SOL shines bright on a cloudy day!

On an unusually cold and cloudy Tuesday at Braddock Dr. Elementary LA SCORES students stayed warm playing soccer with the LA SOL. The Womens' Professional Soccer team LA SOL had their first visit with our program that day a few weeks ago and has since made regular appearances during soccer practice and one writing class. They have played in some raucous scrimmages, intense battles of survival in sharks vs minnows, and have made kids' days as they chose their names to be recipients of giants pens, kites or other goodies as rewards for good behavior.

The level of enthusiasm and excitement that the SOL exhibits has been contagious. It has spread to every boy and girl on the playground and energized our coaches with emphatic examples of what positive role models can do. The SOL have worked hard to establish relationships with our students regardless of language barriers (Thank You Aya and Camile), demographics and celebrity. Very telling of the bonds formed was when students invited SOL players to their school's open house. "We are supposed to bring our parents or brothers or sisters or grandparents but can you come with me?"

All the players have been impressive in so many different ways. Not only with their talent and abilities on the ball, but also with their abilities to communicate with the kids and become teachers and role models so quickly. From the students and staff at LA SCORES we want to send a special THANK YOU to Camile Abily, Brittany Bock, Liz Bogus, Stephanie Cox, Katie Larkin, Aya Miyama, Lisa Sari and Kendall Fletcher! And another thank you to the entire LA SOL organization! Your involvement has been invaluable and we look forward to our continued work together!

**Click the players names above to see player profiles and the LA SOL webpage**

• Pictures: Top: Group shot of Braddock students and SOL players (from left to right) Stephanie Cox, Lisa Sari, Aya Miyama, and Katie Larkin
• Left: Stephanie Cox showing off her moves to Tyanni with Alexa looking on in amazement!
• Right: Katie Larkin looking down field with Lisa Sari right on her heels.
• Bottom: Aya Miyama high fives her team after a successful game!