Aden

What do they love most about playing their sport(s)?

Sports simply make Aden happy. Even when he isn’t at practice, you’ll find him dribbling a ball and practicing tricks in our backyard; dodging our deck, plants and trees. He’ll even bike 20–30 minutes to a nearby soccer field to practice with other players his age, even though they aren’t on his team. Soccer isn’t something he only does at practice, it’s something he genuinely loves doing whenever he gets the chance.

Who inspires them—on or off the field—and why?

Aden looks up to Vinícius Jr. because even after dealing with racism and so much negativity, he never gave up. I think that means something to Aden, especially being half Black and half Filipino himself. At home, he also looks up to his dad, an active-duty Marine. Aden sees how hard he works every day, yet he still makes time to take him to practices and games. His whole family supports him, cheers him on and reminds him to keep doing what he loves.

What’s one moment in their athletic journey that makes you proudest?

One of my proudest moments wasn’t a goal; it was a miss. In the final game of his 8th grade school season, Aden had a chance at a last second shot and missed. Afterward, he cried in my arms and tried to hold back his tears. It broke my heart, but it also showed me how he deeply cares for his team and family. His dad and I reminded him that one moment doesn’t define him. Just watching him get back up, learn from it and continue growing made me prouder than any goal ever could.