We’re so fortunate to have the support of sponsor, Troy & Baden Biddle Foundation (TBB) and wanted the WSSA community to have the opportunity to learn more about their mission & work. Check out a Q&A with TBB Founder and President, Amanda Horn below.
Can you share a bit about the background and mission of the Foundation?
In 2017, the Horn/Biddle family was like a lot of Bainbridge Island families, with two working parents commuting to Seattle daily and two active children engaged in sports, arts and music, among other things. My son, Baden, was 13 years old and had played football, basketball, and baseball since he was old enough to join the leagues. My husband, Troy, coached and served on boards for these youth programs. My daughter, Devon, and I attended all the games. Our friend network bloomed out of Baden’s sports connections. On November 25, 2017, our lives were forever altered when Troy and Baden, along with my brother, Daryl Horn, and my nephew, Joseph Horn, were killed by a drunk driver while returning from an annual Thanksgiving weekend basketball tournament in the Bay Area. The Bainbridge Island community swiftly and resoundingly offered unwavering support to our family. This support is still felt. The Troy & Baden Biddle Foundation, born out of grief and created with the support of a few close friends and family members, sought to give back to the community in Troy and Baden’s memories. More specifically, we wanted to impact the areas of interest that were near and dear to Troy and Baden. We knew they would have continued to make an impact in our community; so this Foundation, while it cannot fill the void, allows us to keep saying their names while funding scholarships and offering grants supporting youth sports and wellness.
Why are sports so central to your mission?
Making sports and athletics central to our mission was driven by Troy and Baden’s love of sports. And sports are so much more than the games played. Sports offer many of life’s most important lessons – teamwork, sacrifice, grit, determination, hard work, commitment, community, friendship, ambassadorship, and more. Often, we learn more about ourselves and our ability to bounce back from losses than we can learn from victories. Troy was all about learning life’s lessons through sport. Baden was a fearless competitor but also a selfless teammate. Lifelong friends are made playing sports, and exercise is good for overall wellbeing. Troy and Baden were passionate about sports and the Foundation carries that passion forward.
Why are you choosing to support West Sound Soccer Academy?
When WSSA approached TBB, we were excited to hear about the entrepreneurial spirit of the parents and founders, specifically their desire to break out and create something they felt would be a just right fit for their girls. It also represented an opportunity to expand our reach beyond the primary three sports Baden played. Troy was an avid fan of sports. He followed them all and would have been a big proponent of an all-girls soccer club on the island.
What would you like to share with WSSA players as they start their inaugural summer & fall season?
Have fun! Put in the effort for your team. Be kind and support each other. You will make lasting friendships. Thank your parents, coaches, and referees for helping make this club a reality. We will be cheering you on and look forward to supporting you.
Read the article on WestSoundSoccer.org
