Hockey Is For Everyone

Get to know Seattle Pride Hockey Association, our mission, our principles, and the team that’s making it happen.

Our Mission

Making hockey a place where LGBTQIA+ people thrive by building and connecting community.

Grey trucker SPHA hat on display on a table

What we stand for. What we skate on.

making hockey a place where LGBTQIA+ people thrive by building and connecting community.

Queer Joy Is the Point

Queer Joy Is the Point

We center joy, visibility, and authenticity in everything we do. Hockey isn’t just a place to participate — it’s a place to thrive, celebrate, and show up fully as yourself.

We Follow Through

We Follow Through

Trust is built through action. We do what we say we’ll do — showing up with consistency, accountability, and transparency for our players, partners, and community.

Community Through Connection

Community Through Connection

Connection is what turns programs into community. We create spaces — on and off the ice — where relationships grow, support is shared, and people feel they belong.

We Lower Barriers

We Lower Barriers

Access is intentional. We actively remove financial, cultural, and structural barriers so hockey is open to everyone — regardless of identity, experience, or background.

Safety Comes First

Safety Comes First

Belonging requires safety. We prioritize physical, emotional, and psychological well-being — creating environments where everyone feels protected, respected, and supported.

LGBTQIA+ Centered. Ally-Welcoming

LGBTQIA+ Centered. Ally-Welcoming

We lead with queer voices while welcoming allies who show up with respect and humility. This is a space rooted in LGBTQIA+ experience — open to those who share our values.

We Listen and Grow

We Listen and Grow

Growth starts with self-awareness. We listen, reflect, and challenge our assumptions — especially when it’s uncomfortable — so we can continue to evolve as a community.

Belonging Built In

Belonging Built In

Inclusion doesn’t happen by accident — it’s designed. We intentionally create systems, programs, and experiences where people feel seen, valued, and supported.

Board of directors

The board of directors is comprised of a President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and a Director. The board of directors are responsible for the day to day operations of the organization, including strategy, program development, fundraising, government affairs, finances, press & public relations, budgeting, taxes, etc.

STEVEN
THOMPSON

President
He/Him

The President provides leadership to the organization; presides over all scheduled and special meetings of the organization and Board of Directors; approves all expenditures within the constraints of the Annual Budget; appoints committee members as authorized by the Board of Directors; acts as the official representative of the organization when representation is required.

   

JOSEPH
GALE

Vice President
He/Him

The Vice President has the same duties and responsibilities as all other board members, including the duty of loyalty, obedience, and care for the organization. The Vice President generally serves as a backup leader to the President, so the board is never without leadership.

   

GILBERT
VILLALPANDO

Secretary
He/Him

The Secretary records the minutes of all meetings of the general organization and Board of Directors; presents the most recent meeting minutes at each general and Board of Directors meeting; prepares a permanent record copy of all minutes including the most recent report of the Treasurer for delivery to the Board of Directors on a quarterly basis; and is responsible for all organization mailings and publicity notices.

   

SHANA WOODROME

Treasurer
She/Her

The Treasurer keeps the books for the organization in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles; possesses the authority to countersign checks; collects and deposits any monies owed to the organization and/or its affiliated groups; presents any unapproved bills or charges to the President for approval; pays all approved accounts and bills as they come due; accounts for all monies received and paid.

   

MICHELLE
MENDEZ

Director, Community Development & Membership
She/Her

The Director, Community Development & Membership leads efforts to engage and grow the organization’s community and membership base. They develop strategies for recruitment and retention, build relationships with stakeholders, advocate for the organization’s mission, design outreach programs, and establish feedback mechanisms to ensure community needs are met.

   

REAL PEOPLE. REAL IMPACT.

Spotlights and testimonials from players, parents, volunteers, and fans who
have felt the difference Seattle Pride Hockey has made.

MANAGE ALL YOUR HOCKEY IN ONE PLACE

Go directly to mySPHA: seapridehockey.leagueapps.com