Ezra Hendrickson – HOF Class of 2021

About Ezra Hendrickson

Ezra Hendrickson, a native of Layou, St. Vincent, got his soccer start with club soccer at Western High School in Russiaville before he completed an impressive collegiate career at Drake University. While with the Division 1 Bulldogs, Hendrickson tallied All-Conference honors three times and an All-American recognition as a senior.

Hendrickson was drafted fifth overall in the 1997 MLS Supplemental Draft by the New York/New Jersey MetroStars before moving on to join the LA Galaxy. With the Galaxy, Hendrickson served as a consistent starter for seven seasons before taking his career to Dallas. After stops in Charleston, D.C., Los Angeles, and Columbus, Hendrickson called it a career and launched into coaching.

The Seattle Sounders were Hendrickson’s first stop on his coaching journey. After serving as an assistant to the late Sigi Schmid, Hendrickson was tabbed the head coach for the Seattle Sounders FC 2 side in the United Soccer League. During this period, he also spent time as an assistant with the Saint Vincent and the Grenadines national team.

Currently, Hendrickson serves as an assistant with the Columbus Crew where he recently helped lead the franchise to their second MLS Cup victory. Seattle Sounders Head Coach Brian Schmetzer also credits Ezra with playing a major role in the Sounders immediate success in MLS.

“Ezra’s contribution was clear, his rapport with players was vital, and his quest to become a great coach was evident,” said Scmetzer.

Hendrickson’s impact on Indiana is still evident today. In Russiaville, Ezra’s path to the highest levels of soccer playing and coaching is often cited as a major proponent in the starting of Western High School’s programs.