North Park 8th grader Nina Asnani is making waves on and off the field after receiving the Alex Morgan Foundation’s Leader of the Year award.
Each year, the foundation distributes prizes based on nominations made by coaches of young athletes. The players present San Diego Wave FC home games as part of “Alex’s Homebreak” are awarded based on leadership, community involvement and drive both in soccer and in their everyday lives.
Asnani received her Leader of the Year award at the Foundation’s inaugural Trust Celebration on October 11. Asnani, who is also a local Girl Scout cadet, was thrilled when she received the award.
“Everything has been really great. It allowed me to connect with a lot of different people and I am very proud of myself and my parents for helping me and getting me to this point,” Asnani explained.
Asnani’s involvement in the San Diego community didn’t start with the Homebreak Leader of the Year award. For years, her family, friends and community have been deeply involved through local organizations, such as Girl Scouts San Diego.
“My family and I work a lot in the community. I am currently working on my Silver Award; It’s 50 hours of community service. I choose to represent girls in sport and ensure that girls in sport receive the quality and treatment they deserve. This Homebreak award was very helpful for that,” Asnani said. “I hope to make a documentary, with coaches and players and raise awareness of the subject.”
For Asnani, receiving the Homebreak Leader of the Year award also means a big step forward in representation.
“I know my parents didn’t have these opportunities when they were kids. They understand how important this is to me and they are very supportive. It’s been a great way to represent girls my age and girls of color. That’s something I sought to represent in the Girl Scouts as well,” Asnani said.
Now that Asnani is recognized for her determination and ability to navigate the field and the world, she is determined not to stop there.
For years, football has been Asnani’s passion. She hopes to continue playing and eventually join a professional league.
“I started playing football when I was three years old. At first I liked it because it was about making new friends and meeting new people, but eventually I realized that I love this sport and everything about it,” said Asnani said.
Asnani is excited to continue playing soccer and Girl Scouts. Her team, North Park Matrix, encouraged her throughout the awards process.
“You can never know enough about something you love,” Asnani explained.
For more information about the Alex Morgan Foundation Leader of the Year Award, visit alexmorganfoundation.org.
