Travis Duffey Scholarship inspires hope out of tragedy

Travis Duffey was a young athlete that was a part of the Lake Cities Soccer Association for a number of years. In 2007, Duffey tragically passed away at the age of 12. Travis’ father, Gary partnered with LCSA in order to create the Travis Duffey Scholarship Fund to carry on his son’s legacy through providing young athletes scholarship monies towards their continued college education.

LCSA along with sponsors and other contributors donate to this fund on a yearly basis. 

The scholarship awards two $1,000 scholarships, at a minimum, each year to deserving applicants. The requirements of the application are fairly broad, as applicants must have played or refereed for LCSA and must complete the application and essay by the due date as indicated on the LCSA website. 

Applicants are chosen via a selection committee, which consist of coaches, referees and/or other community individuals. The panel will interview each candidate and chooses the recipients.

“I have been blessed with being able to serve on the selection committee for the past five years,” LCSA president Fabrico Salas said. “It has been an honor to interview great kids from the Lake Cities Community that have a sharp focus and goals set on what they want to do after high school in continuing their education and towards their careers.”

In the beginning, the Travis Duffey Scholarship fund was limited in its funds, and as a result, only two $1,000 scholarships were given out in each of the first four years. 

“As more funds were accumulated, we have been able to give out more scholarships,” Salas said. “In total, LCSA has given out more than $49,000 to 79 individuals since 2007.”

Scholarship amounts vary depending on the amount that is accumulated each year.

The committee always succeeds in not completely depleting the fund each year so that more than two applicants can be awarded scholarships. 

This year, Salas will be unable to participate as his daughter is applying for the scholarship.

“It has been a privilege and honor to work with this scholarship fund to see how it gives back to the kids of the Lake Cities community,” Salas said.

Past Winners