Best Moments from 2026 National Soccer Hall of Fame Speeches
Kevin Crow, Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly, Tony Sanneh, Kari Seitz and Chris Wondolowski were inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame on May 1
Last weekend the six members of the 2026 class – Kevin Crow, Tobin Heath, Heather O’Reilly, Tony Sanneh, Kari Seitz and Chris Wondolowski – were inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in a ceremony in Frisco, Texas.
Learn more about the inductees here and watch the full ceremony and inductee speeches on U.S. Soccer’s official YouTube channel.
“Somehow I was going to prove that women could do anything, and soccer was my way. I chased that as a referee. I worked at high levels, but even then, I knew that the impact I wanted to make was going to be something bigger. It wasn't an easy path. And all those difficult experiences and amazing opportunities shaped me.” - Kari Seitz
“It was really Tobin that probably told me it was time to wind it down. As she started in the late 2000s, I watched videos of things I knew that my body couldn't do and tricks that we just weren't taught. The game had changed, so it was time for me to go, so thank you for showing me the door. And Wondo, your family reminded me that I was inspiring for you because your first MLS goal ever was against me, so I appreciate that as well.” - Tony Sanneh
“I took so much pride in being a good teammate from whatever role I played, from the days I was scoring hat tricks in high school soccer and called a prodigy to the seasoned veteran knowing it's time to pass the torch and everything in between. I tried to pull up and not push down. And it's the plays that I made coming off the bench that bring me some of the most pride, because not everyone can do that.” - Heather O’Reilly
“When football was taken for me, I realized that was a death, and it seemed strange, but I didn't know myself without being able to play football. And I want to thank my wife, Christen, because it was a hard time to figure out what was next. Through that grief, what I realized is I'm actually given so much more. I'm actually not defined by one team or one crest or one club. Now what I can give to the game is beyond anything I could do as a player. As a player, I was almost limited to what was possible. I sure do miss playing, but what I will say is that I am so happy to be alive, and I am so happy to be able to spend the rest of my life and everything that I have to give back to this beautiful game and push it even further.” - Tobin Heath