UVM Womens Soccer June, 2014

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
Mimi Eckenstein:
Grassroot Soccer

The UVM womens soccer program is
excited to begin a new tradition - shining a
spotlight on our alumni who not only had a
positive impact on our program, but have
gone on to make a positive impact since
graduating. As our program continues to grow (in tradition and
excellence) our goal is to connect players from the past, present and
future as a way to thank our alumni for all they have done.
For our rst spotlight, we introduce to you a 2013 graduate, Mimi
Eckenstein.
The player: Mimi came to UVM from South Burlington, VT, and played
in 61 games in her career. As a midelder, she scored 5 goals and
assisted on 3 others, including a goal against University of Connecticut her senior year.
The student: Mimi studied Microbiology and made the America East Commissioner's
Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 and 2011.
The graduate: Since graduating, Mimi has worked for Grassroot Soccer. Grassroot Soccer
is a non-prot organization founded in 2002 that uses the power of soccer to educate,
inspire, and empower young people to stop the spread of HIV. Founded by four
professional soccer players, Grassroot Soccer is mobilizing the most vulnerable population
of youth, ages 12-19, to break the cycle of AIDS by engaging local coaches who equip
young people with the knowledge, skills and support they need to avoid HIV. GRS has a
global reach, with agship sites in South Africa, Zambia and
Zimbabwe (www.grassrootsoccer.org).
1 Mimi Eckenstein 13
Mimi Eckenstein (front
row, second from left)
works for GRS in
South Africa. Here, she
is pictured with
members of a local HIV
testing organization
and some GRS
volunteer coaches.
The interview:
What was your favorite memory of playing at UVM?#
#
On of my favorite memories of UVM was playing my rst game at
Centennial Field. I grew up going to UVM soccer games at that pitch,
and always imagined myself playing there. To step on the grass for
the rst time wearing a UVM jersey was an incredibly surreal moment
for me.
How did the program prepare you for what you are doing
with Grassroot Soccer?#
#
UVM taught me that soccer is more than just a game. I learned some of my most important lessons
growing up playing soccer, like how to be a part of a team, to always put in 100% e$ort, and to
keep up a healthy lifestyle. At Grassroot Soccer we use soccer as a tool to teach kids about HIV/
AIDS and educate them on how to stay healthy. Soccer really is a universal language that allows us
to deliver memorable lessons and make a di$erence in communities.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?#
#
Being a part of the SKILLZ Street program of GRS is incredibly
rewarding. SKILLZ Street is an all-girl program that is run like an
after-school soccer camp. The girls are divided into teams and we
they play games as well as discuss important issues, such as body
image, womens rights, and sexual health.% SKILLZ Street creates a
safe space that allows girls to feel comfortable talking about
personal issues. Its really incredible to watch the girls self-esteem
and condence grow while being a part of the program. Soccer is
an important part of the program as well, because in South Africa it
is still considered a boys sport. In SKILLZ Street we show that soccer is for everyone and help
break down the gender norm.
#How would you encourage more girls to stay involved in the game after they
graduate from college?#
#
After playing competitively for so many years, athletes have a great opportunity to return to the
roots of why we all played. They have an opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with
others. Whether by joining a sport for development organization like GRS, coaching, or going out to
support your local team, youll never be happier spending time doing the thing you love.%
2 Mimi Eckenstein 13
Soccer is a universal
language that allows
us to deliver
memorable lessons
and make a di$erence
in communities.