Remembering Dick Schwendinger — Founder of Two Rivers Soccer Camp
Richard (Dick) Schwendinger, beloved husband, father, grandfather, coach, teacher, and mentor, passed away on July 2, 2026. Today, September 25, would have been his 94th birthday, and we are remembering him with love and gratitude for the life he lived and the community he built.
Born in Stockton, Illinois, to Hank and Mildred Schwendinger, Dick lived a life defined by his generosity, determination, work ethic, and an unmistakable zest for life. His passion for athletics, education, family, and the outdoors touched generations throughout Northern California. Above all, he devoted himself to helping young people discover not only their athletic abilities, but also their confidence, independence, and potential.
Dick’s athletic journey began at Chaffey Junior College in Southern California where he was the class president, captain and MVP of the basketball team. He transferred to San Jose State University where he participated on the Division I basketball team as the point guard from 1953 to 1956 while earning his Master’s Degree in Business.
After serving two years in the US Army, Dick enjoyed his first teaching experience at Ramona High School in Riverside, California. Following three years at Ramona High School, he joined the business division at San Jose City College in San Jose, California. That school district divided and Dick became a founding faculty member of West Valley Junior College in Saratoga, California. He became the Co-Chairman of the business department at West Valley Junior College. After one year, Dick requested a transfer to the Physical Education division to pursue his love for coaching and working with young athletes. His experience as a student athlete shaped the leadership, discipline, competitive spirit and lifelong love of athletics that became hallmarks of his life.
As a founding faculty member of West Valley College, Dick became one of the most influential figures in the development of soccer and collegiate athletics in Northern California.
In 1967, Dick founded the West Valley men’s soccer program and coached soccer at West Valley College for 23 years leading the teams to multiple conference and Northern California Community College championships. In recognition of his many contributions to soccer, West Valley College named its soccer field, The Dick Schwendinger Field.
His impact extended beyond soccer. Dick also was the golf coach at West Valley College. He led the golf teams to seven league titles and Northern California championships.
In 1971, Dick launched the West Valley Youth Soccer League creating the area’s first youth soccer program. That same year the City of Saratoga, California named Dick Schwendinger their Citizen of the Year.
Dick’s influence was also an important part of the early years of the San Jose Earthquakes, the Bay Area’s first professional soccer team. He served as the team’s radio play-by-play broadcaster and television analyst throughout the 1970’s and remained deeply connected to the organization and the sport he loved.
Dick later returned to San Jose State University as the head golf coach, a position he held for 10 years. He built the men’s golf program into a championship caliber team and led the golf team to NCAA championships. In 1991, he was named Big West Conference Coach of the Year. In 2016, he received the San Jose State University Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the University.
Perhaps Dick’s most enduring legacy, however, began in 1971 when he and his beloved wife and lifelong partner of 64 years, Patricia (Pat) Schwendinger, founded Two Rivers Soccer Camp near Graeagle, California. Nestled in the Sierra Nevada, Two Rivers Soccer Camp reflected their belief that young people could grow not only as athletes, but also as confident, independent individuals through sports, nature, friendships, and responsibility.
What began as a soccer camp became a lifelong community for generations of young people across California, the United States, and around the world. Today, Two Rivers Soccer Camp continues to carry forward Dick and Pat’s vision. A statue of Dick stands at the camp’s entrance as a lasting tribute to the man whose vision and spirit helped shape so many lives.
Those who knew Dick best will remember not only his remarkable accomplishments, but also the way he made people feel. He brought enthusiasm, warmth, and passion to everything he did and had the rare ability to make people feel capable, included, and part of something bigger than themselves.
Dick is survived by his loving wife, Pat; his three children, Rick, Lynda and Kris; and his eight grandchildren who were a cherished part of his life and legacy.
His influence cannot be measured simply by championships won, programs founded, or the fields named in his honor. It lives on in the generations of athletes he coached, the families he welcomed into the soccer community, and the young people who continue to discover confidence, independence, and possibility at Two Rivers Soccer Camp.
Richard (Dick) Schwendinger devoted his life to building opportunities for others. His greatest monument is not a field, a championship, or a statue, but the lives of the people he inspired.
His boundless enthusiasm, generous spirit, and extraordinary love of life will remain his lasting legacy. He was deeply loved, profoundly respected, and will be greatly missed but never forgotten.
Photos of Two Rivers Soccer Camp founder Dick Schwendinger as a young businessman, college athlete, and later in life beside his statue at Two Rivers Soccer Camp (his happy place).