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Women in Soccer created the Changemakers Awards alongside the USL to give women and individuals from underrepresented gender identities the recognition they deserve for their incredible impact on soccer culture and the industry as a whole. Hundreds of nominations and votes were submitted — a badass showcase of the many trailblazers out there making a difference in the game! Huge congratulations to our changemakers and to everyone who was nominated – your work has been seen and recognized by fellow USL employees and WIS members. Wishing you all another game-changing year in the industry! 

And the winners are…

The COMMUNITY CHAMPION award goes to Olivia Adams, account executive with Greenville Triumph SC.

“Olivia consistently goes above and beyond the sales call. Not only has she played soccer her entire life, she embodies the inclusive team spirit that soccer possesses…It is shown in her sales efforts and driving people to the matches. She has broken down barriers to be inclusive of all people and groups. She steps out of the box to gain new fans and drive more people to our matches. She was the number one group sales rep for all of USL League One.”
–2022 USL Changemakers Awards nominator

The RISING STAR AWARD goes to Linnea Romero, donor relations & communications coordinator for the Somos Unidos Foundation.

“Linnea has assisted both the Somos Unidos Foundation and New Mexico United in hosting 10 free community clinics in the Albuquerque area. During those clinics, New Mexican youth of all ages received high level coaching from New Mexico United first team players and coaching staff. Over 500 kids in Albuquerque experienced these clinics, and each kid left with a soccer ball to take home with them free of charge.”
–2022 USL Changemakers Awards nominator

Next up our VISIONARY AWARD goes to Rachel Regenauer, graphic designer & brand manager with Louisville City.

“Rachel has drastically improved Louisville City’s brand (and re-brand!) over the last 4+ years. Looking at archived graphics has really shown her personal improvement as our graphic designer…Rachel provided individual game-day posters for every home match and our fans LOVED them, and they quickly became collectibles for our biggest fans. Rachel is dedicated to always finding creative ways to improve our merch, kits, and brand style.”
–2022 USL Changemakers Awards nominator

The CAPTAIN AWARD goes to Megan Kolak, senior vice president of the Greenville Triumph & Liberty SC.

“Megan’s leadership regarding staff is exemplary as she goes to painstaking lengths to make sure her staff is always growing, developing and learning. She has made a point to mentor and teach other young women in our club so that they too can blaze their path in the professional or college sports realms. Megan is an invaluable asset to our club, is highly respected in our community and exemplifies what this award and Women in Soccer is striving to do – shine a light on women who excel in this industry.”
–2022 USL Changemakers Awards nominator

Last but not least, the INNOVATOR AWARD goes to Wendy Kosterman, merchandise manager at Sacramento Republic FC.

“As Republic FC’s merchandise manager, Wendy Kosterman is responsible for overseeing all retail operations for our club – but her impact goes far beyond that. Wendy has been with the club since our inaugural 2014 season, and has consistently demonstrated a high level of innovation and adaptability in her approach to creating a retail environment that elevates Republic FC’s brand and identity in the Sacramento region and beyond, while also providing opportunities for our merchandise to have an impact in the community… In 2022, the club raised over $7,000 through retail givebacks to support a wide range of causes – including Breast Health Awareness.”
–2022 USL Changemakers Awards nominator

CONGRATULATIONS USL CHANGEMAKERS 2022!