Former Sounders captain Danny Jackson still in the game via Korrio

Danny Jackson (second from right) visits with 2011 Korrio Best Crest winners Spokane Scotties when they visited for a Sounders match and pizza party last Fall. Jackson remains involved in soccer through his full time work with the Sports Automation provider. (Korrio photo)

Danny Jackson was the Captain of the United Soccer Leagues Seattle Sounders as they qualified for three USL Championship Finals (2004, 2005, 2007) and won two of them (2005, 2007). Jackson saw time in MLS with the Colorado Rapids, but the timing of Sounders FC coming to the Emerald City didn’t quite jive with the very end of Danny’s playing days. He was a Sounder from 2003-2008.

Jackson, who was always a reliable player and a fan favorite for Seattle, is working with a company that provides services to the greater soccer community. Korrio is a Sports Automation provide that continues to innovate and announce partnerships with soccer clubs and associations locally and nationally. Danny also has his own column for SoccerNation.com. We asked Danny about Korrio and also how he is doing after his playing career.

Danny Jackson stretches out before a 2007 United Soccer Leagues Sounders match at Starfire. (Rick Morrison)

goalWA: How did you become involved with Korrio?

Danny Jackson: My involvement with Korrio started in the summer of 2009, when I had the opportunity to meet Tim Bauman and Steve Goldman for a cup of coffee – very Seattle. Steve, Tim, and Brad Hefta-Gaub were in the beginning stages of building a technology company that was focused on youth sports. I studied Information Systems in college, and I have always been interested in how technology can better serve the sports community. I was well down the path of developing and launching my own company, when this opportunity arose. With the combined background and experience of Steve, Tim, and Brad, I was extremely fortunate to get involved at such an early stage. In my time, Korrio has evolved from a design concept on a piece of paper to a nationally launched company, that provides exciting new technology to address the needs of the sports community. Our mantra is “One for All / All for Sports!” and this is our focus each and every day.

Jackson on the pitch at CenturyLink Field during a 2005 Media Day interview. (Jenni Conner)

How does being a player help with your new work?

My soccer experience, but more importantly, my overall sports experience helps me connect with the people that we are working with. That is certainly an advantage. However, the characteristics I learned from playing sports are my most valuable assets. Coaches will stress the importance of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance – and these traits will serve you incredibly well both on and off the field. Soccer was an intimate part of my life for many years, and my greatest concern when I left the game was finding something that I was equally passionate about. I feel incredibly fortunate to have found something that inspires me. Korrio is certainly having an equally profound impact on my life as soccer has, and hopefully will have even more.

What do you miss the most about playing as a pro?

I miss the competitive nature of practices and games, and I miss making a tackle! The element of the game which I miss the most, is the camaraderie with my teammates, and playing with friends. I was always extremely fortunate to have played with great players, but more importantly, great people. There is nothing better than walking out on the field, in front of thousands of people, and playing with people you like and trust. Winning games was a great feeling, but competing together was the ultimate joy.

Jackson played for the Sounders from 2003 through 2008 and then joined Korrio. (Rick Morrison)

What do you like the most about life after playing?

I am no longer in pain! My body was pushed hard during my playing career, and over the final years, I cannot recall when I played without discomfort. I get up in the morning, and don’t hobble to the bathroom. It’s a great feeling. Working at Korrio is certainly a thrill, and we are committed to building a youth sports automation platform that will define this market. I moved to the US from England, and attended the University of North Carolina so that I could merge my enjoyment of academics and athletics. I am now able to do this again, by combining business and sports at Korrio. It can’t get much better than that!

Danny currently lives in Bellevue with his wife Brianne and one-year-old son Oliver.

2007 United Soccer Leagues Champions: Roger Levesque, Sebastien LeToux, Brian Schmetzer and (far right) Danny Jackson celebrate a league title. (George Holland)

About these ads