Class of 2010

George John

George J. John, 23, is a second-year professional soccer player for the FC Dallas Soccer Club of Major League Soccer in the U.S. He is a former soccer player for the Huskies at the University of Washington, where he played in the Pac-10 conference.

A native of Shoreline, WA, John excelled in the classroom as well as on the soccer field. He graduated with a 3.47 cumulative GPA and was captain and starting center mid-fielder for the university’s soccer team. John was first-team All-Pac 10 in 2007 as well. While at the University of Washington, John twice led his team to the second round of the NCAA tournament. He was also a two-time ESPN The Magazine academic all-district player. In 2005, John was named the Gatorade Soccer Player of the Year for the state of Washington. He is also a recipient of the AHEPA Greek American Male High School Athlete of the Year award and scholarship.

During the 2008 to 2009 season with the Huskies, John racked up many impressive achievements, including 2008 First Team NSCA/Adidas Academic All American, 2008 First Team All Pac-10 Men’s Soccer Team, as well as 2008 Pac-10 Men’s Soccer Scholar Athlete of the Year.

In the 2009 Major League Soccer SuperDraft, John was drafted by the FC Dallas Soccer Club in the first round and the 14th pick overall. He just began his second professional season and is a starter at center back for Dallas. Last year, John received the honor of making the “goal of the week” for Major League Soccer during the week of Oct. 21, 2009.

John has always prioritized his Hellenic heritage, continuing to Greek dance competitively with St. Demetrios of Seattle’s dance troupe at the annual Folk Dance Festival in San Francisco throughout his entire college career. He has been known to skip soccer games in favor of Greek folk dance competitions, a trait highlighted by a Seattle news station impressed by his dedication.