From World Cups to MLS, Steinbrecher’s Legacy Transformed the U.S. Soccer Landscape
Hank Steinbrecher, one of the most influential architects of modern American soccer, passed away peacefully on March 25, 2025, at his home in Tucson, Arizona. He was 77.
A towering figure in U.S. Soccer history, Steinbrecher served as Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation from 1990 to 2000—a decade of transformation that forever altered the trajectory of the sport in the United States. Under his visionary leadership, the U.S. hosted both the 1994 FIFA Men’s World Cup and the 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup, two of the most significant events in our American soccer history.
Steinbrecher was a warm, imposing figure who took up space in the room but always made room for others. 
A Legacy Defined by Vision and Impact
Known affectionately in soccer circles as “Reverend Hank” for his passionate oratory and unwavering belief in the sport’s power to unite, Steinbrecher left a profound mark at every level of the game. His leadership was key in bringing the Men’s World Cup to the U.S. in 1994—a historic milestone that not only broke attendance records but also laid the foundation for the creation of Major League Soccer (MLS) in 1996.
Just five years later, Steinbrecher’s passion for the beautiful game would again elevate the sport when the United States hosted the 1999 Women’s World Cup, culminating in a sold-out final at the Rose Bowl where 90,185 fans witnessed the U.S. Women’s National Team lift the trophy. That iconic moment helped catapult women’s soccer into mainstream consciousness and inspired a generation of young athletes.
Beyond tournaments and titles, Steinbrecher helped relocate U.S. Soccer’s headquarters to Chicago, establishing a new home for the Federation at the historic Kimball House and helping professionalize operations for future growth.
In 2005, he was rightfully inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame, a lasting tribute to his legacy and unmatched contributions to the sport in America.
More Than a Leader: A Mentor, A Believer, A Builder
While Steinbrecher’s resume reads like a roadmap of U.S. Soccer’s ascent, his influence extended far beyond the executive suite. He was a mentor to many, a champion of grassroots development, and a man deeply committed to growing the game at every level.
U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone reflected on his legacy, saying:
“Hank’s passion for the sport and his love for U.S. Soccer were undeniable. What made Hank truly special was his ability to connect with people—whether it was players, coaches, or colleagues—he had a way of making everyone feel valued and part of something bigger.”
Current U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson credited Steinbrecher’s leadership during the 1990s as “the foundation” for the growth that followed, while former U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati remembered him as both a close friend and a “true giant of the sport.”
“Along with being one of the true giants of the sport,” said Gulati, “he was a wonderful human being, touching the hearts of all those he came across.”
Former U.S. Soccer CEO Dan Flynn, who succeeded Steinbrecher, described him as “a man of immense character and a true visionary,” adding that his impact “will be felt for generations to come.”
eyond his professional accomplishments, Steinbrecher’s name continues to resonate through the Steinbrecher Cup, awarded to the U.S. National Amateur Champion. The cup was named in his honor by John Motta, President of the U.S. Adult Soccer Association, who considered Hank “the most inspirational person” he’d ever met in soccer.
“He knew the game, he loved the game, and put every ounce of energy he had into the game,” said Motta. “I owe everything I have learned in soccer to him.”
A Final Tribute
Francisco Marcos, founder of the USL, called Steinbrecher “the most important and influential general secretary U.S. Soccer has ever had” and added poignantly:
“They don’t make them like that anymore. I’ll miss him terribly.”
Hank Steinbrecher is survived by his wife, Ruth Anne, and two sons, Chad and Corey. His life’s work lives on—in every American player, coach, league, and fan who loves the beautiful game just a little
Full Quotes From U.S. Soccer Press Release:
Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President:
“Hank’s passion for the sport and his love for U.S. Soccer were undeniable. He dedicated so much of his life to helping the sport grow in this country and truly believed in the power of soccer to bring people together. What made Hank truly special was his ability to connect with people – whether it was players, coaches, or colleagues – he had a way of making everyone feel valued and part of something bigger. His leadership will be truly missed as it wasn’t just about strategy or vision, it was about building relationships, inspiring others to follow him in service to the game and leaving the sport better than he found it. We are deeply saddened by his passing and our thoughts are with his family during this time.”
JT Batson, U.S. Soccer CEO & Secretary General:
“Hank was a visionary leader and a true champion for U.S. Soccer. His work during the 1990s set the stage for so much of the success we’ve experienced as a soccer nation in the decades since. Hank lived his life in service to soccer and graciously supported me in my time with the Federation. His contributions to our sport were immense, and he will be greatly missed.”
Sunil Gulati, U.S. Soccer President, 2006 – 2018:
“Hank was a dear friend for 40 plus years. I have so many great memories of Hank, from his days as a college coach through his time as U.S. Soccer’s CEO and finally as a senior statesman of the game. Along with being one of the true giants of the sport, he was a wonderful human being, touching the hearts of all those he came across. We will all miss him. Rest in peace Reverend Hank.”
Dan Flynn, U.S. Soccer CEO, 2000 – 2019:
“Hank is one of the most genuine people that I have ever known. He was a man of immense character and a true visionary who had a passion and dedication that was unmatched. His leadership during a critical time for soccer in the United States helped lay the foundation for the sport’s growth and his impact will be felt for generations to come.”
John Motta, President, U.S. Adult Soccer Association:
“Hank was the most inspirational person that I have met in soccer. He knew the game, he loved the game and put every ounce of energy he had into the game. Hank became a great mentor to me, and I owe everything I have learned in soccer to him. When we were creating a competition for all Adult Amateur Champions to compete in, to determine the U.S. Soccer National Amateur Champion, there was no other person I could think of to name the tournament for than Hank, thus the Steinbrecher Cup.”
Richard Groff, U.S. Soccer Life Member:
“Hank loved this sport. In 1990 he was so proud to be in Italy for the World Cup, cheering and supporting the U.S. National Team. He was so honored to join U.S. Soccer as Secretary General a few months later. His passion and dedication to U.S. Soccer was his gift that helped grow our sport. He was a friend who encouraged me and others. I will miss his personal guidance and advice.”
Francisco Marcos, Founder of the United Soccer Leagues (USL)
“Without a doubt the most important and influential general secretary U.S. Soccer had ever had; he steered the ship through the most turbulent period of American soccer history and was a key figure in getting our sport to a safe port. One of a kind, as a professional and as a human being, and they don’t make them like that anymore; I’ll miss him terribly.”
