HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- Airmen and civilian personnel from Hill Air Force Base came together last weekend in a show of teamwork and unity as they competed in the 5th Annual Commanders Cup, advancing deep into the military soccer tournament hosted by Real Salt Lake at the Zions Bank Training Center.
The three-day event brought together 16 teams and more than 400 service members from Air Force installations across the United States and overseas. For Hill, the tournament was an opportunity to highlight the collaboration that defines the base, both on and off the field.
Hill’s roster included active-duty Airmen, civilian employees and contractors. Players said the mix reflects the way the installation operates every day, with people from different backgrounds and specialties working together toward shared goals.
“Our team is a snapshot of Hill,” said player Devin Swanson, who works as a civilian Air Force Life Cycle Management Center engineer on base. “Airmen, civilians, different units, we all work together on base, and that carries over onto the field.”
Hill advanced through a competitive group stage and continued its run into the later rounds of the tournament. Players said the team’s success was fueled by communication, trust and a shared sense of pride in representing the installation.
“Everyone bought in,” said Trevor Norman, captain of the soccer team and AFLCMC foreign military sales contractor. “We were not just playing for ourselves. We were playing for Hill. That motivation kept us going in some tough matches.”
The experience also strengthened relationships across the base, with Airmen and civilians competing side by side throughout the weekend.
“This team brought people together from all over the installation,” said Swanson. “It was great to meet new faces and build friendships while competing.”
Hill’s tournament run ended with a loss in the semifinal round, but players said the weekend was a highlight of the year and a meaningful opportunity to represent the base together.
Beyond the competition, the Commanders Cup offered Hill personnel a chance to connect with other service members and experience a professional soccer environment. Real Salt Lake provided access to high quality fields and facilities, creating a memorable setting for the event.
The tournament concluded with a closing ceremony recognizing all participating teams. For Hill, the weekend was about more than reaching the semifinals. It was about representing the installation with pride and strengthening the bonds between Airmen and civilians.
“Events like this build morale in a way few things can,” said Senior Airman Evan Teaney, the coach and 75th Force Support Squadron outbound assignment technician. “It brings people together who might never cross paths on base, and suddenly they are out here competing side by side.”
With a strong showing this year, Hill players are already looking ahead to the next Commanders Cup.