ONEONTA, N.Y. – Hartwick College men's soccer legend and three-time All-American Alec Papadakis '71 has received the prestigious Werner Fricker Builder Award from the United States Soccer Federation.
The Werner Fricker Builder Award is the highest honor bestowed upon an individual by U.S. Soccer. Named after former U.S. Soccer President Werner J. Fricker Sr., the award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the development and advancement of the sport.
To be considered for the Werner Fricker Builder Award, nominees must dedicate at least 20 years of service to the sport of soccer. For former athletes, their playing careers may count toward that total, but nominees must also contribute to the sport in another capacity. Recipients must demonstrate service that distinguishes them from others in similar roles, create or foster programs that outlast their involvement, and have a measurable national impact on advancing the sport.
Papadakis was a standout player at Hartwick, earning All-American honors for three consecutive seasons from 1968–70 and becoming the only Hartwick men's soccer player to earn that distinction three times. During that span, he helped lead the Hawks to three straight NCAA Tournament appearances, highlighted by the program's first trip to the Final Four in 1970.
Papadakis ranks second in school history in both career goals and career points, trailing only his brother, Nick Papadakis '67, and set the Hartwick single-season points record with 56 during the 1970 campaign. He helped guide the Hawks to an impressive 44-7-1 overall record during his time at Hartwick.
A former professional player with the Atlanta Chiefs and Boston Minutemen, Papadakis later combined firsthand playing experience with legal and business expertise in franchise development and commercial real estate to help build a platform that has elevated the sport nationwide.
Following his playing career, Papadakis spent more than two decades helping grow the sport in the United States and currently serves as CEO of the United Soccer League (USL). Since assuming the role in 2009, he has overseen the league's growth into a national platform for professional and pre-professional soccer, serving more than 26,000 players and reaching over 200 communities across 46 states through a community-rooted model.
Under his leadership, the USL has evolved into a fully integrated system spanning youth, pre-professional, and professional levels for both men and women. The organization now operates seven leagues nationwide, including the Gainbridge Super League, a Division I professional women's league launched in 2024.
Looking ahead, Papadakis continues to shape the league's competitive future. In the past year, the USL announced plans to launch USL Premier, a Division I professional men's league scheduled to begin play in 2028. The addition will complete a three-tier professional structure alongside the USL Championship and USL League One. The league has also approved the implementation of promotion and relegation across the three tiers, a historic step aligning American soccer more closely with the global game.
Infrastructure investment has also been central to that growth, with 14 soccer-specific stadiums opening across USL markets since 2013. National broadcast partnerships with ESPN, CBS, Peacock, and Univision have further expanded access to league competitions nationwide.
"This honor is thoroughly deserved and appropriate for Alex's lifetime of service to the game of soccer," said Paul Vecchio, executive director of athletics. "This recognition is another amazing reflection of the impact that Hartwick soccer and its alumni continue to have on the sport in America. The fact that Alex joins Francisco Marcos as honorees of this prestigious award is altogether fitting, and his alma mater could not be prouder."
Papadakis joins fellow Hartwick Hall of Famer and soccer standout Francisco Marcos '68 as recipients of the prestigious honor. Marcos received the award in 2007 and has served as president of the United Soccer League since the organization's founding in 1986. Together, the two alumni represent the lasting influence Hartwick soccer has had on the growth of the sport in the United States.
About Hartwick College:
Hartwick, often referred to as The Life Balance College, is a private liberal arts and sciences institution in Oneonta, N.Y. Through its distinctive FlightPath approach, Hartwick blends academic excellence, career preparation and an active campus life to help students achieve a balanced and fulfilling college experience. With transparent tuition and a focus on health and wellness, Hartwick prepares students for lifelong success—both professionally and personally.
