Major League Soccer (MLS), in collaboration with RBC Wealth Management and Black Players for Change, has unveiled the 2025 MLS Hometown Heroes, honoring four influential community leaders from the Austin area.

The selected Hometown Heroes are Fidel Campuzano Gonzalez from Austin Youth River Watch, LaKissa Bright of Ladders for Leaders, Gabriela Kane Guardia from Latinitas, and Bill Wallace of Tomorrow’s Promise Foundation.

In addition, Ismael Guzmán has been recognized as the Honorary Hero for his dedication to youth soccer through the East Austin Soccer Club, which offers affordable soccer and life skills programming.

Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver will act as the ambassador for the Hometown Heroes program, advocating for community engagement and equity throughout Central Texas.

The Hometown Heroes initiatives are designed to eliminate barriers to soccer participation, empower young leaders, and safeguard green spaces in the Austin community.

Each Hometown Hero will receive a $15,000 grant to support their organizations' missions, which are centered on increasing youth involvement in soccer and fostering community development.

This recognition is part of the lead-up to the 2025 MLS All-Star Game, set to take place on July 23, 2025, featuring a match between MLS and LIGA MX at Q2 Stadium in Austin.

The Hometown Heroes will be celebrated at the fourth annual MLS Hometown Heroes Showcase on July 21, 2025, at Antone’s in Austin.