Back in 2015, the club began overhauling its player development apparatus. One of the first initiatives, a Homestay Program for nationally scouted recruits, brought in three older players for whom the club had high hopes. Those three players – Sounders FC goalkeeper Trey Muse (Kentucky), as well as Tacoma Defiance defender Nick Hinds (Florida) and midfielder Shandon Hopeau (Hawaii) – helped the organization test out the feasibility of a Homestay Program.
Flash forward three years, and these top talents are all plying their trade in the professional ranks, and eight current youngsters are all enrolled in the Homestay Program.