Sharing the Sport: Girls’ Varsity Soccer Volunteers With Boston’s Soccer Unity Project

“I really wanted my team to do something that was community service but soccer-related—something that would play to their strengths,” said Susanna Donahue P’03, ’06, girls’ varsity soccer coach and upper school assistant dean of students. Soccer Unity Project states that part of its vision is “to change the culture of youth soccer from a pay-to-play model with a history of systematic racism and gender inequality to one that welcomes and develops urban youth regardless of background or experience.” When Donahue heard about volunteering with Soccer Unity Project from a colleague at another school, it sounded like a great opportunity for her team to give back.

The Rivers soccer players broke into groups to lead different drills, which the kindergarten players cycled through. Over the course of games like Red Light, Green Light and Fishy, Fishy Cross My Ocean, the team was able to encourage the kindergarteners—and have fun with them. 

Harper Pierce ’28 quickly bonded with a girl in one of the groups. “After the drill was done, she didn’t want to leave my side. She was like, ‘Can you come to the next drill with me?’” Pierce said. “She was really cute.”

Jasmine McNish ’26, girls’ varsity soccer co-captain, worked with Soccer Unity Project over the summer, but with young adults. She enjoyed working with the kindergarteners this time, saying, “I have a lot of younger cousins, so it was kind of like playing with them.”

Donahue heard from the staff at Soccer Unity Project afterward: They were thrilled with Rivers’ participation, commenting that the Rivers players came prepared and that they hope they will come back. 

Director of Community Engagement Lucas Malo was happy to see the girls’ varsity team volunteering together. “I truly believe that volunteering provides a space to build community, and that our community has talents to be shared with others. Whatever your mission or passion, there is a way to share it,” he said. 

That sentiment matches Pierce’s experience. “It felt rewarding knowing little kids look up to me because I play a sport that I love and enjoy,” she reflected.