Rooted In Soccer: Meet Friyale

This month, TONL partnered with Nike to profile various coaches and young women in soccer as they demonstrate why diverse representation matters in sport, coaching, and the athlete/coach relationship. As we wrap up the series, hear from one last powerful coach-player relationship with Coach Jen and Friyale. Residing in New York City, learn more about the role soccer has made in the strength of their relationship.

First up, meet Friyale!

TONL: Soccer is a heavily dominated male sport. At what point in your life did you decide to commit yourself to the sport in spite of that realization that you would be the minority?

Friyale: I decided to start with soccer when my mother and I went to one of my brother's games and they were all proud of him so I decided to be part of a soccer team so they would be proud of me too.

How has your culture/ethnicity, gender played a role in the way you coach?

When I was a child, I played with males but then they started complaining because I was the only female on the team. So I didn’t get along with my teammates. However, with my coaches I got along with them better because they believed in me and my skills.

What difference has it made for you to have women and/or women of color sports role model growing up?

I have never had a female coach of color before this year. The difference is that I became more interested in sports now that there are many women or women of color in the sporting role. They give a great example to young women who are passionate about sports.

What is a common misconception you wish to dispel as a female/femxle coach?

Never to give up even if people talk to you badly or say bad things. I want to say to use that as your strength and to have hope in what you really want to become because you can become anything you want if you really believe.

Who was your sports role model growing up and why?

I admire women athletes more and more because before, women could not do many things but today, women are participating in more sports and it is nice to show people that women can do it too.

What is your favorite part of your relationship with your coach?

My relationship with my coach is truly unique. She is always supporting me. She helps me when I need help and she makes me learn many things in life that I will need in the future.