Washington
Meet Malik Hardy ’26
Malik Hardy ’26
Major: Business administration
Minor: Africana studies
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia
Why did you choose to come to W&L?
I attended trade school before coming to college, so my path to Washington and Lee University looked different from many students’. Before enrolling at W&L, I studied at the Apprentice School, where workers help build nuclear ships for the U.S. Navy. After spending a year in the shipyard, I realized I wanted to pursue something broader, not just for myself, but for the people around me. I was motivated by the opportunity to explore paths that hadn’t always felt accessible to me and to make the most of them. W&L offered me the chance to do exactly that while receiving an education that would help me grow both academically and personally.
Have you discovered a course or topic that you didn’t expect to study when you first came to W&L?
When I first arrived at Washington and Lee University, I planned to major in computer science, not business. But after taking a few classes in the business school, I realized they offered something I had always been looking for: the opportunity to work closely with people and solve real problems together. Through experiences in areas like budgeting and sales, I discovered how much I enjoy understanding people’s needs and finding ways to connect with them. I especially fell in love with sales because it combines strategy, communication and empathy in a powerful way.
Where is your “home” on campus?
The Office of Student Engagement and Leadership has always felt like home to me. I naturally gravitated toward the people there because I’ve always cared about building community and supporting others. That space gave me the opportunity to do both, and it became a place where I truly felt connected and supported.
What has been your most impactful experience at W&L, either on or off-campus?
One of my most meaningful experiences has been helping reactivate a dormant fraternity chapter on campus (the Beta Beta Nu chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.) with a close friend, Alan Haigler ’26. I’ve served as vice president for the past two years and have watched the chapter grow to more than 20 members. Together, we’ve contributed over 500 service hours and raised thousands of dollars to support initiatives across Rockbridge County. Seeing something we rebuilt create real impact on campus and in the community has been incredibly rewarding.
Who is your mentor on campus, and how have they helped you develop as a student?
While I wouldn’t point to one formal mentor, Dean T (Dean for Student Engagement and Leadership Tammy Futrell) has been an incredible source of support for me during my time here. She has consistently encouraged me academically and personally, and we bonded early on through our shared background. She’s someone who genuinely cares about my success and well-being, and I’m grateful to have had that kind of support throughout my college experience
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class has been my philosophy course with President Dudley. The structure of the class is highly discussion-based, which makes it different from a traditional lecture course. We regularly engage with one another’s ideas, challenge perspectives and explore questions without clear right answers. It created a space where everyone could think deeply and learn from each other’s viewpoints
What are your hobbies/interests and how has W&L helped you pursue them?
I enjoy photography and working out. I spend several hours a day training, and photography has become a creative outlet where I’m always trying to improve my skills and learn new ways to capture meaningful moments.
Being at W&L has connected me with people from a wide range of backgrounds who have helped me grow both as a photographer and as an athlete. I’ve learned new techniques, gained feedback from others and found encouragement to keep developing both interests in ways I might not have explored otherwise.
What has been your greatest accomplishment since arriving at W&L?
Knowing that I will be a first-generation college graduate is my greatest accomplishment. It’s something that means a lot, not only to me but to my entire family. We’ve talked about this milestone for months, and seeing it become a reality has been incredibly meaningful. I hope the work I’m doing now helps shine a light for students like me who once weren’t sure whether college was even a real possibility.
Have you studied abroad during your time at W&L? Where did you go, and how was your experience?
I studied abroad in Paris, where I took a course on Black Writers and the Allure of Paris with the Hills (Provost Lena Hill and professor of Africana studies Michael Hill). Seeing Paris as a place where many found the freedom to develop their voices and their work, the trip gave me a deeper appreciation for their experiences and influence. I also had the chance to mountain bike in Marseille, which made the experience even more memorable.
How have your experiences at W&L prepared you for post-graduate success?
W&L’s small class environment has strengthened my confidence in public speaking and storytelling. Being in discussion-based classrooms where participation is expected pushed me outside my comfort zone and helped me develop communication skills I know I’ll carry with me after graduation.
Who or what inspires you?
My mother inspires me the most. Watching her work hard to raise and support my siblings and me instilled strong values in our family. Seeing her perseverance motivates me to keep pushing myself and make the most of every opportunity I have. She’s the person I look to through everything, and her support means the world to me!
What do you like about being a DIII athlete?
Being a Division III athlete has allowed me to continue playing the sport I love (football) while also focusing fully on my education. It’s still highly competitive, but it creates the balance I was looking for between athletics and academics.
Crews are on the scene of a serious crash on I-95 South in Stafford, Virginia.
Virginia State Police confirmed the crash was fatal but has not yet confirmed how many fatalities there were.
All southbound lanes are closed at mile marker 146.
Traffic is being diverted to Route 1 at exit 148.
This is a developing story. Stay with News4 and nbcwashington.com for updates.
Washington
Sounders FC, Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer launch Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass to celebrate the next generation of soccer across the Evergreen State | Seattle Sounders
RENTON, WASH. – Sounders FC, in partnership with Starbucks and Washington Youth Soccer, today announced the launch of the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass, a first-of-its-kind statewide initiative designed to inspire the next generation of young athletes across the Evergreen State. As the sport reaches a defining moment across North America, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass invites every registered Washington Youth Soccer athlete aged 18 and under to receive a complimentary ticket to select home matches this season, connecting young players and their families across Washington to the heart of Sounders FC matchdays and Pacific Northwest soccer culture.
More than a ticket initiative, the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is rooted in a shared belief that soccer belongs to everyone who plays it. With over 90,000 registered Washington Youth Soccer athletes eligible for the program – which includes access to additional discounted tickets for friends and family members – the Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass celebrates those that continue to shape the sport’s strong foundation across the state. Coming at a significant moment for soccer in the region, with Seattle hosting six matches during the FIFA World Cup 2026™ this summer, Sounders FC and its partners are joining together to invest in the players, families, clubs and communities that fuel the game year-round.
“The Washington Youth Soccer Match Pass is about recognizing that every young player across Washington is already part of the story of this club,” said Sounders FC President of Business Operations Hugh Weber. “The Sounders are not just Seattle’s club – it’s Washington’s soccer club. Many of the players who wear our crest today, including Jordan Morris, Paul Rothrock and Jackson Ragen, grew up playing in Washington Youth Soccer. Their journeys are proof that the connection between local soccer communities and Sounders FC is real, lasting and deeply rooted.”
The program is available for the Rave Green’s final 12 MLS regular-season and Leagues Cup home matches of the 2026 campaign, beginning with Seattle’s first contest after the 2026 FIFA World Cup break against archrival Portland Timbers on Thursday, July 16 (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, FS1, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM). Eligible Washington Youth Soccer athletes can access the offer through a **dedicated online portal** using their WYS Player ID.
With Seattle as its hometown, Starbucks is deeply rooted in communities across Washington and beyond. Starbucks serves as the initiative’s founding partner to make professional soccer more accessible for families throughout the season. A longtime Sounders FC partner, Starbucks joins the club in its commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for youth athletes and their families across Washington, reinforcing shared values of community, connection and access to the game.
“We are proud to partner with Sounders FC and Washington Youth Soccer to expand our support for youth soccer across our hometown of Seattle and communities across Washington,” said Starbucks Senior Vice President of Global Marketing Erin Silvoy. “At Starbucks, we believe sports are a powerful force for connection, that brings people together through shared rituals and moments of joy. By helping more youth experience soccer first-hand, we hope to inspire the next generation while supporting the athletes, coaches and families who make our communities stronger.”
Founded in 1961, Washington Youth Soccer is one of the region’s leading youth sports organizations, helping shape generations of players and families through recreational and competitive opportunities across the state for more than 60 years. Affiliated with U.S. Youth Soccer, U.S. Soccer and FIFA, Washington Youth Soccer works alongside nearly 200 member clubs and local associations to help grow and strengthen the game at every level, creating accessible pathways and enriching experiences for youth athletes and their families throughout Washington.
”We see this partnership as a catalyst to inspire the next generation of youth soccer players,” said Washington Youth Soccer Executive Director Roger Levesque. “There is something unique about attending a Sounders match at Lumen Field – the sights, sounds and world-class soccer all contribute to a goose bump-inducing experience. But the true inspiration comes from living the highs and lows of a match together, alongside family, friends and thousands of fans, who for 90 minutes, are all on the same team. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with Sounders FC and Starbucks to bring this experience and the joy of soccer to the Washington Youth Soccer community.”
MLS is currently amid an extended break from play for the FIFA World Cup 2026™, with Seattle returning to action on Thursday, July 16 against the Portland Timbers on the Emerald Queen Casino Pitch at Lumen Field (7:30 p.m. PT / Apple TV, iHeartMedia Seattle, El Rey 1360 AM).
ABOUT SEATTLE SOUNDERS FC
Born in 1974 and a member of Major League Soccer since 2009, Seattle Sounders FC is one of North America’s leading professional soccer organizations. The club has captured nine major trophies since its inaugural MLS season, and following its Leagues Cup victory in 2025, Seattle became the first team in U.S. soccer history to win every major competition (Concacaf Champions Cup, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, U.S. Open Cup, Leagues Cup). Since the club’s MLS debut, Sounders fans have set the standard for soccer support in North America, leading the league in attendance for eight-consecutive seasons (2009-2016), routinely ranking in the global top 30 among all professional clubs and never finishing outside of MLS’ top three.
Since 1971, Starbucks Coffee Company has been committed to responsibly sourcing and roasting hi-quality arabica coffee. Today, with a global footprint of more than 41,000 company-operated and licensed coffeehouses and a growing presence in consumer-packaged goods, we are the world’s premier purveyor of specialty coffee. Through our unwavering commitment to excellence and our guiding principles, we bring the unique Starbucks Experience to life for every customer through every cup. To share in the experience, please visit us in our stores or online at about.starbucks.com or www.starbucks.com.
ABOUT WASHINGTON YOUTH SOCCER
Washington Youth Soccer (WYS) is the largest youth sports organization in Washington State, serving more than 90,000 players through a network of over 200 member associations and clubs statewide. WYS is committed to fostering the physical, mental, and emotional growth of youth through the game of soccer by creating opportunities for players of all backgrounds and ability levels to learn, compete, and thrive. Through leagues, tournaments, player development programs, coaching education, community partnerships, and initiatives supported by the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation, WYS works to grow the game and create meaningful experiences for young athletes across Washington.
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