University of Washington soccer player Claudia Longo and the 2022 Issaquah High School varsity soccer team. Photo courtesy of Melinda Frye

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The Issaquah High School (IHS) varsity soccer team will host its third annual “Kicking MS with Claudia” fundraiser at its home game against Redmond High School on Oct. 4. Kick off is at 7:30 p.m.

The event will benefit the nonprofit National Multiple Sclerosis Society in honor of 2018 IHS graduate and current University of Washington soccer player Claudia Longo, who was diagnosed her senior year at IHS. She was instrumental in helping lead the Eagles to two state championships in 2015 and 2017.

“Claudia is a remarkable young woman with grace and unstoppable determination,” said Jason Lichtenberger, IHS girls soccer head coach. “We are excited to partner with her to raise awareness for this disease and build inspiration within our community to remind young and old, to never give up and always chase your dreams.”

Longo — a UW redshirt senior and starting midfielder — was an All-American high school player and received the 2019 Seattle Sports Star of the Year/Wayne Gittinger Award.

On the night of the game, the IHS team will be wearing orange socks to show their support of Longo. During the evening, IHS volunteers will be selling commemorative T-shirts and bracelets to raise funds for this effort.

Donations can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society at the ticket booth upon entry to the game; at the MS booth during the game and at halftime; virtually and anonymously through a special QR code; and virtually and anonymously through the “Donations” button on the Issaquah School District website. Select “Issaquah High School” and “Multiple Sclerosis” and follow the prompts to donate. Donation link and QR code: https://wa-issaquah-lite.intouchreceipting.com/

At post time, the IHS Eagles were 4-0 and the UW Huskies were 6-1-2 on the soccer pitch.