Seattle Reign FC Legend: Claudia Longo – Executive Director and Founder of MS, I’mpossible

The Legends Campaign, a partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Starbucks, honors women for their extraordinary contributions to our community in the Pacific Northwest and beyond. Prior to Seattle Reign FC’s 2025 home opener against NJ/NY Gotham FC, the club recognized Claudia Longo, Executive Director and Founder of MS, I’mpossible.

A former Division 1 soccer player, founder of a nonprofit and Managing Director by day, every facet of Longo’s life is driven by mission, and always has been. When she was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) at the age of 18, just a month before beginning her college soccer career, Longo faced unprecedented levels of uncertainty and change.

Through the process of navigating her MS diagnosis, one of the goals Longo set for herself was to return to the soccer field. It was no easy feat, as the demands of college athletics are high, but she did just that.

Her senior season at the University of Washington, the midfielder appeared in 17 matches and earned two assists, including the Apple Cup game-winner in the Huskies’ first win in Pullman since 1996. Returning to the field not only accomplished one of the goals Longo set for herself but also inspired her to take the leap and start her own 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

“As I went through all of this, I started to connect with a lot of young adults who had MS. All of them were longing for community that they didn’t yet have and resources that weren’t available,” shared Longo.

“The tipping point was when I met a gal who had come to watch me play soccer at one of my college games. She had just been diagnosed with MS and thought that soccer was no longer in the cards for her. After coming to my game that day, she realized that she could keep playing soccer and the very next week, started training with her team again.”

Quickly taking action, she began the process of starting the nonprofit during her fifth year of college. With a busy schedule as she completed her degree in neuroscience and studied for the MCAT, she found that the key to success in her endeavor was embracing the knowledge of those around her.

“The best thing I ever did was tap into people that had answers right from the get-go,” said Longo. “I knew that I didn’t have many answers; I had no idea what I was doing in [the nonprofit] realm. What really kept me going was the mission behind it all. I knew that I wanted to change the way young adults were dealing with their diagnosis. I started by having simple coffee chats and really tapping into the amazing mentors and people around me that were so willing to help me through the journey of starting MS, I’mpossible.”

Well-known for her ability to take matters into her own hands, Longo has embraced the challenges that come with working at a nonprofit – both her own and during her day job at BoardReady, an organization that aims to increase diversity in board rooms. In fact, she finds the people she works with on a daily basis outweigh the challenges that often arise working in the nonprofit sector.

“I'm surrounded by people who all believe in a mission and so even when I'm having a day where I'm struggling, odds are somebody else on the team is really feeling passionate and motivated, so this team component to both these companies is so critical.”

She continued, “Funding can be hard, and events can sometime be taxing and there’s just so much that goes into it, but each and every day, I’m reminded why I’m doing all of it. I have a really unique ability to be very tied to a mission, so every day I'm meeting with young adults with MS who need the resources that we can provide.”

Being honored as a Legend is a full circle moment for Longo, who is well acquainted with Reign FC General Manager Lesle Gallimore and Reign Academy Executive Director Amy Griffin from her days as a Husky.

“I will never stop singing the praises of Lesle and Amy,” said Longo. “When I was diagnosed just one month before starting my college soccer career, I had to send an email to my coaches, telling them that their new recruit had MS. I’ll never forget the way Lesle responded.”

Gallimore, true to character, told Longo that they would all work together as a team to navigate her diagnosis and get her back out on the field. The words of encouragement she received encapsulated the same message she now shares with the young adults she works with today.

Grateful for the unwavering support of those around her and the willingness of others to listen to her story, Longo never takes the Seattle community for granted.

“More than anything, I’m beyond grateful to receive this honor and for the support of the Seattle community and for the community in my hometown of Issaquah,” said Longo. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without all of the people that make things like this happen.”