Samford Women’s Soccer honors Shauna Yelton’s legacy in victory over Wofford.
On Sept. 27th, Samford Women’s Soccer won 4 to 2 against Wofford College, but this win was not just for Samford. The match against Wofford was the annual Shauna’s House game, which holds a deep meaning for both Head Coach Todd Yelton and the Samford Community.
Shauna’s House is a charity that raises funds to house Ukrainian orphans created by Coach Yelton and his wife Shauna, who died in 2015 from cancer. In 2010, Shauna visited Ukraine on a mission trip, which sparked her passion for helping children in crisis.
Before she died, she and Coach Yelton discussed how they could help the children in their time of need and decided to create Shauna’s House. In 2018, the house was finished and can house up to 36 children.
After the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia began in 2020, the home had to evacuate, and the children were provided sanctuary in the US. As of 2024, 11 children are living in Shauna’s House, and Coach Yelton hopes to continue to grow its numbers.
The annual Shauna’s House game helps fund these efforts through the selling of jerseys worn by Samford players in the game. Coach Yelton explained, “The game honors Shauna’s legacy, her investment in Samford, and her love for the orphans and the soccer program”.
Not only is the meaning behind the game special, but so is the energy.
“The energy during a Shauna’s house game is much different than any other game. It is pretty much just as competitive as a playoff game. We are all motivated to play for our coach in support of him and his family,” fifth year left center back Ella Simpson said.
To the players, this game is about more than winning, it is about honoring Shauna’s legacy by fighting for something greater.
“She tremendously impacted others through her work in Ukraine and the way she spread the light of Christ to those around her. I deeply care about my coach and know how much this day means to him,” Simpson said.
After being down in the first half, where they battled through wind and rain, Samford’s hard-fought win against Wofford is a testament to the passion these players have for their Coach, Shauna’s House, and the Samford Family.
“The fight and resilience from our team was evident in the way that we worked together to get the win in rough weather conditions,” Simpson said.
For Simpson and her teammates, being able to be a part of such a special event is an honor, and they are proud to be able to impact the lives of others while representing Samford.
Samford Women’s Soccer is looking forward to the rest of the season and will be representing Samford at their next game in Lexington, Virginia against Virginia Military Institute on Friday, Oct. 11th.
