#9 - Kurt Hunt

Football became part of my life when I was seven years old in Derby, Vermont, playing on the Recreation Soccer Team, the Purple Team, under Coach Janet Gratton. That’s where my journey truly began. It didn’t grow into a deep passion until around 1999 when I joined a men’s league (at 14 years old) thanks to the help of Anthony Moccia, and began competing for my first travel clubs, Nordic Spirit and the Derby Wildcats, under Coaches Jose Batista and Dave Bahrenberg. Those early years and coaches helped shape my love for the game and laid the foundation for everything that followed. Early on, I played every position I could. I loved being on the pitch; competing, learning, and being part of the team. I spent a good amount of time in goal, and I enjoyed the responsibility of being the last line of defense.
As I matured through high school, club, and college, my role evolved into a more central form, primarily midfield and defense. I fell in love with playing center back; organizing, communicating, and helping others see the bigger picture on the field. I take pride in being that stabilizing presence, the strategist in the middle of the chaos, and the one my teammates can rely on for direction. There’s no better feeling than watching a team move as one cohesive unit, functioning efficiently and confidently together. Representing the United States is one of the greatest honors of my life. It took dedication, discipline, and sacrifice to reach this level, and as someone who’s served nearly 19 years in the military, wearing the flag carries a profound weight for me.
When I step onto the field with that crest on my chest, I think of every man and woman who has served or is still serving; those who’ve sacrificed, who’ve stood for something bigger than themselves. Wearing the red, white, and blue is a symbol of gratitude for their courage and for the freedoms we’re privileged to protect. It’s more than just football; it’s a way to honor our country through respect, commitment, and heart. Honestly, the entire journey. From being that seven-year-old kicking a ball in Vermont to now wearing the U.S. crest, every step, every high, every setback, has taught me something. The lessons, the people, the memories; they’re all part of why I still love this game today.