In collaboration with the Seattle Storm and Reign FC, The Advocates awarded four young-women athletes with $2,500 towards the community programs they champion
SEATTLE, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Advocates Injury Attorneys, a Pacific Northwest law firm, together with the Seattle Storm and Seattle Reign FC, have named the four inaugural winners of the Advocate Athlete program, which celebrates young women athletes in the greater Seattle area who demonstrate leadership through both sport and service.
The Advocates awarded each winner with a $2,500 grant toward the cause of her choice and a premium experience at a Storm or Reign home game. Together, the four honorees directed $10,000 to youth sports teams, community organizations, and nonprofits across Western Washington.
"It is truly a privilege to read through the Advocate Athlete nominations we get. Learning about how young girls in our community are showing up for their teammates and the causes they believe in is not only inspiring, it's energizing! The variety of ways these young women are making impact is vast and I feel lucky to get to reinforce the idea that their hard work and dedication matters. They are making a difference."
— Doni Hunter-Sallustio, COO of The Advocates
Round 1 Winners
Alivia Hinnenkamp
A recent Einstein Middle School graduate headed to Shorewood High School, Alivia served as a class senator and WEB Leader, raises funds for Seattle Children's Hospital through Little Lemon Drops, and mentors younger athletes through Girls on the Run and Shorewood's feeder basketball program. Her nominator described how she makes a point of including students who haven't had the chance to participate and once stayed after her own cross-country race to cheer on every finisher.
Alivia directed $1,500 to Dignity for Divas and $1,000 to Little Lemon Drops. She was honored at the Seattle Reign FC match against Angel City FC on Sunday, Aug. 9.
Yahzmynnh Pio Fereti
Having moved from Samoa just before 9th grade, Yahz is a three-sport athlete at Tyee High School who has earned the school's Titan Pride award. She volunteers in elementary classrooms, mentors incoming 9th graders, and serves as an officer in the Pacific Islander Club, all while maintaining a 4.0 GPA.
Yahz directed her $2,500 grant to the Tyee Titans Girls Basketball Team. She was honored at the Seattle Storm game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sunday, Aug. 30.
Round 2 Winners
Delaney Kinsella
Delaney lobbied lawmakers in Washington, DC as one of six youth chosen nationwide, served on the inaugural Youth Board for Seen and Heard, and donated her board stipend and personal savings to support girls' education in Kenya through SeaVuria PETRI. She also hosts the award-winning podcast The W with D, celebrating women's basketball.
Delaney directed $1,000 to Seen and Heard Action Network, $1,000 to SeaVuria PETRI, and $500 to Mercer Island Girls Basketball. She was honored at the Seattle Storm game against Dallas on Wednesday, Sept. 23.
Olivine Minne
At 17, Olivine Minne went from student to instructor at Quantum Martial Arts Seattle, where she attended and taught hundreds of classes, including 80+ as the lead instructor. She also helps organize community events for students and families, and her $2,500 grant will support the nonprofit dojo, which serves about 130 students, roughly 60% on scholarship or reduced tuition.
Olivine directed her $2,500 grant to Quantum Martial Arts Seattle. She was honored at the Seattle Reign FC match against Boston Legacy on Friday, Sept. 25.
"These honorees demonstrate that the impact of sports extends far beyond the court or field. Through their leadership and service, they're creating opportunities for others and making their communities stronger. We're proud to celebrate their contributions,"
— Sheridan Blanford, Seattle Storm Chief Social Impact Officer
"Creating opportunities for the next generation of women athletes is central to who we are at Reign FC. These four young women are already demonstrating the kind of leadership and commitment to their communities that we hope to inspire through sport. We are proud to be part of this program, which recognizes their achievements, invests in the causes they champion and inspires young women to lead with confidence and purpose."
— Courtney Carter, Chief Revenue Officer Seattle Reign
The Advocate Athlete program recognizes young women athletes in grades 6–12 who go beyond their sport to drive meaningful change through volunteerism, mentorship, activism, or hands-on community initiatives. Winners were selected by a panel of leadership from The Advocates, the Seattle Storm, and Seattle Reign FC, based on local advocacy work, the quality of the nomination, and alignment with core organizational values.
About The Advocates
The Advocates is a Seattle-based personal injury firm dedicated to ensuring fair outcomes for accident victims. Beyond the courtroom, The Advocates is deeply committed to equity, philanthropy, and elevating underrepresented voices in the community.
About the Seattle Storm
The Seattle Storm, a four-time WNBA champion, delivers a premier professional basketball and entertainment experience to a passionate fanbase. Off the court, the Storm is committed to promoting fitness and health, advancing social justice, and making a lasting impact in Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest. Through youth development programs, equity and accessibility-focused partnerships, and its Force4Change platform, the Storm is dedicated to long-term community impact and growing the game.
About Seattle Reign FC
Seattle Reign FC was established in 2012 as a founding member of the National Women's Soccer League. The NWSL is widely considered to be the most competitive women's professional soccer league in the world. Since the inaugural season in 2013, the club captured the NWSL Shield three times, while making three appearances in the NWSL Championship and eight appearances in the NWSL postseason. Reign FC plays its home matches at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington and trains at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington.
MEDIA CONTACT
The Advocates
Grace Kelly
gkelly@advocates.com
advocateslaw.com
Media Contact
Grace Kelly, The Advocates, 1 2067241698, [email protected], advocateslaw.com
SOURCE The Advocates
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