Under youth soccer, I’ve watched my daughter bloom into a confident, well-rounded young lady. Where she was once shy off the field, she now
Thank you for generously supporting Xiomara in this year’s competition. Your support helps empower the V Foundation for Cancer Research and the Why Not You Foundation in their respective missions to save lives and empower today's youth to become tomorrow's leaders.
She loves the community that comes with playing soccer. She's made so many friends just from being on teams and competing—it's like having a second family. And shes definitely a competitor at heart. She told me there nothing like the sound of the ball hitting the back of the net—it gives me chills every time. But honestly, she just loves being on the field, practicing hard and then putting it all into play during a game. It’s the best feeling for her in the world.
Xixi states "I’ve had a lot of people inspire me over the years—coaches, family, friends—but one person I always come back to is my dad. We've spent so much time talking about 'The Kobe Mentality,' and even though Kobe wasn’t a soccer player, the way he approached the game, the work ethic, the mindset—it just stuck with me. I can see those same qualities in great players like Sydney Leroux and Marta. They play with heart, grit, and confidence everything I want to bring to the field.
One of my proudest moments is seeing Xiomara push forward in a sport where pay-to-play often creates barriers. We can’t always afford the top programs, but she never lets that stop her. She finds ways to grow—on and off the field—through pure heart, grit, and determination. Watching her make the most of every opportunity makes me incredibly proud.
Colossal is a nationally registered professional fundraiser that inspires people to advocate for themselves and those in need. Through online competitions like Youth Athlete of the Year, Colossal offers participants the opportunity to make their mark while also making a big impact.