Friday, July 29, 2011 Everyday Heroes
"Turn your wounds into wisdom."
— Oprah Winfrey

Using Soccer to Turn It Around

Using Soccer to Turn It Around
Lisa Wrightsman used soccer to turn her life around, and now she's using it to help others do the same. Wrightsman was in a semipro league, but later succumbed to drugs, alcohol, homelessness and jail. Last year, however, she entered a Volunteers of America recovery program and discovered their street soccer program. With soccer as her pivot, she made a big shift in her own life, and then saw the potential of street soccer as a movement to help others also get off the street. "I saw she changed. I wanted what worked for her to work for me," said Christina Sanchez, 31, who is now part of the team. With Wrightman's leadership, for the first time, Sacramento will send a women's Mohawks homeless soccer team to the national tournament this summer.

Be the Change

Consider challenges you've gone through which position you uniquely to serve others.

Get Daily Inspiration

For 29 years, we've delivered hand-selected stories that spark creativity and kindness. Join 138,939 subscribers on this journey.

Subscribe Free