AYW Spotlight | Hailey Solorzano

RICHMOND, VA (January 19, 2017) – The ECNL and the Amazing Young Women movement is dedicated to showcasing females that have helped shape the league into the top female youth soccer development platform in the world.  As part of the movement, the ECNL is encouraging amazing young women to share their stories.  We are excited to announce Hailey Solorzano as the ECNL Amazing Young Woman Spotlight of the Week. Solorzano is a current player for the East Meadow SC ECNL U14 team and has been a pillar of strength for her teammates and club.

Solorzano grew up in Valley Stream, NY with her mom and dad and began playing soccer when she was six. She fell in love with the beautiful game, a passion she shared closely with her mother, Jackie. Both Solorzano and her mother were students of the game, investing much of their time into the sport that gave so much in return and forging a mother-daughter bond like no other.

Solorzano developed her “can-do” attitude and competitive drive early on, pouring it into every aspect of her life.  Whether she was on the field or in the classroom, she was relentless in her work rate. So much so that teammates and coaches alike could not help but notice and be a part of it.  She has a contagious aura about her that makes your feet dance and heart smile, something that is hard to put into words.

In November 2015, Solorzano faced her toughest battle yet when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer.  She passed away two short months later from the rare disease, devastating the East Meadow soccer family and the community.  Solorzano, who had not even started high school, coped with the loss of her mother by sharing her story.

In the wake of this tragedy, Solorzano partnered with East Meadow SC, hosting a benefit and an indoor soccer tournament in her mother’s honor.  She joined forces with her family and friends to raise awareness for cancer research, both speaking at the event and accepting donations.  Solorzano rallied the community with her infectious personality and persistent spirit, celebrating the life of an amazing young woman taken too soon.

Solorzano encouraged family, friends, and others to celebrate her mother’s life by playing the game that brought so many of them together. She turned tears into smiles and laughs, and continues to do so every day.

“Hailey’s work ethic and commitment to developing her game is an example for all. Her character, resolve and ability to lift people up was exemplified this past year when she lost her mother. Jackie’s legacy lives on every day through her drive and the encouragement she gives to her teammates and member club,” said Ruairi McGuinness, Coach for East Meadow SC, “She has truly been an inspiration and role model for us all. The ECNL platform has and will continue to propel Hailey to become a fantastic player and an Amazing Young Woman in whatever she tackles next.”

Every October, East Meadow SC participates in Breast Cancer Awareness Month by wearing pink jerseys in their competitions.  This past October, Hailey lead her team onto the field with pride to help bring awareness and strength to those affected by this disease.  Her zest for life and excitement to play the game continues to lift her teammates spirits.

Thank you Hailey Solorzano for being a positive force in the world, and sharing your story.  Your mother’s spirit lives on in you, and will continue to push you to great heights.  Good luck with the second half of the ECNL Season.  You truly are an #AmazingYoungWoman.

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About Amazing Young Women^TM:  Launched by the ECNL, the Amazing Young Women is a dynamic platform of online and local market activations that showcase and celebrate female role models offering an aspirational focus for all female athletes and teens as they prepare to be our next generation of leaders.  The ECNL is calling on all of the nation’s women to join the movement to celebrate the endless potential of today’s girls.

Women of all ages can share their personal moments of inspiration through social media and at www.AmazingYoungWomen.com.  Every share and submission helps drive a movement that celebrates the power of what it is to be a girl today.

Amazing Young Women of the ECNL will be showcased at AmazingYoungWomen.com. Through testimonials, tips and tools, the website is providing all girls to view, share, and celebrate what it is to be motivated, strong, and successful.

About Elite Clubs National League:  The Elite Clubs National League (ECNL) was founded in 2009 to enhance the developmental experience of female youth soccer players in the United States through: (i) improving the competitive environment through creation of a true national competitive league; (ii) improving the process for identifying elite female soccer players for college and youth national teams through a systematic scouting and identification program based on national competitions; and (iii) improving the daily training environment at top female youth soccer clubs through developing best practices and training and organizational guidelines for its member clubs.  The ECNL is sanctioned by US Club Soccer and is sponsored by Nike Soccer.

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