How Identity Has Influenced A Managing Director's Career At Street Soccer USA

I think now I've valued more than anything else the qualities that sports brought out of me and being an athlete. I value how I had to show up to be an athlete that I respected, that could be a part of a team, and that could have success on a team. My work ethic, being willing to learn, creativity, knowing when to try hard, when to relax, when to listen, when to lead, and when to be a teammate are all things I value.

I say all that because now, while I'm running a nonprofit, I really look for qualities in people that demonstrate those things. I can usually see them very quickly if they played a sport or if they have the mindset of someone who's willing to work hard, whether they know it's going to lead to something or not.

For me, there was never really a professional soccer opportunity when I was a young kid. So, we played because we loved it and wanted to be the best player we could be for ourselves. I really admire the quality in people who can physically challenge themselves to do that, and then can also mentally challenge themselves.

But it also says a lot about how they're going to operate within a team. For us, could you coach another kid? How would you coach them? What kind of player are they going to be for another team? I love athletes and what it takes to be successful in a physical sport.