ABOUT LOS VERDES
Los Verdes is a member-driven group of Austin FC supporters that strives to create the most exciting, inclusive, and respectful atmosphere for all—on match day and beyond. The Starting XI, elected from among our members, sets strategic direction for the organization. Our member-driven committees consist of volunteers committed to building and sharing the vision of the group in support of Austin FC. All members agree to abide by the Los Verdes Code of Conduct. The organization operates as a Texas nonprofit corporation governed by our bylaws.
Los Verdes es un grupo participativo de hinchas de Austin FC que se esfuerza para crear la atmósfera más inclusiva y respetable en los partidos y en general. Los XI Titulares, electos dentro de sus miembros, coordinan la dirección estratégica para la organización. Nuestros comités participativos están conformados por voluntarios comprometidos en construir y compartir la visión del grupo para apoyar a Austin FC. Todos los miembros aceptan seguir el código de conducta.
Starting XI
Board of Directors
Stefanie Torres
President
I grew up in Round Rock and though grad school moved me out of state for a few years, I always knew I’d be back. Since my return to Round Rock in 2020, I know I’m here to stay—the Austin area is my forever home.
My love for soccer started when I began playing at eight years old, then grew during the ’94 World Cup, and took off even more when MLS was established and I attended my first game in 1996 (Dallas vs Colorado, back when FC Dallas was the Burn…and actually played in Dallas). I’ve been witness to many MLS shenanigans since the early years, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Austin FC is a literal dream-come-true for me and my family and Los Verdes has been the icing on the cake of my fandom. I’ve been an LV member and a STH since the first season. This community has brought me through some of the toughest moments of my life, and some of the happiest. It’s important to me to give back to the people who have supported me these last few years, both within LV and the greater Austin soccer community. It’s an amazing feeling to be able to connect the people I love most with the game I love most.
Anyone can speak the language of soccer, which is perhaps the thing I love most about the sport, and I feel it’s my duty to continue to grow the legend within LV and our community and lay the groundwork for my two young daughters to come up in a supportive SG environment.
Leslie Hibbard
Vice President
I'm a middle school science teacher who loves soccer, and I love building community even more. I'm so happy to have found "my people" in Los Verdes over the past 18 months. This year with LV I traveled to 12 away matches (I was a trip captain in Kansas City), fundraised for and ran the Austin Marathon 5K, helped paint and display multiple tifos, and rode the rails in 104 with my fellow Pringlings! Los Verdes has something for everyone; my goal is to help even more people feel welcome, get involved, and find their place in our growing community.
Cathy Lujan
Treasurer
I’m a native Texan from San Antonio and played soccer from middle school to my mid-40s. For several of those years one of my sons also played and we spent Saturdays at his games and Sundays at my games – always busy but they were some of my favorite years as a mom. My playing days are over but I love to follow the sport and be in community with fellow fans and supporters. I’m a project manager for a local tech company and I’ve been involved in several different non-profits. I look forward to giving back to Los Verdes by “playing” on the starting XI.
Chap Torian
I grew up in central Texas and love this area because of the trails, hills and views. My love of soccer began at my first practice when I was eight years old. Over the years I cheered on the different schools I attended, including being there for the inaugural teams at McMurry University in Abilene, Texas. I was ready to dive into the local community and joined Los Verdes in May 2021. Since then I have been involved as a TIFO lead, volunteered with Austin Pride and Meals on Wheels, have organized multiple events for the LGBTQIA+ members of the organization, and joined La Murga. I am so proud of the work that we do to make a difference in people’s lives within the community and the world. I want to continue building our legacy and our tradition of Futbol y Comunidad.
Eloy Perez
Hola todos! I grew up on the border in El Paso/Ciudad Juarez, then after high school came to study computer science at UT and fell in love with Austin, its people, and its outdoor spaces. Soccer has been the language through which I've met most of my friends - I love that no matter where one is from or what life stage one is in, the joy of kicking around a soccer ball is universal!
I joined Los Verdes in January 2021, and am most amazed by the sense of community and support that we're creating. I'm excited about LV's future, and committed to ensuring that we continue being an open, inclusive, welcoming, and fun member-driven organization!
I currently serve on the Tifo committee, play and organize pickup soccer, and help spread the good word of San Julius.
Brenda Herrera
I’m a native Texan born and raised on the border in El Paso, Texas and have lived in Austin for the last 14 years. As a first gen Mexican-American, I grew up playing and watching fútbol. I joined Los Verdes in 2022, and very quickly fell in love with the community of Austin FC supporters. I started volunteering on the Tifo committee and was blown away at the creativity, talent and dedication of everyone I've met. In 2023, I joined the LV marcom team as the English to Spanish translator. Now as a part of the Starting XI, I am honored and thrilled to represent such a passionate community and will work hard to amplify the LV pillars of Fútbol y Comunidad.
When I'm not cheering on the verde and black in the supporters section, you can catch me enjoying live music around town, at the Alamo Drafthouse, or backpacking and traveling to new and interesting places.
Brian Mangum
It was my privilege to take the lead in transcribing the group’s missions and intent into our Bylaws. I continue to advocate for Los Verdes as part of the Legal Committee, and recently completed two years of Membership Committee service.
In my professional life, I have advised startups and nonprofits on a wide variety of matters including corporate governance and intellectual property.
I’ve lived in Austin for nearly 20 years and do not ever plan to leave the home my wife and I chose for our family. Soccer has always been an important part of our lives, and I am honored to be able to contribute my small part to building this community.
Ernie Luna
Hola Verdes! I am a born and raised Austinite hailing from the Del Valle/Creedmoor area. I also have lived in San Marcos for a few years after going to Texas State. Eat em up, Cats! I didn’t grow up playing sports but I have enjoyed the heck out of them since I was a youngin’. Like many Austinites, I never had a professional hometown team to call my own so when the club came to be, I immediately became hooked and searched for ways to be involved. When I learned about Los Verdes and how they formed and who they were I was hooked! Being somewhat of an introvert, I saw this as a moment to make friends and give back to my community. Fast forward to now, I’m honored and proud of the work we have done. LV has done wonders for my self-esteem and soul. I hope to give others the same connection that I have had through LV. I’d be proud to represent the community and advocate for us.
As a part of Los Verdes, I have painted almost all of the TIFOs, been an active member of the Watch Party committee, helping to bring a safe and fun experience for all, and have volunteered for numerous events and activities such as the Austin Marathon, boat parties, banner hangings, and more. I am a proud member of Speedo FC and Los Pringles. Come say hi in Pring-Ohh-Four!
Jesse Sosa
I moved to Austin from Fort Worth, Tx in 2002 to complete my undergraduate studies at The University of Texas at Austin, and never went back. I am currently an Instructional Technology Specialist where I get to incorporate Culturally Responsive Teaching, Universal Design for Learning, and Innovative Teaching & Learning principles I gleamed from obtaining my Masters in Education degree from Concordia University Texas to the benefit of the teachers and students I serve.
Growing up in a Hispanic household soccer has always been in my peripherals, but my love for soccer truly didn’t develop until that Legendary Announcement in 2019. It was through Los Verdes that I found my passion for fútbol y comunidad and where my creative talents were utilized to design merch that has benefited OutYouth and Latinitas, two amazing organizations. The “Say Gay” kit is probably my favorite thing I have designed so far. I am a new Bombista in La Murga de Austin and love to lend my gifts where ever I can. Whether it is helping paint tifos, supporting LV pick up as a soccer mom, or getting wet and wild in HBMFC and Los Pringles, I am just honored to be a part of Los Verdes where everyone is familia.
Sheila Garcia
I was born and raised in San Antonio and have now lived over 25% of my life in Austin. When asked why I don’t move back ‘home’, it’s because Austin speaks to me and is and will be my forever home. The easy access to outdoor life, amazing food & craft beer scene, the people, and the way the community support each other are what make me feel at home here.
I’ve always been a sports fan, known for my pride and passion for the teams I followed. Finding Los Verdes and experiencing a match day in the Supporters Section changed my life in so many ways. People were welcoming, excited, nervous, cheerful, LOUD, proud, and always supporting the team - and from my day one - I was hooked.
I became a soccer fan when Austin FC and Los Verdes came in to my life. Now I’m a season ticket holder in the Supporters Section and have been to 3 US National Team games. I want to ensure the feeling I had when finding Los Verdes is what every member feels, continuously. Futbol y Comunidad are a big part of LV and my love of our community, our club, and our membership will drive me to make sure that is always a top priority.
Starting XI headshots by Zach Lyons.
Committees
Los Verdes relies on a number of member-driven committees to help build the best game day experience in MLS for Austin FC.
Contact us if you’re interested in joining a committee.
Standing Committees
Marketing & Communications - Oversee website, social media, and e-newsletters along with graphics/photo/video. Coordinating with media on SG stories.
Membership - Ensuring members feel empowered and have a voice in SG, reviewing membership applications, and managing Code of Conduct violations. If you would like to contact the membership committee, please do so at MC@losverdesatx.org. The Membership Committee members are Brian Mangum, Chap Torian, Charisma Gamez, Gina Rivera, Harley Hightower, Heather Gonzalez, Jason Poon, and Nick Means.
Merchandise - Working with designers to develop and approve new merchandise, manage store inventory.
Legal & Compliance - Researching and drafting required organizational documentation along with developing organizational policies and best practices.
Tifo & Colors - Developing LV tifo and visuals imagery for the section, as well as coordinating with other SGs on sectionwide tifo.
Planned Committees
Events - Creating/managing regular member events during the offseason, as well as game day events. Ensures events are accessible and open to diverse nationalities and perspectives.
Finance - Managing SG finances and banking relationships.
Game Day Ops & Travel - Coordinating with the front office and visiting team on game day logistics, coordinating away travel for SG road trips.
Philanthropy - Managing philanthropic and community efforts; working with other soccer organizations in the region to promote Austin FC.
Song & Chants - Coordinating with La Murga de Austin and other SGs on game day songs & chants.
Sponsorships & Partnerships - Establishing official partnerships on behalf of the organization as well as member-specific benefits.
