The Academy of Art University women's soccer team traveled to Taft Elementary School in Redwood City, CA for the afternoon of May 7 to partner-up with the Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI).  Head Coach Aileen Nasypany commented, "It was very rewarding to see my team volunteer in a positive way, becoming role models for future female athletes in our own backyard."  BAWSI runs an eight-week program in local elementary schools to work with females in Grades 2-5. Due to classes and spring soccer commitments this year, the AAU team joined BAWSI in their 8^th and final week of their Spring session.

The well-organized event began with a locker room talk on the field. Each of the AAU coaches and approximately fifty BAWSI young participants clipped on a step pedometer. One of the goals for BAWSI is to inspire these girls that the more steps you take a day the healthier you will be. At the end of the eight weeks, the girls are able to take the pedometer home so they can continue to use it.

The next 90 minutes included fun activities like hula-hooping, soccer games, basketball games, and a station to talk about important life lessons. The afternoon concluded with an autograph session where the AAU coaches were able to interact one-on-one with some of the girls.

Following the event, junior captain Veronica Gutierrez said, "There is something about a child's smile that can make you feel like an obligation is a privilege."  Sophomore captain Olivia Dupon added, "It felt great to meet all the BAWSI girls and give them someone to look up to. I had a lot of fun teaching them how to play soccer."

The Bay Area Women's Sports Initiative (BAWSI) (http://bawsi.com/index.html) is a public benefit, nonprofit corporation with a mission to create programs and partnerships through which women athletes bring health, hope and wholeness to the community. Founded in 2005 by Olympic and World Cup soccer stars Brandi Chastain and Julie Foudy and Marlene Bjornsrud, former general manager of the San Jose CyberRays women's professional soccer team, BAWSI provides a meaningful path for women athletes to become a more visible and valued part of the Bay Area sports culture.

"As the Academy of Art University women's soccer team continues to grow, I would love for the opportunity for my student-athletes to volunteer for such a great cause again next Spring," said Head Coach Nasypany.