Remembering National Soccer Hall of Famer Hank Steinbrecher
National Soccer Hall of Famer Hank Steinbrecher (2005), who was instrumental in growing the sport in the U.S. as Secretary General of the United States Soccer Federation, has died. He was 77.
“Reverend Hank,” as he was called by the soccer media, led U.S. Soccer from 1990 to 2000 — one of the most transformative periods in its history. He led the staging of three major international events on U.S. soil: the 1994 FIFA World Cup, which remains the most-attended World Cup in history; the 1996 Summer Olympics Soccer Tournament; and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, a watershed moment for women’s soccer around the world.
“Hank Steinbrecher was a giant in American soccer — a visionary leader whose impact on the growth of the game in this country is immeasurable,” said Djorn Buchholz, executive director of the National Soccer Hall of Fame. “As a National Soccer Hall of Fame member, his legacy will endure not only through the milestones he achieved, but also in the countless lives he inspired.
“We are deeply saddened by his passing and extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all those in the soccer community who were fortunate enough to know him.”
He was involved in organizing U.S. National Teams for two men’s World Cups, three Women’s World Cups, two Copa Americas, five CONCACAF Gold Cups and three Olympic Games. In that time, the U.S. women won two World Cups (1991, 1999) and an Olympic gold medal (1996), and the men won the inaugural Gold Cup (1991).
Steinbrecher moved U.S. Soccer’s headquarters from Colorado Springs to Chicago, built up its coaching and referee programs and helped develop its sponsorship programs.
He was Chairman of the Hall of Fame’s Board of Directors from 2011 to 2015. In 2012, he received the Werner Fricker Builder Award, the USSF’s highest individual honor.
A New York native, Steinbrecher won an NAIA national championship as a player at Davis & Elkins College in 1970. He launched his career in soccer as head coach and athletic director at Warren Wilson College. He later coached at Appalachian State and Boston University.
Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and his two sons, Chad and Corey.