McDaniel Has Heart for Heartwood, Resigns Defiance Chaplaincy
Jubal McDaniel has tendered his resignation from his volunteer chaplain role with the Tacoma Defiance and from Soccer Chaplains United. Jubal began serving the Defiance in 2020. The last 6 seasons have watched him grow the ministry toward the team and community in some really neat and exciting ways.
Jubal not only served as volunteer chaplain to the Defiance, but also played other key roles in the community and for Soccer Chaplains United. He had a direct hand in getting soccer gear for three different community projects including two project in Spokane, WA with Community First in 2024 and 2022 which did work and ministry with refugee resettlement families. Another project in 2023 saw Wilderness Church working with an orphanage in Mexico.
In addition to the Community Projects, Jubal was also key in seeing the placement and support of several new chaplains to Soccer Chaplains United. His additional volunteer work as the West Coast Chaplain Coordinator for Soccer Chaplains United since late 2023 saw him play a key role in helping bring chaplaincy to Ballard FC via Gavin Brand, Spokane Velocity with Russell Branham, Spokane Zephyr FC with Amy Miller, and Central Valley Fuego FC with Geraud Brumfield. He also introduced Tiago Souza to us who helped with Portuguese translation of our 2022 World Cup Devotional.
But more so than all of the above, Jubal had a deep love and care for the athletes, coaches, and staff that he supported through his time with Tacoma Defiance. Some of my favorite stories include him getting a keyboard for an athlete who loved playing piano. Or, the one time he helped get a bicycle for an athlete who was new to Tacoma. Oftentimes, Jubal could be found coordinating with training staff and bringing out electrolyte pops on a warm summer Washington day. Or, simply celebrating someone’s birthday in a meaningful way.
It has been a tremendous five years of serving the Tacoma Defiance and its people. It’s incredible to think back over where I’ve come from, but also to serve in a time where the club underwent some significant growth and changes of its own. It has been one of the greatest honors of my life. I am so thankful for the opportunity…It is extremely hard to say goodbye, but I believe it is what’s best for myself, my family, the club, and the people I care for.
-Jubal, on his final farewell
Last fall, Jubal stepped into a new role leading the restart and revitalization of a church in Covington, WA. His duties now include oversight of a decent size building, a growing congregation, two part-time staff members and several community partnerships. This work and his responsibilities continue to grow, leaving him with less time and capacity to serve the Tacoma Defiance in the way he feels is best for the team.
Bless you in this new endeavor, Jubal. Thanks for all that you’ve done for Tacoma Defiance and for Soccer Chaplains United over the years!
