Spotlight on Student Athlete Andre Philibbosian

Andre Philibbosian was first kicking around a soccer ball at age 4. By age 8 he was in competitive play and when in high school was recruited to play collegiate soccer as a Redhawk. A redshirt freshman on the team, Philibbosian was instrumental in helping men’s soccer secure its sixth Western Athletic Conference (WAC) title. 

This past season Philibbosian played in all 20 games—scoring two goals and three assists—and was named to the WAC All-Freshman Team. Recruited by Men’s Soccer Coach Nate Daligcon, Philibbosian knew he made the right decision with how everything clicked within the team and culture.  

“From my first visit to Seattle University I noticed it was like a family and there was clear unity within the team,” says Philibbosian, a pre-business major. “Even with new guys coming in and other players (graduating), everyone has a positive attitude, everyone is like a brother and we have each other’s backs. It’s a fun group to be around.” 

Growing up in San Diego, Philibbosian naturally gravitated toward soccer and as he continued up the competitive ladder his resolve for the sport never wavered. He loves the global nature of soccer (or “football”) and marvels at how it brings together such an eclectic mix of people, something he’s witnessed firsthand when he has caught international matches during travel to France and Spain. “Soccer is wherever you go in the world,” he says.  

Being part of the SU team to win the WAC Championship was especially meaningful for Philibbosian, considering it was his first year playing and competing as a Redhawk.

“It wasn’t an easy road. After a difficult start we started to find our groove,” he says. The team was buoyed by a win against California Baptist University at a critical point in the season. “After that game, we had the confidence and were hitting our peak at the right time. It was a good season for us to win the WAC Championship.” 

With the university just mere months away from officially joining the West Coast Conference (WCC) on July 1, 2025, Philibbosian is amped about what it will mean not only in terms of competition but also for raising the school’s profile nationally. And he is especially excited to be joining what he calls a “powerhouse conference.”

“There are a lot of very strong teams as part of the conference,” says Philibbosian, citing the University of San Diego and Oregon State University, among others. “And we are right up there with them. It will require us to play stronger but it’s a a huge move for us and for the soccer program, really all our programs. 

“It’s going to demand a lot out of each and every program to be completive,” he continues. “In joining the WCC we will attract a lot more attention” and this should instill pride across and encourage more of the campus community to turn out to support their teams.  

Making a difference on the field and off, Philibbosian last spring won the D’Vonne Pickett, Jr. Mission Award for his volunteerism at Seattle’s St. Francis House. The award honors a student-athlete who exemplifies the mission of Seattle University and who go above and beyond in their service. 

Just over a year ago Philibbosian started volunteering at St. Francis House, which works to provide everything from clothing and toiletries to diapers, sleeping bags and transportation assistance for those most in need throughout King County. It was after returning from the holiday break and while the team was in the off-season some of his teammates mentioned they were going to volunteer at St. Francis House and asked if he wanted to join them. And he has continued to devote time every week since. While honored to receive the Pickett award, for Philibbosian it’s especially rewarding knowing he’s helping make a difference.“

I would encourage others to get out there and volunteer,” he says. “It’s a good thing to do, to know that I’m doing good and giving something back to the city of Seattle.”

Though Philibbosian still has a few years left of his college soccer career, his ultimate dream is to land with a professional soccer club after he graduates. And considering the Seattle Sounders FC have a history of picking up former Redhawks perhaps that dream will be realized without leaving the zip code.