Participating Athletes in Goal 13 Character Education Videos

The Goal 13 Character Education Video Series brings meaningful lessons to life through the voices of collegiate and professional athletes and coaches who generously share their personal experiences with our student-athletes. Through honest conversations about success, adversity, important decisions, relationships, and defining moments, these individuals offer a powerful perspective on the role character plays in shaping who we become.

We are deeply grateful to every athlete and coach who has shared their time, stories, and insight with Goal 13. Their willingness to be open and authentic has helped us create a curriculum that is relatable, meaningful, and grounded in real experiences that young athletes can learn from and carry with them throughout their lives.

Meet the Athletes

Wendell Dunn

Football Defensive End
Hometown: Miami, Florida
College: Wake Forest University

  • Wendell Dunn was a standout defensive end and team leader for the Demon Deacons. A three-year starter at Wake Forest, Dunn played in 49 career games, earning a reputation for his relentless drive, versatility, and leadership on and off the field. As a senior in 2017, he started all 13 games, tallying 45 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, and a sack, helping anchor a defense that played a key role in Wake Forest’s Belk Bowl victory.

    Across his career, Dunn recorded over 150 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks, while serving as a captain and mentor to younger players. His consistent performance and leadership earned him recognition within the ACC as one of the most dependable linemen of his era.

    After college, Dunn pursued professional football opportunities and transitioned into coaching and mentoring roles, where he continues to use the lessons of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance that defined his time at Wake Forest. Learn more about Wendell and his work with student-athletes at ScoreboardLIST.org.

Quinn Sullivan

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

  • A product of the Philadelphia Union Academy, Quinn Sullivan developed through the ranks from U-12 to U-19, starting 66 of 90 matches and netting 32 goals, including a standout 19-goal season with the U-15s in 2018–2019. He began his professional career with Philadelphia Union II in 2020 and has been a key part of the Union’s MLS squad since 2021.

    On the international stage, Sullivan has made a significant impact with the U-20 U.S. Men's National Team, tallying 7 goals and 5 assists in 10 appearances. He was also a member of the U.S. squad for the 2025 Gold Cup.

Alejandro Bedoya 

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Weston, Florida

  • Alejandro Bedoya is a seasoned midfielder known for his leadership, grit, and international experience. A key player for Philadelphia Union since 2016, Bedoya's professional journey has spanned top leagues in France (Nantes), Sweden (Helsingborgs IF, Örebro SK), and Scotland (Rangers FC).

    Internationally, Bedoya earned 66 caps with the U.S. Men's National Team, debuting in 2010. He played in the 2014 FIFA World Cup, won two CONCACAF Gold Cups (2013, 2017), and contributed goals in friendlies against Guatemala and the Czech Republic. Known for his work ethic and tactical intelligence, Bedoya consistently served as a veteran presence throughout multiple World Cup qualifying campaigns.

    A product of Boston College (after transferring from Fairleigh Dickinson), Bedoya remains a respected figure in American soccer both on and off the field.

Phil Wheddon 

Goalkeeper Coach
Hometown: Basingstoke, England

  • Phil Wheddon is one of the most accomplished goalkeeper coaches in U.S. soccer history. He is the only coach to serve on the staffs of both the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams at FIFA World Cups, guiding teams to podium finishes on the world stage. A two-time Olympic Gold Medalist, he helped lead the U.S. Women’s National Team to titles in 2004 (Athens) and 2008 (Beijing).

    Phil has coached professionally in MLS and the U.S. Women’s Professional Leagues, and has worked with some of the game’s greatest goalkeepers, including Hope Solo, Brianna Scurry, Tim Howard, and Kasey Keller. At the collegiate level, he won two NCAA National Championships with Southern Connecticut State University and served 10 years as Head Coach at Syracuse University in the ACC.

    Currently, Phil is the 1st Team Goalkeeper Coach and Director of Goalkeeping for the Philadelphia Union, working across all levels from the academy to the senior team. A Lead Instructor for U.S. Soccer’s Goalkeeping Courses since 2002, Phil holds a USSF ‘A’ License and National Goalkeeper License, and continues to shape the next generation of top-level goalkeepers.

Jeremy Rafanello 

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Delran Township, New Jersey College: Penn State University

  • Jeremy Rafanello is a dynamic midfielder known for his vision, energy, and attacking instincts. He made his international debut in 2018 with the U.S. Under-19 national team at the Slovakia Cup, where he scored the game-winning goal in a 3–0 victory over Azerbaijan.

    Rafanello began his professional career overseas with Danish club FC Helsingør (2019–2020), before returning to the U.S. to play for Indy Eleven in the USL Championship (2020–2021). He then joined New York Red Bulls II in MLS NEXT Pro (2021–2022), where he continued to develop as a creative force in midfield.

    Since 2022, Rafanello has been part of the Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, contributing his skillset at the top level of American soccer.

Chris Donovan

Soccer Forward
Hometown: Paoli, Pennsylvania

  • Chris Donovan began his professional journey in 2022 with Philadelphia Union of Major League Soccer (MLS), where he continues to contribute as a dynamic forward. That same year, he also played for Philadelphia Union II in the MLS NEXT Pro league, gaining valuable experience and showcasing his attacking skills.

    Donovan played collegiate soccer at Drexel University, where he developed into a standout player and prepared for the transition to the professional level.

Nathan Harriel 

Soccer Defender
Hometown: Oldsmar, Florida

  • A product of Clearwater Chargers, where he notched 21 goals in 92 youth matches, Harriel joined the Union Academy in 2018 and briefly played with Philadelphia Union II (formerly Bethlehem Steel FC) in the USL Championship before signing a Homegrown Player contract on

    January 1, 2021.

    In his early MLS seasons, he steadily earned more minutes: six appearances in 2021 (two starts), rising to 25 appearances with a goal in 2022, and posting career highs in 2024 with 29 games, 2 goals, and 3 assists.

    Internationally, Harriel has represented the U.S. at U‑18, U‑19, U‑20 (scoring once in a draw with Mexico), and U‑23 levels, culminating in selection to the 2024 Paris Olympic squad. He earned his first senior team call-up in January 2024 and collected his first full caps during the 2025 training camp and Concacaf Gold Cup run.

Briana Pinto 

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Durham, NC 
College: UNC-Chapel Hill

  • Briana Pinto is a standout midfielder who played college soccer for the North Carolina Tar Heels, earning first-team All-American honors in both 2019 and 2020. Selected third overall in the 2021 NWSL Draft by NJ/NY Gotham FC, she was later traded to the North Carolina Courage.

    On the international stage, Pinto represented the U.S. at the FIFA U-17 and U-20 Women’s World Cups and became the youngest player called up to the senior national team for the 2017 SheBelieves Cup at age 16. She was named U.S. Soccer’s Young Female Player of the Year in 2019.

    Off the field, Pinto has emerged as a leader and advocate. In 2018, she addressed the FIFA Congress to support North America's bid for the 2026 World Cup. In 2020, she was elected to the U.S. Soccer Federation’s Athlete’s Council as part of Next Gen United, pushing for greater diversity in leadership. In 2024, she played a key role in negotiating the NWSL’s updated collective bargaining agreement as a representative of the NWSL Players Association.

Dani Weatherholt 

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Capistrano Beach, California 
College: Santa Clara University

  • Weatherholt played college soccer at Santa Clara University from 2012 to 2015, where she appeared in all 85 matches during her four-year career and scored 10 goals. She consistently earned All-West Coast Conference honors.

    In 2016, she was drafted 31st overall by the Orlando Pride in the NWSL College Draft. Over four seasons with Orlando, she made 74 appearances, scoring three goals and providing one assist. During the 2018–2019 offseason, she was loaned to Melbourne Victory in Australia’s W-League, where she helped the team win the Premiership.

    In 2020, Weatherholt was traded to OL Reign. Her contributions extended off the field, earning her the team’s “Community Champion” award in 2021. She was later selected by Angel City FC as their first pick in the 2022 NWSL Expansion Draft. She made 41 appearances across two seasons. In 2024, Weatherholt signed a two-year contract with the North Carolina Courage. quickly establishing herself as a key utility player capable of performing at a high level in midfield, center back, or fullback roles. She scored on her debut, maintained a pass completion rate above 90% in the Summer Cup, and surpassed 10,000 NWSL minutes in her career. Her cumulative stats include over 62% duel win rate, three goals, and three assists.

Heather MacNab 

Soccer Forward
Hometown: Carmel, Indiana 
College: Princeton

  • Heather MacNab was a four-year member of the Princeton Tigers. Heather played 72 games and made 50 starts, contributing significantly to her team's success. Throughout her college career from 2021 to 2024, she played at least 17 games each season, totaling 3,972 minutes on the pitch. Heather finished her collegiate career with 13 goals and 24 assists, taking 40 shots on goal and successfully converting all four of her penalty attempts.

    Hailing from Indianapolis, Heather received numerous accolades during her career, including a second-team United Soccer Coaches all-region selection in 2024, along with second-team All-ECAC and first-team All-Ivy honors. She was also recognized as an honorable mention All-Ivy performer in 2022 as a sophomore. In 2025, Heather was named to the NCFC Courage roster, continuing her professional journey.

Joe Bendik

Soccer Goalkeeper 
Hometown: Marietta, Georgia 
College: Clemson University

  • Joe Bendik is a retired American professional soccer player best known for his career as a goalkeeper in Major League Soccer (MLS). Bendik developed into a standout talent during his collegiate career at Clemson University.

    From 2006 to 2009, he served as a three-year starter for the Tigers, finishing among the program’s all-time leaders in wins, saves, and minutes played.

    Following his time at Clemson, Bendik began his professional career abroad with Norwegian club Sogndal in 2010. During his two-year stint in Europe, he played a role in helping the team gain promotion to Norway’s top division. His performances overseas eventually caught the attention of MLS clubs, and in 2012 he signed with the Portland Timbers. Though his time in Portland was brief, he made five appearances and quickly earned recognition both on and off the field, receiving the club’s Humanitarian of the Month award for his community efforts.

    Bendik was traded to Toronto FC in December 2012. He made 33 appearances in 2013 and over three seasons with Toronto, he logged 73 MLS appearances and helped stabilize a team in transition.

    In 2016, Bendik signed with Orlando City SC. He started every league match that season, recorded 114 saves, and earned the MLS Save of the Year award for an incredible reaction save against Sporting Kansas City. The following year, he posted a career-best seven shutouts while again ranking among league leaders in saves.

    After his time in Orlando, Bendik continued his MLS journey with short stints at Columbus Crew SC and Philadelphia Union. While his role shifted more toward that of a veteran backup, his experience remained invaluable. With the Union, he was part of the squad that won the 2020 MLS Supporters’ Shield—the club’s first major trophy. Bendik made occasional starts and continued to serve as a mentor for younger goalkeepers through the 2023 season. In 2024, he signed with Vancouver Whitecaps FC, adding another chapter to his career as a seasoned MLS veteran.

    At the beginning of 2025, Bendik officially announced his retirement from professional play and transitioned into coaching, taking on the role of assistant goalkeeping coach with the Chicago Fire.

    Throughout his career, Joe Bendik also represented the United States at the youth international level, earning caps for the U-17, U-18, and U-20 national teams. He was named to the preliminary roster for the 2017 CONCACAF Gold Cup, although he did not feature in the final squad.

Jack Elliott

Soccer Defender
Hometown: London, England 
College: West Virginia University

  • Jack Elliott’s collegiate career at West Virginia University saw him appear in 68 matches, scoring six goals and earning several accolades, including All-Great Lakes Region and Academic All-America honors.

    Elliott’s MLS journey began in 2017 after being drafted by the Union in the Fourth Round of the MLS SuperDraft. Over the years, Elliott established himself as a key player for the Union, making notable contributions each season. In 2024, he appeared in 28 matches, starting 27, and logged 2,393 minutes—the third most among Union defenders—while setting career highs with three assists and achieving an 83.5% pass accuracy. The previous year, in 2023, he played 32 games (31 starts), tied for the team lead in minutes with 2,790, and recorded his sixth career assist. In 2022, Elliott started all 32 games at centerback, earning recognition on the MLS Team of the Week twice and registering two assists, including one against NYCFC and another against D.C. United. That season culminated in a memorable performance as he scored a brace in the MLS Cup final. His 2021 campaign saw him play all 41 matches, scoring his first goal of the season and helping secure the team's first shutout of the MLS season. He also reached his 100th MLS appearance and scored a crucial free kick against Columbus, earning multiple Team of the Week honors and the team's Defensive Player of the Year award.

    Elliott signed a new one-year contract in December 2024 and currently plays for Chicago Fire FC.

Brandt Bronico

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: High Point, NC 
College: UNC-Charlotte

  • Bronico began his soccer journey at age six with NC Fusion and Carolina Dynamo before excelling at UNC Charlotte as a four-year starter. There, he tallied 25 goals and 23 assists across 74 appearances, earning first-team All‑Conference USA honors multiple times in addition to being named the 2016 Conference USA Player of the Year, Offensive MVP, and Golden Boot recipient.

    Selected 47th overall by the Chicago Fire in the 2017 MLS SuperDraft, Bronico developed into a reliable presence in MLS, notching two goals and eight assists over 66 appearances. In December 2020, Charlotte FC secured his rights, making Bronico one of the club’s first signings . After a stint on loan with Charlotte Independence in the USL Championship, he became a key figure in Charlotte FC’s inaugural 2022 season onward. On the field, Bronico has made over 100 appearances for Charlotte FC.

    In 2024, Bronico was featured in MLS’s “Celebrating Impact” series for his humanitarian work.

Jordan Banks

Track and Field
Hometown: Woodbridge, Virginia 
College: Wake Forest University

  • Jordan Banks was a track and field standout whose versatility and leadership left a strong mark in the ACC. A former multi-event athlete, she excelled across sprints, hurdles, jumps, throws, and combined events during her time at Wake Forest. Banks launched her collegiate career competing in short sprints, long and triple jumps, and relays, while scoring points in indoor meets—shining early with an 8.12 s in the 60 m and a 10.48 m triple jump as a freshman. Though initially focused on select events, her junior year saw her embrace the heptathlon under coach John Hayes. Despite never having trained in five of its seven disciplines, she responded by scoring 3,772 at the Spring Kick-Off and reaching 4,449 to rank 11th at the 2017 ACC Outdoor Championships. Her indoor pentathlon best 3,659 points earned her 8th at the ACC meet, showcasing newfound all-around prowess.

    Still displaying strong marksmanship in specialized events, she recorded a long jump PB of 5.73 m and hurdles times of 8.89 s in the 60 m hurdles. On the track, she helped set Wake Forest’s fastest 4×400 m relay since 2010 indoors and registered solid times in the 200 m, 400 m, and 800 m.

    Jordan is now a WNBA and NBA sports agent.

Cam Serigne

Football Tight End
Hometown: Ashburn, Virginia 
College: Wake Forest University

  • Cam Serigne is a former Wake Forest tight end. In high school he led his team to three straight Division‑4 titles before redshirting his freshman year at Wake Forest. From 2014 onward, he broke numerous school and ACC records at tight end, including receptions, receiving yards, and touchdown catches. He earned first-team All‑ACC honors, semifinalist recognition for the prestigious William V. Campbell (“Academic Heisman”) Trophy, and invitations to major showcases like the East–West Shrine Game.

    Undrafted, Serigne earned brief spots with the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers.

Kendall Hinton

Football Quarterback and Receiver 
Hometown: Durham, NC
College: Wake Forest University

  • Kendall Hinton was a standout dual-threat quarterback at Southern Durham High School, guiding his team to a 3‑AA state championship during his junior season with 3,972 passing yards and 39 touchdowns. He was rated a three-star recruit and he accepted a scholarship to Wake Forest University, where as a true freshman he threw for 929 yards and four touchdowns, added 390 rushing yards and seven more scores, and set a school record for first-start passing yards.

    A knee injury in 2016 ended his sophomore season and upon his return he transitioned to slot receiver in his redshirt senior year. He caught 73 passes for 1,001 yards and four touchdowns and was named to the third-team All‑ACC. Notably, he became the only Demon Deacon ever to score in five consecutive seasons via rushing, passing, and receiving touchdowns.

    Undrafted in 2020, Hinton signed with the Denver Broncos as a free agent. He was waived before the season but rejoined their practice squad in November. In an extraordinary turn of events during Week 12, an outbreak sidelined all quarterbacks, so Hinton, based on his college quarterback experience,was elevated to start at QB for the Broncos. He was the first non-quarterback to start in the NFL since Tom Matte in 1965.

    Hinton continued to develop as a wide receiver. He caught his first career NFL touchdown in Week 5 of the 2021 season against the Steelers, earning his spot in the offense. In 2022, Hinton continued contributions in both the active roster and practice squad roles. He remained under contract with the Broncos through the 2023 preseason. Hinton has now retired from the NFL.

Carlos “Boogie” Basham

Football Defensive End 
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia 
College: Wake Forest University
NFL Draft: 2021 – Round 2, Pick 61 (Buffalo Bills) 
Current Team: Carolina Panthers

  • Carlos “Boogie” Basham, Jr. is a high-impact defensive end known for his explosiveness, strength, and versatility along the defensive front. As a professional athlete, Basham brings a rare combination of size, speed, and technique that makes him a threat both as a pass rusher and a run stopper. His ability to adapt to multiple defensive schemes has made him a valuable asset since entering the NFL.

    After being drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2021, Basham made an immediate impact with his high-motor play and ability to disrupt quarterbacks. In 2023, he was acquired by the New York Giants, where he continued to evolve as a dynamic playmaker. He is currently with the Carolina Panthers.

Michaela Abam

Soccer Midfielder
Hometown: Houston, Texas 
College: West Virginia University

  • Michaela Abam is an accomplished American-born Cameroonian professional soccer player. Abam had a standout career at West Virginia University from 2014 to 2017, where she became the Mountaineers’ all-time leader in appearances (95) and ranked third in goals (42) and fourth in total points (100). She earned numerous accolades, including multiple All‑Big 12 First Team honors, NSCAA All‑America recognition, and was a 2017 Hermann Trophy semifinalist.

    Selected fourth overall in the 2018 NWSL College Draft by Sky Blue FC, Abam began her professional journey in the United States, appearing in a handful of matches before signing with Paris FC in France for the 2018–19 season. She then continued her European career in Spain with Real Betis in 2019–20, and later returned stateside to play for her hometown team, the Houston Dash, in the NWSL beginning in 2021. Abam then continued her career across the globe with Sweden’s Linköping FC and moved to her current team in 2023, the Deportivo Toluca in Liga MX Femenil.

    Internationally, Abam represented the United States at the U‑17 level in 2013 before switching allegiance to Cameroon in 2018. She debuted in November that year, scoring twice, and later competed in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup as part of the Cameroon team.