Spokane Mourns Loss of Soccer Coach Ivan Torres, Champion for Youth and Hispanic Community
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Spokane, Wash. – The Spokane community is in mourning following the tragic death of Ivan Torres,a 40-year-old man who died in a single-vehicle car crash on Feb. 15 near George, Washington. Torres, a beloved youth soccer coach and finance director, is being remembered for his unwavering dedication to helping young athletes and supporting Hispanic entrepreneurs in achieving their dreams.His sudden passing has left a meaningful void in the hearts of many who knew him, impacting both the soccer field and the broader community.
Ivan Torres, a resident of Spokane, was involved in the accident on state Route 281, near Interstate 90. According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident occurred in the early morning hours of Feb. 15 when Torres lost control of the car he was driving.
The vehicle then struck a hay bale retaining wall and came to rest on its top in a tow yard in George, Washington. Despite wearing a seat belt, Torres was pronounced dead at the scene.
News of Torres’s passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and remembrance from the organizations and individuals he touched. Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario, a Spokane nonprofit where Torres served as director of finance and director of economic progress of the organization’s Éxito Business Center, released a statement highlighting his profound impact.
To those privileged to know him, Ivan was more than just a name; he represented dedication, positive change, and kindness. He was a man who embodied the belief that anything is absolutely possible wiht passion and determination … His legacy now stands as a testament to overcoming obstacles and achieving greatness, notably within our Hispanic and Latino communities.Nuestras Raíces Centro comunitario
A Champion for youth Soccer
Beyond his work with Nuestras Raíces, Torres was deeply involved in youth soccer. He was the CEO, director, and coach of Union Fútbol Club de Spokane, a soccer program under Nuestras Raíces. This program was specifically designed to provide free soccer lessons to underserved children in the community, ensuring that financial constraints did not prevent young athletes from pursuing their passion.
Torres’s influence extended to Washington East Surf Soccer club, where he coached Savanna Briceño, now a senior at Saint George’s School and future soccer player at Eastern Washington University. Briceño fondly remembers Torres coaching her once a week from the ages of 9 to 11. She described him as extremely passionate and learned about the game,
while also being calm, cool and collected,
creating a supportive and loving surroundings for his players.
Ivan and (his brother) Eloy (Velasco) created an habitat that really fostered development, which is somthing that U.S. soccer and children and youth really, really need.Savanna Briceño, Saint George’s School senior
Briceño emphasized Torres’s ability to identify and nurture each player’s strengths. She recalled how he supported her aspirations to emulate soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo,guiding her through creative moves and fostering her love for the game.he accommodated each player, and at the same time made every kid there around him better,
Briceño said. She also looked up to Torres as a Mexican-American soccer player and was inspired by his work in Spokane’s Latino community, adding, He just really embodies the leader that I want to be.
She will remember him as an extremely genuine human being.
A Welcoming Presence in the Soccer Community
Torres’s impact resonated throughout the broader soccer community in Spokane. Reilly Harnetiaux, director of sporting and community engagement for USL Spokane, met Torres in 2023 while connecting with local youth organizations. She described him as somebody who right away was the moast welcoming presence possible.
Torres extended invitations to Harnetiaux and other USL Spokane personnel to attend local soccer games and practices.
His energy is the reason that I think he was so unbelievable at his job. He was able to laugh and make soccer fun and make soccer welcoming and inviting.Reilly Harnetiaux, director of sporting and community engagement for USL Spokane
USL Spokane is honoring Torres’s memory by donating 10% of all sales on the new Zephyr jersey to Union Fútbol Club de Spokane. They will also pay tribute to him at the Velocity and Zephyr home openers next month. He was a phenomenal human, so hopefully we can serve his memory and do him justice this year,
Harnetiaux said.
Renato Bustamante, Velocity assistant coach, shared a similar sentiment, noting that he and Torres naturally connected
due to their shared love for soccer and their Hispanic backgrounds. Bustamante emphasized Torres’s selfless dedication to youth soccer and his natural charisma, which inspired others to follow his lead. He also had a natural charisma about him that made peopel want to listen to him, want to follow him and want to be led by him,
Bustamante said.
A Legacy of Service and Kindness
Beyond the soccer field, Torres was deeply committed to supporting the Hispanic and Latino community in Spokane. According to Nuestras Raíces, he invested his heart into helping others realize their dreams, offering assistance through small acts of kindness and genuine interest in their well-being. His efforts helped many Hispanic and Latino community members achieve their dreams by supporting their entrepreneurial endeavors, helping them to open a business and always thinking in ways and resources to (help) support his Hispanic and Latino community,
the organization stated. Ivan’s humility and respect were evident in every interaction, leaving everyone he met with newfound wisdom.
Ivan Torres is survived by his wife and three children.A tribute posted on Hennessey Valley Funeral Home & Crematory described him as simply put, the best man to exist. His family was always first. His love was immeasurable, his impact unforgettable.
The community mourns the loss of a dedicated coach, a passionate advocate, and a kind soul whose legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
Headline: Unveiling the Legacy: The enduring Impact of Ivan Torres on Spokane’s Community and Youth Soccer
In the quiet, huddled town of Spokane, Washington, the tragic loss of Ivan Torres resonates as a collective mourning, leaving an indelible mark on the youth soccer community and beyond. but as the dust settles, his legacy offers powerful lessons and inspiration.
Q: What made Ivan Torres such a notable figure in both the Hispanic community and the youth soccer world in Spokane?
A: Ivan Torres was not merely a presence but a profound force in his community, characterized by unwavering commitment and unparalleled enthusiasm for fostering potential wherever he found it.In the sphere of youth soccer, Torres stood out as a beacon of hope and mentorship. As the CEO, director, and coach of Union Fútbol Club de Spokane, a charitable venture under Nuestras Raíces, Torres was instrumental in providing free soccer lessons to underserved children.
Legacy Thru Soccer:
- Inclusivity and Accessibility: Torres’s initiative ensured financial barriers did not hinder young talents from accessing soccer training, a crucial step in democratizing the sport in the region.
- Mentorship Beyond Coaching: His philosophy was rooted in nurturing not only athletic prowess but also personal resilience and leadership in young athletes, as remembered by Savanna Briceño and echoed by teammates who thrived under his guidance.
Q: How did Torres’s efforts influence Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurial endeavors in Spokane?
A: Inside Nuestras Raíces Centro Comunitario, Torres’s role extended beyond sports into the realms of business and entrepreneurship. As the director of finance and economic progress at Éxito Business Center, his ability to empower the community was unmatched.
Empowering Entrepreneurs:
- Foundational Support: Torres provided foundational business advice and direct support with setting up enterprises, reflecting a profound personal investment in the success stories of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs.
- Community Obligation: By actively fostering business growth,he created an environment where dreams could be tangible and goals achievable.
Q: What does the broader community and accolades such as USL Spokane’s tribute indicate about the enduring impact of Ivan Torres?
A: tributes from organizations like USL Spokane, with initiatives like the Zephyr jersey sales donation, signify a broader community recognizing and honoring Torres’s contribution. Reilly Harnetiaux’s sentiments underline his welcoming nature which considerably amplified his leadership and engagement capabilities.
Tribute Through Action:
- Sustained Impact: Monetary tributes are a mere reflection; Torres’s authenticity and vibrancy continue to inspire endeavors, shaping Spokane’s involvement in sports and community development.
- A Catalyst for Growth: Through actions and legacy, Torres sparked an irreplaceable growth in community sports and business sectors, establishing a model worthy of emulation.
Closing Thoughts:
The essence of Ivan Torres is a powerful synthesis of passion, dedication, and genuine community spirit. His story serves as a guiding light for fostering inclusivity, offering mentorship, and encouraging entrepreneurial spirit, particularly among youth and minority communities.
Final Note: Ivan Torres’s life and legacy continue to inspire those who knew him and resonate with communities nationwide. How can we honor such impactful lives in our communities, and what can we each do to foster similar legacies? Share your thoughts below or connect with us on social media to celebrate Ivan Torres’s enduring impact.