October 1, 2022 – National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) – OL Reign News Release
SEATTLE, WA. – OL Reign announced today that OL Reign Academy players Fia Jagodzinske and Arianna Ortiz are this year’s recipients of the Boeing Scholarship for young soccer players of color. The Boeing Scholarship program debuted in 2020 as a result from OL Reign’s longstanding partnership with Boeing and covers the full participation fee for two OL Reign Academy players each season.
“This year, we are proud to have Fia and Arianna as our 2022 Boeing Scholarship recipients,” said OL Reign Academy Executive Director Amy Griffin. “One of our top priorities as an academy is to create a playing and training environment that supports all players, regardless of their race, income or socioeconomic background. One of the ways in which we do this, is through our partnership with Boeing.”
Developed as an effort to address the underrepresentation of girls in youth soccer, the Boeing Scholarship program is an extension of OL Reign’s partnership with Boeing. The two organizations have a history of working together to support and ensure equity and inclusion in Washington state.
At its core, OL Reign Academy was built by women, for women, with a goal to empower the next generation of female footballers on and off the field.
“The environment here is just so inclusive,” said Ortiz. “I feel so much closer to actually being able to play professionally. Having the Boeing Scholarship has really helped me to develop as a player and just continue to follow my dreams that I’ve always wanted to accomplish. Now I know that it’s not impossible and I know that I can one day reach that goal. I’m really excited to see other people like me on the field, getting what they deserve.”
“I’ve been playing soccer since I was three,” said Jagodzinske. “I definitely feel more motivated that I have the Boeing Scholarship now because I know that there is something helping me get there. It helps inspire me to know that it’s not just me and there are a lot of other people stepping up to pave the way.”
Jagodzinske and Ortiz will be recognized at halftime of OL Reign’s final regular season home match at Lumen Field on October 1 against the Orlando Pride.
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