Sigi Schmid was a prominent American soccer coach and player, known for his significant contributions to Major League Soccer (MLS). Born on March 20, 1953, in West Germany, he moved to the United States as a child. Schmid played college soccer at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) before transitioning to coaching, where he achieved success with teams like the Los Angeles Galaxy and Seattle Sounders FC. Throughout his coaching career, Schmid was recognized for his tactical acumen and ability to develop young talent. He led the Seattle Sounders to their first MLS Cup victory in 2016 and was a two-time MLS Coach of the Year. Schmid passed away on December 25, 2021, leaving a lasting legacy in American soccer.