2011, contributing to professional soccer development across multiple competitive levels.

Athlete Council Experience:
Akwari serves on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and contributes to multiple governance committees, including Budget and Finance, Commercial Development, Nominating and Governance, Risk and Audit, and Technical Development. His council service supports long-term organizational planning, financial oversight, and athlete-centered policy development. He also contributes to initiatives focused on referee safety and disability soccer program advancement.

Hometown: Delaware County, Pennsylvania
National Team: Men’s National Team

Playing Experience:
Matt Freese has represented the U.S. Men’s National Team since 2019, earning 13 caps and contributing to the team’s success in the 2025 Gold Cup and Olympic Qualifiers at the U-23 level. At the professional level, he has spent seven seasons in Major League Soccer with the Philadelphia Union and New York City FC. During his club career, he has helped his teams reach three Eastern Conference Finals and capture the Supporters’ Shield in 2020.

Athlete Council Experience:
Freese has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2020. He is a member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors and contributes to governance discussions through his work on the Investment Committee. His council involvement focuses on strengthening financial stewardship, athlete representation, and long-term sustainability across federation programs.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
National Team: Men’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Sean Boyle has earned more than 40 international caps with the U.S. Men’s CP National Team. He represented the United States at multiple IFCPF World Cups and competed at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games. Prior to his international career, Boyle played collegiate soccer at San José State University before continuing his involvement at the national level following injury.

Athlete Council Experience:
Boyle has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council for five years and currently serves as Vice Chair and a member of the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. He has contributed to key governance initiatives, including federation review processes and policy development efforts. His council service focuses on strengthening governance structures, improving transparency, and advancing meaningful athlete representation across the federation.

Hometown: Charlotte, North Carolina
National Team: Women’s National Team

Playing Experience:
Whitney Engen represented the U.S. Women’s National Team at the highest levels of international competition. She was a member of the squad that won the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup and represented the United States at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro. In addition to her international career, Engen competed professionally at the club level, contributing to championship-winning teams and demonstrating leadership across domestic and international competitions.

Athlete Council Experience:
Engen serves on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors as an athlete representative, contributing to federation governance and long-term planning initiatives. Her council service focuses on strengthening athlete representation in decision-making processes and supporting policies that promote transparency and accountability. She contributes to discussions that shape athlete-centered programs and enhance the overall competitive environment within U.S. Soccer.

Hometown: Dallas, Texas
National Team: Men’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Trip Neil represented the U.S. Deaf Men’s National Team over a 20-year international career from 2004 to 2023, earning 50 caps. He competed in nine international tournaments and served as team captain from 2009 to 2019. Neil helped lead the United States to the semifinals of the 2008 Deaf World Cup and contributed to the team’s championship victory at the 2019 Deaf Pan American Games.

Athlete Council Experience:
Neil has been involved with the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2016, formally joining as a voting member in 2023. He has contributed to the Membership Advisory Committee, Women’s Championship Working Group, and Professional League collaboration initiatives. His council service focuses on advancing disability soccer representation, expanding extended national team opportunities, and supporting inclusive governance practices.

Hometown: Durham, North Carolina
National Team: Women’s National Team

Playing Experience:
Brianna Pinto plays professionally in the NWSL and was selected third overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft. She has represented the U.S. internationally at the U-17 and U-20 FIFA Women’s World Cups. Collegiately, Pinto starred at the University of North Carolina, earning multiple All-American honor. She was also named the 2019 U.S. Soccer Young Female Player of the Year.

Athlete Council Experience:
Pinto joined the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council in 2020 through the Next Gen United initiative. She has contributed to several committees, including the Governance Taskforce, Appeals Committee, Membership Advisory Committee, and Women’s Championship Working Group. Her council service focuses on strengthening governance processes and ensuring diverse athlete representation across age, gender, and competitive levels.

Hometown: St. Louis, Missouri
National Team: Women’s National Team

Playing Experience:
Becky Sauerbrunn represented the U.S. Women’s National Team in 219 international matches during a distinguished 16-year career. She helped lead the United States to FIFA Women’s World Cup championships in 2015 and 2019 and earned Olympic medals in both 2012 and 2021. She finished her national team career in 2024 as one of the most accomplished players in program history.

Athlete Council Experience:
Sauerbrunn has served multiple terms on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council and remains an active contributor to governance initiatives. She supports federation policy development through her work on the Rules Committee, where she reviews proposed bylaw and regulatory changes. Her council service emphasizes athlete representation, transparency, and strengthening governance standards across the federation.

Hometown: Pasadena, California
National Team: Women’s Beach National Team

Playing Experience:
Makenzie Chronopoulos has represented the U.S. Women’s Beach National Team since 2021, earning more than 20 international caps. In addition to her national team experience, she has competed at the professional club level with Dena Beach Soccer Club. Chronopoulos has also remained actively involved in the sport through coaching at the club, college, and semi-professional levels, contributing to the continued growth and development of beach soccer in the United States.

Athlete Council Experience:
Chronopoulos has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2024. Her council involvement supports athlete engagement and development initiatives, particularly those focused on coaching pathways and player growth. She contributes to efforts that strengthen community-based programs and promote long-term participation opportunities, helping expand access to soccer across youth and adult development environments.ription goes here

Hometown: San Jose, California
National Team: Women’s Beach National Team

Playing Experience:
Jeané Sunseri-Warp has represented the U.S. Women’s Beach National Team since its first international appearance in 2019. She competed in the 2019 ANOC World Beach Games and has earned more than 30 international caps during her national team career. At the club level, she has played professionally for Cali Beach Soccer Club and has contributed to the continued growth of women’s beach soccer in the United States.

Athlete Council Experience:
Sunseri-Warp has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2023. She contributes to athlete advocacy and policy development through her work on the Referee Abuse Committee. Her council service focuses on promoting safe playing environments, supporting athlete education, and strengthening protections that improve the overall experience for players across all levels of competition.

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio
National Team: Men’s National Team

Playing Experience:
Justin Morrow enjoyed a distinguished professional career spanning 12 seasons in Major League Soccer, making more than 300 appearances. He earned MLS All-Star honors in 2012 and helped his team capture the 2017 MLS Cup and multiple Supporters’ Shield titles. Internationally, Morrow represented the United States and was part of the squad that won the 2017 Concacaf Gold Cup.

Athlete Council Experience:
Morrow joined the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council in 2025. He has supported federation initiatives focused on community engagement, athlete alumni programming, and long-term development pathways. His council work includes participation in efforts tied to the 2026 FIFA World Cup legacy and contributions to discussions surrounding the future of college and professional player development.

Hometown: Littleton, Colorado
National Team: Women’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Mia White has represented the United States in international deaf soccer competition, participating in Deaflympics and World Cup events. She played collegiate soccer at the Rochester Institute of Technology, where she competed for four seasons while pursuing studies in marketing and business. White also gained professional playing experience abroad, competing with club teams in both Spain and Finland.

Athlete Council Experience:
White joined the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council as a new member focused on supporting athlete development and representation. She contributes to council initiatives designed to strengthen athlete leadership and collaboration across programs. Her work emphasizes learning from experienced council members while advocating for inclusive opportunities and continued growth across deaf soccer and extended national team pathways.

Hometown: Sacramento, California
National Team: Men’s Youth National Team

Playing Experience:
Amobi Okugo played professionally for more than a decade across Major League Soccer and the USL Championship from 2010 to 2021. A first-round selection in the 2010 MLS SuperDraft, he made more than 150 professional appearances and helped his team reach the U.S. Open Cup Final in 2014 before winning the championship in 2015. Okugo also earned recognition as Team Defender of the Year in 2013.

Athlete Council Experience:
Okugo joined the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council in 2025. He contributes to federation governance through service on the Membership, Referee, and Professional League Committees. His council work focuses on expanding access to soccer in underserved communities, improving athlete safety standards, and supporting career transition pathways for athletes following their competitive careers.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
National Team: Men’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Ben Lindau has earned 45 caps with the U.S. Men’s CP National Team and has represented the United States in major international competitions. His tournament experience includes appearances at the 2017 World Championships, 2019 World Cup, and 2022 World Cup, where the team reached the semifinals. Lindau has also helped secure bronze medals at the 2019 and 2023 Para Pan American Games and served as captain during the 2024 World Cup.

Athlete Council Experience:
Lindau has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2023. He contributes to federation governance through participation on the Open Cup Appeals Committee, Vice Presidential Review Committee, and Membership Advisory Committee. His work emphasizes transparent decision-making, fair competition structures, and ensuring athlete perspectives are represented in key policy discussions.

Hometown: St. Paul, Minnesota
National Team: Men’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Eddie Perry has represented the U.S. Deaf Men’s National Team since 2017, earning 25 international caps. He has competed in multiple international tournaments, including the 2019 Deaf Pan American Games, where the United States won its first-ever gold medal in the men’s division. Perry has also participated in the Deaflympics, World Deaf Football Championships, and additional regional competitions, contributing to the continued growth and success of deaf soccer in the United States.

Athlete Council Experience:
Perry joined the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council in 2025 and contributes to several committees supporting athlete welfare and program development. His service includes participation on the Appeals Committee, Referee Committee, and Sports Medicine Research, Education, and Advisory Panel. His council involvement focuses on accessibility, athlete health, and advancing opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Hometown: Wichita, Kansas
National Team: Women’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Syd Andrews is a veteran of the U.S. Women’s Deaf National Team with more than 13 years of international experience. During her career, she has represented the United States in multiple international competitions and contributed to the continued growth and visibility of deaf soccer. Andrews’ long-standing involvement reflects her dedication to team development and athlete leadership within the program.

Athlete Council Experience:
Andrews has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2024. She has contributed to federation initiatives through participation in Soccer Forward programs designed to strengthen community engagement and athlete outreach. Her council work focuses on promoting access to soccer opportunities, supporting grassroots engagement, and advancing initiatives that benefit athletes and communities nationwide.

Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
National Team: Men’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Adam Ballou has represented the U.S. Men’s CP National Team since 2007, competing internationally for nearly two decades. He represented the United States at the London 2012 and Rio 2016 Paralympic Games and has participated in numerous international competitions. Most recently, Ballou was part of the championship-winning squad at the 2025 IFCPF Copa América, helping lead the United States to a continental title.

Athlete Council Experience:
Ballou has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council since 2022. He contributes to governance efforts through his work on the Membership Advisory Committee and represents U.S. Soccer as an athlete delegate to the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee (USOPC). His work focuses on athlete welfare, inclusion, and long-term program sustainability across adaptive and extended national team pathways.

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky
National Team: Men’s Deaf National Team

Playing Experience:
Will Frentz represented the U.S. Deaf Men’s National Team over a 16-year international career, earning 35 caps and serving as team captain from 2007 through 2024. During his tenure, he competed in multiple Deaf World Cups and Deaflympics, contributing to several historic performances by the program. Frentz was widely recognized for his leadership, professionalism, and long-term commitment to advancing deaf soccer in the United States.

Athlete Council Experience:
Frentz has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council in leadership roles focused on athlete advocacy and inclusion. His work emphasizes strengthening athlete representation in governance, expanding access to development resources, and building sustainable pathways for deaf and hard-of-hearing athletes. He remains committed to ensuring athlete perspectives are integrated into decision-making across federation programs.

Hometown: San Diego, California
National Team: Men’s Beach National Team & Men’s Futsal National Team

Playing Experience:
Nick Perera is one of the most accomplished athletes in U.S. Beach Soccer history, earning 94 international caps and scoring 114 goals for the U.S. Beach National Team. He has competed in three FIFA Beach Soccer World Cups and multiple CONCACAF qualification tournaments, earning MVP honors in 2023. Perera is the program’s all-time leading scorer.

Athlete Council Experience:
Perera served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council from 2014 to 2018 and rejoined in 2024. During his tenure, he has contributed to initiatives supporting the development of women’s beach and futsal programs. His council work has also supported athlete compensation and program growth efforts, emphasizing equitable opportunities and sustainable development across emerging disciplines.

Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
National Team: Women’s Beach National Team

Playing Experience:
Ali Hall has earned 21 caps with the U.S. Women’s Beach National Team over six years of international competition. She has represented the United States in international tournaments and has contributed to the growth of women’s beach soccer domestically. Prior to her national team career, Hall played collegiate soccer at the University of Tennessee, where she developed a strong foundation in competitive play.

Athlete Council Experience:
Hall has served on the U.S. Soccer Athlete Council as an advocate for the continued growth of women’s beach soccer programs. She contributes to athlete engagement efforts by supporting tournament development and expanding opportunities for participation. Her council work focuses on building sustainable programming, strengthening athlete representation, and promoting the long-term advancement of women’s beach soccer in the United States.

Hometown: San Diego, CA
National Team: Men’s CP National Team

Playing Experience:
Steve represented the United States in Para 7-a-Side competition from 2016 to 2018, contributing to the continued development of adaptive soccer programs at the national level. During his time with the program, he supported team preparation and international competition efforts while helping promote participation opportunities for athletes with disabilities.

Athlete Council Experience:
Steve serves on the Independent Ethics Committee of U.S. Soccer, contributing to governance oversight and ethical standards across federation operations. Professionally, he works at Raytheon Technologies within the Collins Aerospace division as a site leader and supports diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, including leadership of employee resource groups and disability-focused programming.