Is having a courageous heart an inborn, genetic trait? Or is it something that can be learned? Regardless of whether you believe in nature or nurture, we know that we all have the ability to play with heart and “go for it” when the moment is in front of us.
For Mackenzie, playing with heart means “to give your best and encourage your teammates.”
Mackenzie is a Street Soccer USA player in San Francisco’s Mission District. Her passion for soccer started at a very young age. When schools closed during COVID, she took her soccer ball to the garage and played by herself, practicing her moves and shots while the sounds echoed in the empty space. But when things started to open back up, she headed down to a turf field in the Mission neighborhood, where she became part of the Street Soccer USA Street League Team.
On her first day of practice, she found herself on a team dominated by boys. Worries flashed through her mind: maybe I’m not at the same level, physically or skill-wise. As she ran toward her first faceoff, the ball flew away from her feet. But as she looked down the field, all she could hear was her teammates, cheering her on. A gigantic grin spread across her face and her eyes lit up. Laughter and cries of encouragement filled the arena, as she heard “You got it,” “You can do it,” and “Keep going,” echo down the field. She slowly picked her head up and dove in for another faceoff. This one she won. This one she dribbled to the goal. And this one she scored.
For the next two years, through the warm days of spring to the cold days of fall, Mackenzie showed up to every practice and brought her best to each one. She practiced making eye contact, raising her hand to contribute, and gained confidence on and off the field. Even though she first started playing just for fun, she’s gained a lot more than she initially expected.
On the field, she dribbles through the cones with grace and speed. She looks up, staying aware of where her teammates and the goal is. She is the first to raise her hand and give a blue card – Street Soccer USA’s special way of commending other players’ best efforts – and has become a pillar of encouragement for her whole team. Off the field, she gained something even more valuable than ball skills: her friends’ ongoing support and encouragement.
In her two years with Street Soccer USA, Mackenzie has transformed from the quietest player to one of the most inspiring players on the field. She has built her own sense of community while supporting others along the way. When she looks back over her own experience, she sees the difference. “I feel more confident to play and work together as a team.”
Mackenzie is a player you can count on at every practice. She brings her best self to every activity, cheering on her teammates just like they supported her when she first started. She’s shaken off other’s expectations, judgements, and her own inhibitions about being the only girl on the field. As her teammates cheer her on, she’s dribbling down the field toward her goals.