You are about to begin a month-long journey…can you tell us what you will be doing?
I am going to Brazil with a global organization called “Coaches Across Continents" which works with local organizations in developing countries. Its main focus is to take the unifying nature of soccer to create lasting social change through fun soccer games and drills. Some of the social issues to be addressed include: female empowerment, gender equity, conflict resolution, and other important health and life skills. The organization has been successfully educating young soccer players and coaches in over 20 countries every year.  

I was given this incredible opportunity to join the Brazilian team this summer, where I will be traveling for the full month of June to Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, and Sao Paulo. I will be working with children ages 5-18 who are directly impacted by the drugs, violence and limited opportunities in their communities. My individual assignment on this trip will be “gender equality” and “female empowerment”. I will be working with both boys and girls, making sure they are all treated as equals and are given the same opportunities. I hope to be a role model to the young girls and help give them confidence to know that they are capable of anything and they are not second class citizens. Around the world 62 million girls are not in school. 1 in 3 women will experience gender based violence in her lifetime. Advancing gender equality and women's empowerment around the globe can unlock the female potential on a transformation scale.

 How did you get connected with the organization?
Coaches Across Continents got in touch with the coaching staff at George Mason during the fall of last year. I was forwarded the information and it seemed like something I might be interested in as it combines my love for soccer, travel, and helping others. There was a lengthy application process as well as a number of Skype interviews with many questions. Apparently, my answers were acceptable because some months later I was informed I passed the screening process and would be the newest member to their team.

What are your expectations going into the month?
As much as I am excited at the prospect of making an everlasting influence to less fortunate children (especially girls) in a foreign country, I remain somewhat apprehensive with the reality of what I will actually be doing. Most of my coaching will be in the poorer areas of the cities which has its own dangers, especially as I do not speak Portuguese. I am however comforted with the notion that the mutual love for soccer will break down language barriers and I will be able to execute my lesson plans. I fully realize it will be hard at first, but I am confident that I will achieve my objectives and this mission will be a success.

What city do you think you will enjoy the most?
I will probably enjoy Rio de Janeiro the most having watched the broadcasts of the World Cup Final on TV last year. I would love to walk Cocacabaña beach and visit the statue of Christ the Redeemer overlooking all of Rio. My curiosity will be open to all new experiences!

How do you think the game of soccer will help you this summer?
Soccer has a unifying nature, no matter your age, size, gender, etc. With that being said, I think that the game of soccer will help bring the people I come in contact with a bond and will foster an environment that is both educational and fun.

My time spent in Brazil will also help me prepare for the upcoming fall season at George Mason by keeping my fitness and skills tuned in by virtue of playing soccer every day. I'm hoping this trip will also ignite renewed passion for the game and I can finally overcome two frustrating years of serious injury.

How has the game of soccer impacted your life?
Soccer has been a huge influence to my life. It has given me identity, taught me discipline, and given me endless opportunities to see the country and meet so many wonderful people. Soccer for me has been a passion since I was a little girl, when my father would regularly take me to the park for a kick around, the only sport he knew. My father grew up in Europe, the birthplace of “Football” or as they say “the Beautiful Game”. I would watch games with him on TV and even traveled to the World Cup in Germany to watch USA, England and Germany matches. I have been fortunate to have been around my dad and soccer friends my whole life. Though soccer has brought me many joys and great moments, injuring my knee my freshman year has taught me an entirely different set of skills and experiences and was very humbling.

What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to experiencing a new country, new cultures, new foods and meeting people, all under the unifying umbrella of the sport of soccer. I want to be a positive influence and hopefully make everlasting social awareness on the children I meet. I want to leave Brazil with a memory of smiling children and a big heart from having made a difference in their lives. 

**To follow along with Niki's journey in Brazil throughout the month, Niki has setup a blog she will contribute to regularly. Please click here to be directed to the blog.**