On April 6, members of the Austin FC Unified Team, coached by Nicki Huschka and Amy Wiesenhutter for their fourth season with the team, gathered at Parmer Field for signing day activities and their first practice together. The Unified Team athletes took signing photos and played soccer at Parmer Field.
Austin FC’s President Andy Loughnane officially signed players during the ceremony. Also in attendance were Austin FC players Brad Stuver, team captain Ilie Sánchez and Dani Pereira.
The team has several returning players, including four who have been on the squad since its first season in 2022: Christian Bradshaw, Daulton Swenson, Matthew Wells, and Zack Wilkinson.
At the event, the Unified coaches announced Unified partner Moises Aguirre and Unified athlete Illijah Ramos will represent Austin FC at the MLS All-Star Unified match on July 23.
“We are both excited to be a part of the unified movement and getting the opportunity to coach this team for the fourth year,” said Austin FC Unified Coaches Nicki Huschka and Amy Wiesenhutter. “We look forward to creating and building new relationships not only amongst our team but of those teams we will play against in the spirit of unified competition.”
The team will begin weekly practice on April 6 in preparation for their match against Atlanta United Unified on May 14th at Q2 Stadium. The game will follow the first team competition. On June 14, the Austin FC Unified team will take on New York Red Bulls Unified at Parmer Field.
“Austin FC’s Unified Team is proud to continue to create a world of inclusion in a safe, competitive, and fun space for Special Olympics Athletes with intellectual disabilities and Unified Partners without disabilities,” said Austin FC President Andy Loughnane. “We look forward to seeing them play at Q2 Stadium in May.”
