8/12/2019 Alumni Spotlight - Midori (Mimi) Eckenstein

1/2

UVM Womens Soccer June, 2014

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Mimi Eckenstein:Grassroot Soccer

The UVM womens soccer program is

excited to begin a new tradition - shining a

spotlight on our alumni who not only had a

positive impact on our program, but have

gone on to make a positive impact since

graduating. As our program continues to grow (in tradition and

excellence) our goal is to connect players from the past, present and

future as a way to thank our alumni for all they have done.

For our first spotlight, we introduce to you a 2013 graduate, Mimi

Eckenstein.

The player: Mimi came to UVM from South Burlington, VT, and played

in 61 games in her career. As a midfielder, she scored 5 goals and

assisted on 3 others, including a goal against University of Connecticut her senior year.

The student: Mimi studied Microbiology and made the America East Commissioner's

Academic Honor Roll in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

The graduate:Since graduating, Mimi has worked for Grassroot Soccer. Grassroot Soccer

is a non-profit organization founded in 2002 that uses the power of soccer to educate,

inspire, and empower young people to stop the spread of HIV. Founded by fourprofessional soccer players, Grassroot Soccer is mobilizing the most vulnerable population

of youth, ages 12-19, to break the cycle of AIDS by engaging local coaches who equip

young people with the knowledge, skills and support they need to avoid HIV. GRS has a

global reach, with flagship sites in South Africa, Zambia and

Zimbabwe (www.grassrootsoccer.org).

1Mimi Eckenstein 13

Mimi Eckenstein (front

row, second from left)

works for GRS in

South Africa. Here, she

is pictured with

members of a local HIV

testing organization

and some GRS

volunteer coaches.

http://www.grassrootsoccer.org/

8/12/2019 Alumni Spotlight - Midori (Mimi) Eckenstein

2/2

The interview:

What was your favorite memory of playing at UVM? #

#

On of my favorite memories of UVM was playing my first game at

Centennial Field. I grew up going to UVM soccer games at that pitch,and always imagined myself playing there. To step on the grass for

the first time wearing a UVM jersey was an incredibly surreal moment

for me.

How did the program prepare you for what you are doing

with Grassroot Soccer?#

#

UVM taught me that soccer is more than just a game. I learned some of my most important lessons

growing up playing soccer, like how to be a part of a team, to always put in 100% e$ort, and to

keep up a healthy lifestyle. At Grassroot Soccer we use soccer as a tool to teach kids about HIV/

AIDS and educate them on how to stay healthy. Soccer really is a universal language that allows us

to deliver memorable lessons and make a di$erence in communities.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? #

#

Being a part of the SKILLZ Street program of GRS is incredibly

rewarding. SKILLZ Street is an all-girl program that is run like an

after-school soccer camp. The girls are divided into teams and we

they play games as well as discuss important issues, such as bodyimage, womens rights, and sexual health.%SKILLZ Street creates a

safe space that allows girls to feel comfortable talking about

personal issues. Its really incredible to watch the girls self-esteem

and confidence grow while being a part of the program. Soccer is

an important part of the program as well, because in South Africa it

is still considered a boys sport. In SKILLZ Street we show that soccer is for everyone and help

break down the gender norm.

#How would you encourage more girls to stay involved in the game after they

graduate from college?##

After playing competitively for so many years, athletes have a great opportunity to return to the

roots of why we all played. They have an opportunity to share their knowledge and passion with

others. Whether by joining a sport for development organization like GRS, coaching, or going out to

support your local team, youll never be happier spending time doing the thing you love.%

2Mimi Eckenstein 13

Soccer is a universal

language that allows

us to delivermemorable lessons

and make a di$erence

in communities.