When you think about soccer, what players come to mind? When I think about soccer I think about how many Black girls like me actually play soccer and make a name for themselves. Soccer has historically been associated with people of Latino and Caucasian descent. I’ve been playing soccer for more than 7 years and I feel as if girls that look like me and prioritize the sport, do not get the recognition that they deserve. When people think of a Black girl it seems they stereotypically think that the sport she partakes in is basketball, track, or even flag football.
There is a major diversity drought within all our sports and we need to recognize that as a nation. This mindset can make and has made Black girls feel like they don’t belong, even if they have the talent. I’ve played club soccer for years and I’ve been on teams where I was the only Black girl or there was only one other girl that looked like me. This did make me feel out of place in the beginning when I didn’t know anyone but I soon got accustomed to the fact that with my background, some coaches weren’t expecting me to possess the talents I have so I did get overlooked at times. This can be especially true when joining a new team with players that had already been playing together and already had those bonds with each other.
Recognition is a major issue as well. Many Black athletes often have to work twice as hard to be noticed. Coaches will oftentimes overlook others that deserve attention because they’re too busy highlighting one main player. I don’t think that it’s on purpose most times but it still takes away from the sport’s growth and who feels welcomed to play. If more attention was given to diverse players and teams, it could encourage more kids to try soccer and stick with it.
Representation matters a lot in sports. When young athletes see players who look like them succeeding, it makes them feel like their goals are possible. For example Trinity Rodman is a role model for me even though she is not fully Black she still represents for Black women. Trinity Rodman has made a name for herself outside of her dad Denis Rodman and I love that, she has now been named as the highest paid woman in the NWSL.
Without these role models it can feel like you’re standing alone. As someone who has played soccer for years, I’m on a lot of college radars ranging from JUCO all the way to D1. I do plan on playing in college because I know that my soccer career doesn’t end in high school. I know I can go further with it and I will. But I’ve noticed that sometimes people are surprised when they hear that I play and I’ve actually built an image for myself within the sport. It shows me how harshly these stereotypes are put onto us because they don’t expect Black people to play a sport outside of football, track, or basketball, I’m not sure why though. Instead of focusing on skill, teamwork, and passion for the game, people focus on what they expect to see.
