FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kendra Halterman Appointed New Executive Director of USA Deaf Soccer Association

USASA Women’s National Amateur Cup Champion, Women’s Premier Soccer League team owner and longtime USA Deaf Soccer supporter, Kendra Halterman will bring visionary leadership as the new Executive Director of The USA Deaf Soccer Association.

[Austin, Texas] – [September 25th, 2024] – Kendra Halterman, a well-respected figure in the soccer world for over two decades, has been named the Executive Director of the USA Deaf Soccer Association (USADSA). With an impressive career both on and off the field, Halterman’s leadership is set to guide the organization toward an exciting future for Deaf soccer.

Throughout her career, Halterman has achieved numerous accolades, including multiple Youth State and Regional Championships and serving as captain of her high school team which won the State Championship in 1998. In 2008, she co-founded a Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) team, which later became the Utah Royals-NWSL through a partnership with Real Salt Lake in 2013. Her WPSL team won the Big Sky and Western Regional Championships in 2012 and advanced to the WPSL Final 4. She remains an active player and was recently recognized as the USASA Women’s National Amateur Cup Champion in both 2022 and 2024.

Halterman’s dedication to soccer is matched by her unwavering commitment to the Deaf community, where she has been a steadfast advocate for years. She has served on the USA Deaf Soccer Board and hosted two training camps for the US Women’s Deaf National Team in Utah.

Amy Griffin, US Women’s Deaf National Team Coach, praised Halterman’s appointment, stating, “Kendra has a reputation over decades for moving the game forward for everyone. Her work ethic is second to none, and she is courageous in her vision and ability to initiate and navigate big ideas. USADSA is in good hands, and I can’t wait to see what is on the horizon with Kendra as Executive Director.”

Suzanne Anderson, President of the USA Deaf Soccer Association, echoed these sentiments: “When the USA Deaf Soccer Association began making preparations to hire our very first Executive Director, we understood the importance of this milestone for the organization. Knowing Kendra’s passion for USADSA, commitment, and vision made the choice of who to bring on board to lead this incredible organization an easy decision. Her ability to mold the organization into a National Governing Body for Deaf soccer is unparalleled. She leads with her heart because she knows that our d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing youth and adult players deserve it. We look forward to the transformative leadership and the future that it holds for USADSA.”

Halterman expressed her enthusiasm for her new role, stating, “I am deeply honored to take on the role of Executive Director for the USA Deaf Soccer Association. Being part of the Deaf community and having the opportunity to work toward creating a space for every d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing individual is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s crucial we focus on grassroots initiatives while also building pathways to the Deaf National Teams, ensuring that every player has the chance to reach their full potential.”

Moving forward, Halterman emphasizes the importance of grassroots development and establishing strong partnerships with schools, clubs, states, and other organizations to introduce d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals to soccer. “We are committed to hosting camps, clinics, and league play across the U.S. Our mission is to create opportunities for every athlete, enhancing awareness and access to the sport within the Deaf community. We envision a future where every d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing athlete can experience the joy of soccer, and we are dedicated to providing them with the necessary resources and support.”

Additionally, Halterman aims to offer coaching courses tailored for those interested in coaching Deaf soccer. “By equipping coaches with the necessary skills and knowledge, we can create a more impactful training environment that ensures our athletes receive the best possible support,” she states. “Together, we can transform the landscape of Deaf soccer, creating pathways for every player to thrive and realize their potential on and off the field.”

In addition to her new role with USADSA, Halterman continues to serve as the WPSL Commissioner, the Affiliate Board Director for the United States Adult Soccer Association (USASA), and a committed advocate for Deaf soccer. The USA Deaf Soccer Association eagerly anticipates the visionary leadership Halterman will bring as she helps shape the future of Deaf soccer.
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