This weekend, MLS players across the League wore black #Kuykenstrong armbands in memory of Shawn Kuykendall, a former MLS player who died of a rare form of cancer (Thymus Cancer) earlier this year.
Drafted by D.C. United in 2005, Kuykendall spent two seasons in the League playing for D.C. and the New York Red Bulls. After his playing career Shawn returned to his alma mater, American University, as an assistant coach. Before his untimely death, Kuykendall worked as the Director of Player Development for Montgomery Soccer Inc., a youth soccer program in Maryland.
Although players in every MLS Stadium honored Shawn this weekend, support for the former MLS player began after he was diagnosed last year. On seperate occasions players wore t-shirts branded with #Kuykestrong during pre-game warmups and post-game interviews. Shawn's former coaches at American Universty shaved their heads in a show of solidarity while youth leagues hosted fundraisers to assist him in his fight.
For more information about Shawn and how to support the Kuykenstrong Foundation, visit www.Kuykendall.com.
