A Journey of Resilience, Community and Mental Health Advocacy
The success of the U.S. National Women’s Soccer Team (USWNT) is a collective achievement that encompasses every individual within the squad. From the eleven players on the field to those on the sidelines, who cheer them on and stand ready to step in, each member plays a vital role. Among them, Naomi Girma stands out as a key player whose impact on the team is profound.
Girma: The Commanding Center-Back
While watching the USWNT, many may wonder who commands the backline and confidently manages the ball as a center-back. That player is Girma, a composed and skillful soccer talent who, at just 24, is already regarded as a veteran. She is known to start every game and most likely play a full match.
Girma steps onto the field with a deep awareness of the sacrifices her family made for her to be there. She treats every game as a tribute to her parents, family, and community. Years before she was born, her parents endured significant challenges and faced constant adversity. Her father, Girma Aweke, fled the dictatorship in Ethiopia in 1978, while her mother, Seble Demissie, left to pursue work and education opportunities. They met in California, where they began their family amidst a growing Ethiopian immigrant community. Determined to support and strengthen this community, Aweke established the Malada soccer program, fostering a strong sense of unity and cultural pride. Girma found her love for soccer due to the Malada soccer program.
The aspiring female soccer player explains in an interview with ESPN, “to know that I started playing with the Ethiopian community, and how much that meant to my parents, is where I fell in love with the game.” Girma continued to excel as she got older and found herself getting many phone calls from colleges.
Balancing Physical and Mental Health
Girma not only maintains her physical health for the game but also prioritizes her mental well-being. In an Instagram post, she states, “being a world-class athlete is as much about taking care of your mental health as it is your physical health. That is why I always prioritize putting myself first.” Girma became acutely aware of the importance of mental health after losing her best friend and former Stanford teammate, Katie Meyer, to suicide. In honor of Meyer, she always wears her initials on her wrist tape for every match.
Girma’s Impact
Girma continues to play for many and serves as an inspiration to countless others. Her contributions to the USWNT extend beyond her technical skills and tactical awareness; she embodies the spirit of perseverance and the importance of mental health. Girma’s story highlights the sacrifices made by her family and the cultural roots that have shaped her into the formidable player she is today. As Girma advances with the USWNT to the Olympic finals, join in cheering for her and her team as they take on Brazil on August 10th at 11 AM Eastern Time!
