Congrats to Coastal Outreach Soccer Graduates
Today, I am reminded of why I do this work. The passion, the drive, the unwavering belief in the power of our mission. These moments of reflection bring me back to our core purpose and intent to live in service and to pour ourselves into others.
These amazing people and student-athletes have shown incredible dedication, talent, and passion for the beautiful game. Their achievements on and off the field are an inspiration to us all.
We're incredibly proud of these graduates and excited to see where their journeys take them. This is just the beginning, and we remain committed to creating a more inclusive and equitable soccer landscape for all.
In close partnership with Shawn Williams and Coastal Outreach Soccer, we are not just making a difference, we're changing lives. It is more than soccer.
Let's keep pushing forward. The best is ahead!
— Allen Hopkins, Jr.
Bella, Georgia State University Class of 2024
In Bella’s graduate school application she spoke to the poverty, domestic abuse suffered by her mom, and the divorce of her parents. When she first came to Coastal Outreach Soccer they did not have full picture of her home life - but it was clear she needed support. COS provided a place for her and her siblings.
Bella became a member of COS’ 1st GA soccer league girls' travel team. COS invested in her and witnessed her amazing story firsthand.
Bella completed her undergraduate degree in 3 years and now speaks about her advocacy for individuals who need support and social services.
Anthony | Fisk University Class of 2024
Anthony joined Coastal Outreach Soccer in 2004. The night before his College Graduation ceremony he messaged Shawn Williams to say, "Thank you, Coach" – 3 magical words.
Shawn added, "Thank you to our community for giving a child who grew up sometimes in extreme poverty an opportunity to experience the world beyond his neighborhood. The exposure to what was possible because he played soccer. Because I know his journey, I am a firm believer that picking him up every day that he needed a ride put him in position to walk across that stage.”
Anthony grew up in a single parent household in the Brunswick Housing Authority. After high school graduation he didn't have the resources, but he kept at it. He kept grinding and two years later Anthony enrolled at Fisk University. This past season Anthony was named captain of the Fisk University soccer team.
Anthony has got a job in Nashville that starts in June.
Enrique | Valdosta State University, Class of 2024
Enrique joined Coastal Outreach Soccer as a 7th grader. He grew up in a trailer park and only recently revealed that when he first joined COS he had to beg his mom to let him go each time. The Williams family provided transportation.
Back then Enrique was not thinking about attending college. As Shawn and Enrique got to know each other, plus seeing a college campus for himself as an early teen, Enrique’s vision for himself and the possibilities changed.
Enrique is the first high school graduate in his family. He also earned an associate’s degree, bachelor's degree and most recently his master's degree all while realizing a dream of playing college soccer.
Enrique, teaches in the Maryland school system and holds his coaching C-license with the aspirations of coaching college soccer. It's a great reminder, impossible is just an opinion.
About Black Players for Change (BPC):
Black Players for Change (BPC) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization consisting of Black players, coaches and staff from Major League Soccer, working to bridge the racial equality gap that exists in society. BPC is committed to tackling the racial injustices that have limited Black people from having an equitable stake in the game of soccer and society. Among the many goals, the organization strives to advance the attention on human rights inequalities from protest to programs, partnerships, and policies that address systemic discrimination.
Media Contact:
contact@blackplayersforchange.org
blackplayersforchange.org
INSTAGRAM: @bpcmls
LINKEDIN: @bpcmls
