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March 28, 2025

USSSA Mourns the Passing of Hank Steinbrecher, Former U.S. Soccer Secretary General and National Soccer Hall of Famer

A revered figure in the advancement and popularization of American soccer, Steinbrecher helped elevate the game to unprecedented heights across the country. 

VIERA, Fla. — The United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) joins the national and global soccer communities in mourning the loss of Hank Steinbrecher, a transformative leader and former Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation who passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, Ariz., on March 25 at the age of 77.

Steinbrecher served as U.S. Soccer’s Secretary General from 1990 to 2000 — a decade marked by significant progress and momentum for the sport in the United States. He played a pivotal role in bringing the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup to the U.S., which paved the way for the launch of Major League Soccer in 1996. He also helped bring the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup to the U.S., a groundbreaking event for women’s sports that culminated in an iconic U.S. victory in front of more than 90,000 fans at the Rose Bowl.

Under his leadership, U.S. Soccer’s staff tripled in size and moved its headquarters to a pair of historic mansions in Chicago, reflecting the organization’s growing prominence. A New York City native, Steinbrecher was a national champion player at Davis & Elkins College and later earned a master’s degree in education from West Virginia University. He coached at Warren Wilson College, Appalachian State, and Boston University before transitioning to sports marketing at the Quaker Oats Co., where he led Gatorade’s sponsorship efforts. He also served as the Harvard venue director for the 1984 Olympic soccer tournament.

“Hank Steinbrecher’s influence on American soccer cannot be overstated,” said Erick French, USSSA’s National Soccer Director. “He was a steward of the game who believed in soccer’s power to unite and inspire. His legacy lives on in the millions of athletes, coaches, and fans whose lives were shaped by the sport he so passionately championed.”

Known for his magnetic personality and inspirational speeches, Steinbrecher — affectionately dubbed “Reverend Hank” by members of the soccer media — mentored generations of leaders and professionals across all levels of the sport. He was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2005 and continued to serve as an ambassador for the game throughout his life.

Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and his sons, Chad and Corey.

USSSA honors Steinbrecher’s enduring contributions to the sport and sends its condolences to his family, friends, and all who were impacted by his remarkable life. U.S. Soccer’s tribute to Steinbrecher, including remembrances from the soccer community, can be found here: Former U.S. Soccer Secretary General Hank Steinbrecher Passes Away at Age 77. 
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About the USSSA

The USSSA is the #1 multi-sport association in the United States, with more than 35,000 sanctioned events and 4.5 million participants in 47 states. The Viera, Fla.-based company serves as the largest sanctioning body for sports including but not limited to slowpitch, baseball, fastpitch, basketball, soccer and more. For more information, visit USSSA.com.