“Eli has been a tireless servant of football for decades, first as a pioneer member of the men’s CP National Team, where he proudly represented the United States at the World Cup and two Paralympics, and more recently as an equal for all Spokespersons are on several committees throughout the game,” said Stuart Sharpe, senior director of technology and grassroots for the U.S. Soccer Expansion National Team Division. Arguably, Eli’s greatest impact has been off the field, and through his relentless global advocacy efforts, he aims to provide a place for everyone, regardless of background or ability, to feel empowered and joyful in sport. Everyone in US Soccer is thinking of their families and we are sending them strength. “

Wolff served for many years as an athlete representative to the US Soccer Association’s Disability Soccer Committee and has been an accomplished leader in seeking access for athletes with disabilities. Most recently, Wolf served as a sports management instructor at the University of Connecticut and co-founded the Sports International Disability, Human Rights Athletes and Olympic Program. He also works with the Sports Power Lab, the Human-Centered Design Institute’s Inclusive Sports Initiative, and several other organizations focused on the inclusive and unifying power of sport.

During his career as a para-sports advocate, Wolf helped establish the ESPY Awards for Best Male and Female Para Athlete, organized an effort to support golfer Casey Martin’s case against the PGA in the U.S. Supreme Court, and urged its inclusion Sports-related provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities.

After suffering a stroke as a teenager, Wolfe qualified for the men’s CP national team. During his 10 years with the national team, Wolf also represented the United States at the CP Soccer World Cup and three Pan Am Games.

U.S. Soccer sends its condolences to Wolff’s family, friends and everyone in football who has been affected by him.