Sideline Stories: Gabe Hoffman-Johnson, President, USL to Portland
Having a multi-sport collegiate athlete turned coach and athletic director for a father, I never really had much choice…sports are in my blood. Not that I wish I had a choice. Growing up in that context, and as an active participant throughout my life, I developed a large appreciation for sport in its purest form. I truly love to ‘play.’ And while soccer became my primary sport, I am happiest when I am playing. Give me a ball, stick and puck, heck…anything really – I’ll make a game out of it, and I’ll be smiling.
Yes, I’m ‘from away,’ spending my formative years in St. Louis, MO, before moving to Maine in middle school. Looking back, it’s hard to imagine a better place to grow up. The way life should be indeed. Countless memories on playing fields, in ice arenas, and enjoying all that Maine has to offer. I’m grateful for all that Maine has given me, in sport, friends, and opportunity. I was fortunate to find success as a soccer player at the club and high school level, which led to the chance to continue playing at Dartmouth College and professionally…with fantastic educational and life experience along the way. ‘Play’ is what gave me my education, literally and figuratively.
While my competitive playing days have come and gone, the simplicity and absolute enjoyment of team play is what I love most. And for me, sport has always been so much more than a game.
In addition to sports, I was fortunate to have another major area of influence in my upbringing. My mother is an international peacebuilder; focused on grassroots reconciliation and conflict resolution abroad. It’s both humbling and inspiring to witness someone’s selfless commitment towards making a positive impact, and I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have been able to learn from that example. It’s made a profound impact on who I am, and what drives me.
The passion for sports and for uplifting others through community building – that is, in essence, what raised me. It’s who I am. Lucky for me, the two go hand in hand.
Sport brings people together, it’s a common language. Soccer truly is the world’s game – the beautiful game. And the most universal language of them all.
My work to bring professional soccer to Portland is an investment in the economic, community, and cultural future of Maine. I’m committed to using the game of soccer as a catalyst for building community, and through that, make a meaningful positive impact within the city and state I call home. It’s just how I was raised.