2024 SXI Candidate Questionnaire
We gave each candidate the opportunity to answer these optional questions. Please review this guide before casting your vote.
Candidates are presented in alphabetical order.
2024 Candidates are:
Andrew Russell | Daryn Hardwick | David Voegtle | Elyse Barmettler | Gina Rivera | Harley Hightower | Jordan Stewart | Julien Devereux | Kaprecia Pridgen | Logan Retzer | Zach Lyons
Andrew Russell
I was born and lived most of my life here in Austin, with some stops around the rest of the state along the way. In the years that I’ve been involved with Los Verdes, I’ve found that my creativity and service-minded nature thrives in areas such as tifo, stadium banner hanging, marathon aid, my park day, and other various volunteer efforts. At the games, you’ll usually find me in OneOhShoe, ready to welcome you with a beer and a hug, no matter what section, group or community you’re from. My goal is to continue to create a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. Verde Hasta La Muerte.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I was a tifo lead and helped with the behind scenes work of moving materials from storage to work site and back. Not a project per se but I have assisted with marathon aid, my park day, and other various volunteer efforts.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
I am not a part of any community or professional organizations.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
If elected, I would continue to encourage our members to highlight various volunteer opportunities in the community so we can show others that Los Verdes is a giving, caring, and welcoming environment. Doing this can encourage people to want to be a part of that environment and join LV. The simple act of just showing up in the community when you don't have to can go a long way in showing people that you care and we do a good job of that right now.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
In a tldr/headline society that seems to focus on conditional love, I will display unconditional love and empathy. I will continue to stand for the marginalized communities that Los Verdes aims to provide peace and comfort to during the challenging times that they face.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I want to encourage and promote more cross collaboration and transparency amongst groups/new leadership to reinforce trust in the decision making process going forward.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
As much time as it takes to get things done.
Daryn Hardwick
Hi, my name is Daryn Hardwick. I’ve been a member of LV since 2022. Up until now, I have not been very active in LV events, but I am looking to change that this season. I have been proud of this organization for its beliefs and unwavering commitment to inclusivity. If elected, I would look to bolster this commitment by looking for ways to increase accessibility to Los Verdes as well as to physical spaces associated with Los Verdes events and at Q2 Stadium.
I take great pride in public service. In my professional life, I manage a diverse team of 12 modelers at the Texas Water Development Board where we aim to ensure all Texans have drinking water far into the future. In my personal life, I always have demanded inclusive spaces in workplaces and classrooms I taught in during graduate school. I joined Ally programs at my graduate universities to learn how to be a better Ally as well as to set the example in spaces I oversaw.
I am honored to be in the running for the Starting XI. Even if I am not selected this year, I plan on becoming much more involved this season!
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I have only helped paint a few tifos so far. I am trying to get more involved this season starting with the LV Hockey night on 12/14!
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
I have previously had leadership roles in several organizations that involved organizing people and budgets. I was the Treasurer for a university graduate student organization and the chair of the technology fee committee at a university. I also was the president of my department's graduate student group serving as the liaison between the graduate students and the faculty and served as my college senator in the university student government. Finally, I took leadership roles in several initiatives at universities that prioritized high school student learning (Geography Day events and the "Senior to Sophomore" program in Minnesota aimed at providing high school seniors opportunities to earn freshman level credits pre-enrollment).
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
My approach would be to ensure that LV continues to live by its values of inclusivity and to look for ways to strengthen this through community action. I believe that the community we want to build is stronger if we uphold and strengthen those values. Obviously, membership numbers are critical to the success of LV. If tasked with growing membership I would prefer to focus on groups that share our values (and maybe also sort of like soccer) rather than just trying to pull in all diehard soccer fans.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
I believe this can only be done through example. I would try to exemplify inclusion and respect in every action I take. I am a very empathetic person who is good at seeing and understanding different viewpoints.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I do not have an immediate change I'd like to make. I would instead like to hear from the membership about issues that need fixes and make decisions about those fixes at those times.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
On average, I could commit around 10 hours per week to LV. There will be times where that value will increase or decrease due to work/personal life duties.
David Voegtle
Originally raised in a neighborhood off Burnet Road not too far from the stadium, I’ve spent almost my entire life in Austin . I’m a software developer and technology manager at a small healthcare services company based in Austin. Outside of soccer and Austin FC, my main interest is running, which I was re-introduced to through my involvement with Los Verdes.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I’ve been privileged to be a tifo lead for the past two years. This past season, I co-lead the tifo that was presented against Frisco (“Bobby”/That’s my Copa). I’m currently involved in organizing LV’s annual Austin Marathon fundraiser with Soccer Assist.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
N/A
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
I think LV is at a point where we can both continue to introduce new fans to the sport and Austin FC, but also attempt to re-engage some folks who have taken a break from organized supporter culture. The season-ending tailgate was one of the best events we’ve participated in for a while, and I think more things like that would be a great way to reconnect with people.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
In my opinion, it’s important for Los Verdes to have both statements of principles and values published, but also shared widely and regularly. Set expectations fairly, transparently, and consistently, and the people who agree with those values will gravitate to us; those who don’t, won’t.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I think it’s time to explore in-person/hybrid community meetings, at least for some of them (quarterly?). The Zoom meetings were crucial for us during the pandemic, but it really feels like participation is down. Possibly we could schedule them around other events; e.g. a community meeting an hour or two before a watch party. Meet people where you know they’ll be.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
As with everyone, a lot of scheduling depends on the week. But I think it’s fair to say I could commit 4 hours a week (beyond additional needs, e.g. tifo lead).
Elyse Barmettler
Born in Portland Oregon, Elyse spent her childhood up and down the west coast, instilling within her a love of art, chill vibes, coffee and the ocean.
This led to many fun adventures including graduating from the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts in California as a theater technician/scenic artist to working with theater companies across the US to canvassing/organizing on behalf of progressive causes. After moving to Austin 15 years ago and being inspired by its unique vibrancy, Elyse kept the adventures rolling by co-founding her own art studio. Art Amore is now over 12 years old and Elyse strives to keep it a beautiful and nurturing space where people are encouraged to learn not just technique, but creativity, thoughtfulness, and, most importantly, fun.
Elyse’s love of soccer may be her newest adventure, having kicked off with the beginning of Austin FC, watching the first game ever and thinking, that goalie looks like he might be really, really good at this. But now 4 seasons, many tifos and an untold number of scarves in, she wouldn’t have it any other way.
(Was it weird for Elyse to write this in the third person? Yes… Yes it was).
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
Tifo volunteer 2021 & 2022; Tifo Lead 2023 & 2024; Artist/Contributor for Spread Verde Campaign; Volunteer for various Futbol Communidad projects.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
Workshop Lead/Board Member- Design Ranch for AIGA (2021 to current). Coordinate, support and work directly with artists/workshop creators to create a unique and fun design retreat.
Artist- Charity Fundraiser on behalf of Center for Children Protection (2019 to current). Design and create unique children theme chairs each year to auction off at their annual bingo fundraiser.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
LV has already done a lot to move things in a good direction. I don’t know that there’s a lot I would specifically change beyond continuing to encourage all members to take initiative on any fun ideas that they have to help, as the majority of growth comes through that individual/grassroots level and supporting members' efforts in that direction as much as possible would have the most impact. Word of mouth is always the best advertisement.
I’d also magically make the team play better cause…. yeah…...
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
Los Verdes is a wonderful and vibrant community that creates a chance for people to connect with one another. Connect over soccer and sharing interests. Connect in celebrating amazing moments and commiserating together through the terrible ones. It’s something worth nurturing and supporting.
I would hope to continue to contribute to this community by being a positive and encouraging element in in all actions and words. Leadership can often set the tone more than people realize and we all have the ability to impact each other in simple, positive and wonderful ways.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
Sustainability. I think it’s important to make sure we operate and function in a way that works well for the long run and isn’t burning through resources, relationships or, most especially, good people.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
Fluctuates depending on the week. Sometimes 5 hours, sometimes 15 hours.
Gina Rivera
Hi! I am Gina Rivera. I use she/her pronouns. I am a first-generation Mexican American born in Texas who has spent most of her life between the Washington DC area (we moved there when I was 12) and Austin (Texas Ex.)
My soccer journey began with watching La Liga & Liga MX with my dad when I was a kid. I have been a passionate supporter of MLS since its inception. I have been an Austin FC season ticket holder since the first season. I joined LV in June 2021 but did not become actively involved with the organization until 2023 when I helped paint the first tifo of the season.
In my professional life, I work in construction of federally funded multi-family affordable housing helping to ensure laborers onsite are paid & treated properly.
When I am not working or watching soccer, I love playing with my dog Riggins, working out and traveling to other countries (mostly to watch more soccer!)
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I currently serve on LV's Membership Committee
I have volunteered on tifo since the beginning of the 2023 season (painting, cutting, rigging and holding fabric for the talented people who can sew!)
I have also participated in volunteer opportunities with LV such as cleaning up Gus Garcia Park for Its My Park Day, sorting food at Central Texas Food Bank and packing meals for students at Hope Austin.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
I am the founder of the Austin chapter of November Project which is a global fitness community (50 cities in 9 countries) that aims to build human connection while lowering the intimidation factor of working out by providing free & fun weekly modifiable outdoor workouts. The group also gives back to the local community through various volunteer opportunities with organizations such Central Texas Food Bank and Habitat for Humanity. I led the community for almost 8 years before stepping down and handing it over to a new set of motivated leaders!
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
One of the things I love about LV is how the community makes members feel valued by providing opportunities for us to actively participate in various committees such as membership, tifo & merch. I do feel we are only reaching a small percentage of members though. As I mentioned while I joined in 2021, I did not become active until 2023, and I honestly didn't know about activities that LV was involved in besides what I had seen on match day.
We could improve our onboarding process to make members feel welcome. Right now, as a member of the Membership Committee, I do a welcome in Slack but maybe a personalized welcome email with an intro to the organization and its benefits. I'd also love to introduce member recognition to celebrate achievements to foster a sense of belonging.
Referral incentives for current members who recruit other members.
Outreach and events in areas of Austin where we haven't had a presence in the past. New watch party locations or volunteer events where LV can be visible to those who aren't aware of us.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
You can't speak a safe and inclusive space into existence. It has to be felt. It is something we continue to strive towards every day. Whether as a member or as a leader in LV, I want to make sure that everyone feels welcome & included. I think we often get comfortable in our friend groups, and it can be quite intimidating for new members who show up to one of our events for the first time.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
Falling back on a previous answer: making new members feel welcome!
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
15-20 hours a week
Harley Hightower
I moved to San Marcos when I was 6 years old but moved to Austin as quickly as I could in my adult years. Soccer was my first love. I started playing when I was seven years old and have looked for ways to be involved ever since. When injuries stopped me from playing I was a ref for a short time and then coached a U4 team. I followed the USWNT closely, but never had a team for MLS. I tried to love the other Texas teams but several bad experiences with fans over the years stripped any affection I might have had. I had nearly given up on finding a place in MLS that would welcome the authentic version of me before I discovered Los Verdes.
Since joining Los Verdes I have found a second family and a place to direct my passion for soccer into so many facets of our organization. Fútbol y comunidad has allowed me a place to combine my passion for soccer with my desire to give back. I am so thankful that I have found a community and support, and want to continue growing that for others.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I joined MC and MarCom Summer 2022. I have managed Instagram and LinkTree as well as help with website updates. I helped draft the initial statement for Project Verdes Against DV and help with their education efforts. I also helped draft the letter to the FO for our Trans Pride TIFO. I’m highly involved in Team Fútbol y Comunidad. I organized a blood drive and a donation to Kind Clinic, cooked meals for our unhoused neighbors in January 2024, raised money and supplies for SAFE Alliance, fundraised through our Austin Marathon team, and volunteered for the Laundry Project events.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
Since joining LV the majority of my community involvement has been through our Fútbol y Comunidad. I volunteered with the Seedlings mentor program as a mentor for the 2022-2023 school year. Prior to joining LV, I had volunteered through various organizations related to helping our unhoused neighbors, animal adoption and breed education, LGBTQIA+ rights, and domestic violence.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
I have suggested starting to create “Get to know our Members” content to highlight the diversity within our organization. I believe that having more in person events that aren’t centered around the team will allow a greater sense of community. Things like an Artist/Maker Market could help new people discover our organization. I think it’s important to find ways to make newer fans feel safe as well as utilizing our online platforms to make our group seem more approachable.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
I think improving communication will allow us to organize and plan ahead to ensure we can celebrate different groups within our membership. Things like AAPI month, Hispanic heritage month, Juneteenth, Pride, DV Awareness month, Disability Awareness Month, or Trans Day of Visibility are great opportunities for our organization to acknowledge our members and show genuine allyship. I also want to create a standard across our social media platforms to ensure we are not tolerating hate in the comments on our accounts. The online response to our Pride tifo highlighted a need for this and a blindspot in our current processes.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I want to find a way to create more effective communication between the teams. I feel like one of the impacts of our organization growing so rapidly is that some of the processes that exist in larger organizations were never established in ours. Events and projects rarely fall solely on one team and I feel like there is so much more that LV could accomplish with better systems in place regarding communication. The behind-the-scenes work is rarely fun, but it is necessary for continued growth and success.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
20ish hours but more when needed. I am accustomed to the fluctuating time commitment from my involvement with membership committee.
Jordan Stewart
As a near-lifelong Central Texan (born in Colorado, raised in Central Texas), I have long dreamed of having a team like Austin FC to unite our community through the magic of our most beautiful sport. I have been a season ticket holder since 2022 and have been fortunate to attend more than 90% of all home matches (and a couple dozen away matches). I have spent the last 25 years involved in the local music scene, attending, booking and playing countless shows. I am very active in local politics, organizing with Austin DSA and other progressive groups and I have always had an intense interest in geography. I received a masters in geography from Texas State University-San Marcos and I apply concepts from this discipline in addressing and solving problems wherever I can. My love of geography also dovetails with our sport, as it is extremely geographic and thus also political. I love road trips, coffee, the delicious food of our region, classic era Simpsons, music, playing soccer, riding my bike and the City of Austin, Texas.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
Tifo Lead - 2022 to Present
I have had the good fortune to be a part of the great team that organizes much of the tifo and banner work for which Los Verdes and our Austin soccer community have become widely recognized for. I have been involved with almost every major tifo that we have lifted in Q2 Stadium from start to finish. Being a tifo lead has also involved arriving at Q2 stadium hours before matches to hang banners in the South End. As with other leadership roles, it also involves dealing with and mediating personal and organizational conflicts on occasion. Getting involved with Team Tifo is one of the best ways to get more involved with Los Verdes, if you are looking for a way to do so.
Field Level - 2024 Season
Worked at the field level (in front of the capo stands) on behalf of Los Verdes as an in-match intermediary between the Supporters Section, Capo Stands and Front Office personnel. This role also entails helping stadium staff look out for the safety and well being of supporters in the event that bad actors are causing trouble in our section. I am new to this, but it has been a fulfilling experience.
Los Verdes FC - Y'all Means All Tournament Player/Captain/Manager
Took on the role of coordinating and leading our squad at multiple Y'all Means All LGBTQ+ fundraiser tournaments put on by Austin FC.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
Electoral Coordinator - Democratic Socialists of America - Austin Chapter 2021-2022
Served in an elected role on the Leadership Committee of Austin DSA as an organizer of the chapter's electoral work. Led strategy and outreach for our endorsed candidates and initiatives. It was a difficult period for us with the pandemic still largely in effect. This experience taught me a lot of things about both the importance of good principles in organizing as well as experience with the challenges (both organizational and personal) that inevitably confronts those in a leadership role. Including events that happen to be newsworthy and give the added pressure of a media spotlight to decision-making.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
The best way that Los Verdes can avoid becoming stagnant is for our organization to present itself as not just a supporter group, but as a community for anyone who loves this sport and our city that needs one. It is pivotal that Los Verdes be:
- An independent collective voice that is able and willing to challenge the Austin FC Front Office when they make bad decisions and apply continuous pressure on them to be a more supporter friendly club.
- Functional as a bulwark of protection for marginalized members of our fanbase, whether or not they are members of Los Verdes.
- Uncompromisingly firm in our status as a fully and comprehensively independent supporter group. One not only resists financial relationships with Austin FC, MLS and Twin Oaks LLC, but is also extremely hesitant toward accepting outside funding from corporations or brands as well.
- Efficient and streamlined in the way our organization communicates with the full membership. Currently, we have a system that relies on both Slack and e-mail for getting out the word about events, actions and votes in statements or the direction of our SG. I would like to convene a group to explore the feasibility of introducing text message communications for important events. There are cost and/or volunteer time considerations involved with this, but we would look to balance that with the need to make sure our membership is as informed as possible about every vote and event.
- Almost religious in instilling a culture of promoting Los Verdes in the greater Austin community. Not just in soccer specific environments, but also in political organizing circles and the larger community as a whole. We are fortunate that Austin FC is fairly omnipresent in Austin as MLS franchises go, and we can capitalize on that to promote Los Verdes wherever the subject of soccer or Austin FC comes up. This can include wide ranging forms of communications like tabling at events, flyering and conversations with friends. Maybe even advertising our existence on platforms like Instagram locally, which can be surprisingly cost effective. I understand that all of this relies on the time and commitment of volunteers, so it should be viewed as a cultural initiative as much as a direct one.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
Los Verdes must continue to be uncompromisingly firm in its support of radical inclusivity. I would work to support this in the following ways:
- Treating all accusations of discrimination and marginalization among our members with equal importance, regardless of their personal identity or the popularity of the parties involved.
- Enforcing the philosophy that a society that is radically inclusive must be willing to exclude those who statements demonstrate they do not believe in radical inclusivity and whose actions demonstrate antipathy or harassment toward others based on their race, ethnic background, immigration status, gender, age, sexuality and other canonical forms of marginalization
- A commitment to the truth that "Y'all means All" means radical inclusivity and specifically does not involve accepting someone's opinion regardless of how wrong or destructive their views are.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I would seek for Los Verdes, and particularly the Starting XI, to commit to the following principle:
Above all else, decisions must be made with no consideration for personal access or perks, especially regarding proximity to players or other Austin FC staff. This is not an accusation of current or past leadership, but rather a general understanding that such behavior is a combustive catalyst for drama, hurt feelings and marginalization. My goal is to model this as well as I can as a member of the Starting XI and clearly demonstrate that that every decision, every communication, every vote is taken with the complete and total interests of the Los Verdes membership and the greater Austin soccer community in mind. This is one of several ways in which I hope to help LV steer clear of unneeded and destructive drama and interpersonal conflicts. While these conflicts are inevitable in a large organization comprised of human beings, we should do the most to keep everyone feeling equally involved commiserate with their efforts within our supporters group. Democracy is not just about voting rights, it is a universal concept that I aspire for Los Verdes to model in all of our actions.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
Given the time I have been able to commit to Los Verdes and our soccer community as a rank-and-file member and Tifo lead so far, I am confident I will be available in a way that is commiserate with a role on the Starting XI. A role that I understand can be a full time job, which is generally understood to be 35-40 hours.
Julien Devereux
I’m a writer and editor who has lived in Austin since 2005, currently working at TxDOT in communications. I grew up in Northern California and Central Texas. In addition to Austin FC my loves are friends and family, reading and writing, bicycling and swimming, reggae and soul, cats and dogs, and eating and drinking.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
I have participated in helping to paint and hoist several tifos, and generally try to lend a hand on any and all LV projects when I’ve been able to.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
I’m currently not heavily involved in many—which is partly why I would have time now to dedicate to LV SXI—but in the past I was very active with the Texas State Employees Union and ran for TRS Board as a member, was elected to my Condo Owners Association for two years, and have also participated in DSA, literacy coaching for immigrants, and coached my son’s soccer team.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
I think there are two very important things about LV: One, holding to our “Y’all means all” values, and two, creating a fantastic and supportive atmosphere and community, both at and outside of games. I proselytize for membership and would encourage our members to do the same. Maybe we could make cards to give to people explaining what we’re all about and how to join!
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
We need to be clear to everyone what we stand for, both prospective and current members. But also show everyone how being inclusive and respectful is not just the right thing to do, it’s also what creates the best atmosphere and the best community. Being respectful and inclusive isn’t a rule imposed on us, it’s how we create a great community. Through our public statements but most importantly through the actions of our members, we can demonstrate that.
And of course if people repeatedly violate that spirit, there are consequences, but I truly believe the best way to encourage inclusivity and respect is to BE inclusive and respectful.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
I would begin planning ahead for all events in 2025 to make sure everyone is both included and given ample time for their input. Not that LV is not currently planning ahead, but rather that I think it’s urgent for next season, with a new coach and (presumably) new players coming in, and the state and national political situation likely threatening much of our membership. We will very much want to be a step ahead.
I would also like to begin preserving our history in an organized way, and consider some kind of money or ticket donation pool that would help lower-income members or local residents attend home and/or away matches they would otherwise not be able to afford.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
10 hours
Kaprecia Pridgen
Hello!
I’m a born and bred Hoosier (from Indiana) who also lived in California and Mexico before moving to Austin in 2009. Living somewhere new triggers the need to find community and a sense of belonging: I was lucky to find some close friends soon after moving here and enjoy learning more about Austin throughout the years.
Sports are a great way to find community but not being from the Austin area, I didn’t feel a strong tie to any area school. Queue Austin FC! Even being new to soccer, Austin FC representing the city as a whole made it easier to make them my team.
When looking to get more involved in the Austin FC community, I learned about Los Verdes. I respected the vibe, ties to the community, and support it gives to the team. Once I joined LV, I got to see how special the LV community itself is. It offers a beautiful foundation for soccer fans of all kinds to join together, feel safe, and belong.
I love the community that LV has created, and I want to help protect, sustain, and continue to grow it.
Thank you for considering me for the Los Verdes SXI.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
Tifo has been my main LV squeeze: I’ve helped in most aspects of our raised tifos: planning meetings, sewing, tracing, painting, tech night support, and even once helped with streamers during our 2024 home opener heartbeat tifo.
I’ve helped with banners: review and touchup as well as game day hanging and teardown
I also helped with merch sales during 2024’s Verde Verde Verde Fest
I’ve also regularly cheered on our LV team as they competed in Liga Verde in 2023 and 2024 🎉
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
None at this time
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
– Active engagement and education as soon as someone shows interest is key. Talking about LV is important and necessary, but also having a small QR code at merch pop-ups and/or on merch itself that links to our website would be good for immediate engagement.
– Have a section on our website to discuss different committees and activities for people to get involved in; and provide clickable links for people to be added to a group list for future contact.
– Contact members outside of Slack in times of need, e.g. banner hanging, merch sales, tifo work, etc.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
Over the last few years, LV has put our values on full display. We need to continue to be the welcoming group that we are in the respectful and thoughtful way that we have been. When members have disrespected fellow community members and have not acted in accordance to our code of conduct, I have faith that our MC addressed these situations appropriately.
We have to ensure that the people and voices that represent LV within and outside of the organization do so in a strong, unwavering, and respectful manner. Anyone involved with LV needs to feel safe with us.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
If we don’t already do so, we should have regular touch-base sessions with the Austin FC front office (FO). I’m not sure if this is actually the case, but it often feels like I hear about LV only meeting up with the FO when there’s a problem. Instead of only having “we need to talk” meetings which can trigger apprehension and defensiveness, a regular touch base builds a ongoing relationship that allows all types of conversations to happen in a good, respectful way.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
10-12 hours
Logan Retzer
Hey everyone! I’m Logan Retzer, and I’ve been a member of LV since November 2020. I’m originally from North Dakota, but I moved down to Austin in 2015. Growing up as a chubby punk, sports were never my passion until the 2010 World Cup, when I immediately fell in love with the game. I started following MLS but I never felt I had a real team to root for (sorry MNUFC, it was just a fling). When Austin FC was announced, it finally felt right, and I immediately jumped at the opportunity to pick up season tickets.
I initially joined LV because I thought they had a cool scarf, but the sense of community and passion that I felt within this group is what kept me a member. Engaging with that community, funneling that passion into worthwhile initiatives, and helping us grow as an organization are why I’m interested in SXI.
Inside of LV Slack, you’ll see me repping my passions by commenting on all the new releases in #ot-movies, sharing my cut in #ot-pins-and-patches, hoping no one judges my ridiculous home bar in #ot-beer-and-booze, and sharing all my homemade board game upgrades in #ot-tabletop-games.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
While I’m probably most visible at the monthly LV Board Game nights, the largest LV project I’ve worked on has been the Merit Badge patch program. Starting with our Willie Nelson tifo, I’ve helped design a tracking system to help facilitate sign-up, organization, and distribution of tifo merit badge patches.
This last year, I’ve worked hard with #team-merit-badges and SXI to expand that program, adding Away Days and LV-specific badges to our remit. While a large number of people are involved in the program, I run the Away Days side solo, handling everything from shipping/receiving, working with our lovely vendors, and tracking our expenses.
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
While LV is the primary community organization that I’m involved with, I’m no stranger to leadership. For the past 15 years, I’ve been building and leading teams in my day job as a team manager, primarily in customer service. Working for companies like YETI and Electronic Arts, I’ve been involved in team management, account management, and project management on all scales.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
Over the last 4 years, LV has done a fantastic job growing based on word-of-mouth and by creating an amazing atmosphere in the supporters section. But as someone who sits in a different part of the stadium, I think there’s a ton of opportunity to reach those season-ticket holders and fans who aren’t in that section. Setting up booths outside games or at STH events to discuss what we’re about, increase our social media presence, or even just handing out song-sheets to other sections can help raise awareness of LV.
As far as involvement, one of my favorite parts of LV is how flat we are as an organization. As mentioned above, I was passionate about a project and was able to make that happen with the help of our SXI. I think we can do more to drive engagement by celebrating the work our volunteers do, encouraging new members to not be afraid to make suggestions, and by really supporting our members’ passions.
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
Our Membership Committee and Code of Conduct do a lot of the heavy lifting when it comes to ensuring LV is a welcoming and inclusive organization, but we also encourage that atmosphere every time we celebrate our members’ cultures and backgrounds with tifo, comunidad projects, and events like the Pride drag shows or AAPI Lion Dancers.
That being said, Texas and the US are entering a period where a lot of our members are going to be facing additional challenges, and we have the unique opportunity to give them a voice. As an organization, we can continue to call out inequities we see using our social media presence and we can drive change through increased fundraising and volunteer activities.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
Is this where I get to make mandatory board game night attendance a thing?
Real talk, I think LV runs relatively smoothly, so my initial priority is a smooth transition to ensure nothing falls off. That being said, one area that I think has been a struggle this year has been our merch program, and it’s something that I’d love to see get sorted. We’ve had wonderful members working with BA to sort out their issues, but those issues have impacted our ability to produce new gear. T-shirts, hoodies, hats, sticker packs, etc are not only a great revenue source that allow us to do more in the community, but they’re also an opportunity to advertise LV and potentially gain new members. I joined because of a scarf, remember?
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
20-25 hours per week
Zach Lyons
I’ve lived my entire adult life in Austin—and to be honest, I was starting to feel pretty jaded about it before the pandemic hit. My path to falling back in love with this city started when I saw a couple dozen people singing on a dirt hill outside Austin FC’s first-ever friendlies in April 2021. I joined Los Verdes that day.
Fast forward a few years, and I’ve never felt more planted here. I’ve made friendships that’ve changed the course of my life. I’ve traveled the country multiple times over. I’ve transformed from sports indifferent to a true sicko who opens FotMob every single day to see what matches I can watch. I’ve seen confoundingly shitty matches, ridiculous comeback victories, and some incredible drag shows.
Through the matchday experience, collective action on political issues relevant to our community, the chaos of Slack, and a million moments in between, LV has shown me Austin at its best: energetic, creative people coming together around a love of soccer, in conversation with the long histories of Latin American and other global supporter’s group cultures, to provide thousands of Austin FC fans with a common purpose and a feeling of belonging.
1. Please list any projects in Los Verdes that you contributed to and what your role was.
• Photo-Video Team: Photographer for matchdays, Tifo behind-the-scenes, etc. (2022–ongoing)
• MarCom Team: Notion onboarding (2023–ongoing)
• Los Pringles: General chaos and tomfoolery (2021–ongoing)
2. Please list any community and/or professional organizations that you are currently involved in and describe any leadership roles you hold or have previously held.
I had a weird childhood as literally the worship director for an entire church from the age of 12 until I left for college; that was enough to put me off organizational leadership roles up until I joined LV.
3. If elected, how would you approach continuing to grow Los Verdes' membership and increasing member involvement in the organization?
• Continuing to document the fan experience and generate excitement through photo coverage of matchdays, watch parties, and other LV events
• Pushing for even more non-soccer-specific events that help members form friendships beyond matchdays
• Asking membership: putting on my (UX) day job hat and directly surveying our members to learn more about interests in committees/teams and hurdles to getting more involved
4. If elected, how would you help ensure that Los Verdes continues to be an inclusive and respectful organization?
If we're an organization who takes seriously the safety and dignity of Mexican and Hispanic folks, trans and queer folks, and those with uteruses in our community, we can't escape the politics that are forced upon us by our state and national governments. We can continue to use our platforms and our energy to fundraise for local nonprofits, mobilize members who want to get directly involved, and communicate out vital information to help our members and our wider community stay safe in the face of multiplying racist, anti-immigrant, transphobic, and misogynistic policies.
5. If elected, what is one change that you would make a priority?
The unsexy, boring work of standardizing and documenting processes and necessary information for each of the major committees to function, making it easier to onboard new leaders + members, cover leaders who are away on vacation, and hopefully reduce burnout.
6. On average, how much time can you commit to the needs of Los Verdes each week?
5-10 hours