As Austin FC’s starting goalkeeper, Brad Stuver is best known for his sharp reflexes and commanding presence between the posts. He’s been one of the league’s leaders in saves and a steady hand since the club's inaugural season. But for many in Austin, Stuver’s true impact extends far beyond the soccer pitch.
Together with his wife, Ashley, Stuver has become a leading voice for community advocacy in Central Texas — channeling his platform into service, support and meaningful change.
“Austin just felt like home immediately,” Stuver said. “We’ve lived in other cities, but there’s something special here. People genuinely care about their neighbors and their communities … that energy is contagious.”
That connection inspired the couple to launch the Brad and Ashley Stuver Foundation in early 2024. The foundation was created to support and amplify local organizations working on issues ranging from education and equity to access and community wellness.
“We wanted to use whatever reach we had to spotlight the work that’s already being done here,” he shared. “Austin is full of incredible nonprofits and grassroots efforts and our goal is to help bring more resources and attention to those voices.”
Stuver’s passion for service isn’t new. Long before his days with Austin FC, he and Ashley became involved with The Laundry Project. This national initiative partners with local laundromats to cover the cost of laundry for low-income families. The project, rooted in dignity and practical support, quickly became a personal mission.
“We started in Columbus, took it to the Bronx, and brought it here to Austin,” he said. “It’s one of those things that seems so simple — just doing your laundry — but it makes a huge difference. The conversations you have with people at those events, you see how much it matters.”
Since settling in Austin, the Stuvers have organized multiple Laundry Project events across the city and helped inspire similar efforts in other MLS markets, including Charlotte and Nashville.
More recently, the couple has taken on a larger advocacy role through their involvement in state-level organizations promoting fairness, dignity and inclusive communities, such as Equality Texas and AVOW. By attending events, hosting fundraisers and inviting fellow players to join, they’ve helped introduce a new wave of civic engagement to Austin’s growing professional sports scene.
“Being a starter gives you a bigger platform — it’s just a fact,” Stuver said. “And with that comes a responsibility to do something meaningful with it. It’s not about changing who you are — it’s about showing up for your community.”
That approach has earned Stuver national recognition. He was the first MLS player ever nominated for the ESPN Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award(twice, nonetheless) and a two-time finalist for MLS Works Humanitarian of the Year. Locally, the 4ATX Foundation honored him as the Legend of the Year.
Still, he’s quick to deflect any personal accolades.
“The recognition is great because it shines a spotlight on the causes and organizations we care about,” he said. “It’s never been about the attention — it’s about impact.”
While Ashley prefers to stay behind the scenes, Brad is clear about her role.
“She’s the brain trust,” he said with a smile. “She’s at every event, coordinating everything and doing the heavy lifting. It’s 100% a ‘we’ effort.”
For those in Austin who want to give back but aren’t sure where to begin, Stuver’s advice is simple: Start small, but start.
“You don’t have to reinvent the wheel,” he said. “Find something that means something to you. For us, the Laundry Project felt right the moment we did it. You never know the ripple effect a simple act of service can have.”
Stuver also encourages fans to get involved with volunteer days, local fundraisers and seasonal campaigns — many of which are supported or organized through the foundation’s network.
“It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture,” he added. “Consistency is what creates real, lasting change.”
Now in his fifth season with Austin FC, Stuver remains a fan favorite — not just for his work in goal but also for his leadership throughout the community. As the city continues to grow, he hopes to grow with it.
“When we got here, we didn’t want to change Austin — we wanted to fit in, to learn what made it special,” he said. “We live in South Austin, we go to local spots, we try to stay rooted in what this city stands for.”
Looking ahead, Stuver knows his playing career won’t last forever. But he’s already thinking about what’s next.
“We love it here. We want to keep doing this work, no matter what,” he said. “If we can leave Austin a little better than we found it, that’s the legacy we’re aiming for.”
For more information about the foundation, visit https://www.bastuverfoundation.org/.
Fast Five with Brad
Favorite Taco + Food Spots in Austin?
Veracruz for tacos, Terry Black’s for barbecue, and Peacock Mediterranean Grill for a full meal—especially brunch or dinner.
Ideal Day Off in Austin?
Date mornings with Ashley—usually coffee or brunch. Favorites include Manana, Paperboy, and Desnudo. Then I get to mow my grass.
Favorite Live Music Experience?
ACL Live. We’ve been a couple times and really enjoy it. Still haven’t made it to Moody Center yet.
Most “Keep Austin Weird” Moment?
Seeing a bunch of half-naked people throwing a Frisbee around Zilker Park. That felt like peak Austin.
One Must-Do Austin Experience?
Rent a retro boat on Lady Bird Lake and try to catch the bats at sunset. Classic and worth it.