One San Diego girl’s leadership and commitment to community service has caught the attention of U.S. women’s Soccer player, Alex Morgan. To honor the achievements of young female athletes in their local communities, Morgan started the Alex Morgan Foundation that includes a scholarship program known as the “Leaders of the Year” awards.

“I believe when girls and women have opportunities in life, it leads to transformative change within themselves and their communities,” explains Morgan on her foundation’s website.

Launched in 2023, the Alex Morgan Foundation has been dedicated to creating equity and opportunity on and off the field. According to her foundation’s website, the foundation helps identify roadblocks preventing local communities from reaching their full potential and invest in tangible solutions when, where and how they’re needed most.

Morgan reviews submissions sent in by coaches all around the county and selects a winner each year. This year, she selected two winners and presented them with their Leader of the Year Awards at the inaugural Celebration of Confidence on October 11, International Day of the Girl.

Lucky winner of this year’s foundation award is local Girl Scout Cadette, Nina Asnani. Asnani got to speak at the event and share inspiring stories about her grit and leadership on and off the soccer field. She opened up about her experiences and the incredible impact this award has had on her life.

“I was so honored to win the Leader of the Year Award! My mom actually nominated me by sending a video submission to the Alex Morgan Foundation. I also followed up with a video submission of my own, talking about my project to raise awareness of gender inequality in sports,” said Asnani. “Winning the award was a life changing experience. It felt great to be recognized in front of so many of my favorite soccer players, coaches and community leaders!”

Before this award, she had already demonstrated her dedication through essay submissions to attend the Let’s Go South Bay Empowerment Camp, a soccer initiative sponsored by the Alex Morgan Foundation. These experiences only fueled her desire to make a difference in the world of sports.

“My Indian dad and Mexican mom didn’t have a lot of opportunities when they were growing up, so I understand how important this award is to my family,” said Asnani. “I feel like I won it for all of us, because I know how hard everyone worked to get me to soccer practices, games, Girl Scout meetings, and support me as I worked towards my goals.”

The recognition that came with the Leader of the Year Award was indeed life-changing. Nina had the honor of standing in front of her favorite soccer players, coaches, and community leaders, a moment she’ll cherish forever.

“I feel that the build up was very exciting. However, I was also nervous, but when I was on the stage,” said Asnani. “It felt good to share my thoughts and opinions with so many people I admire.”

Nina’s journey with the Girl Scouts began at the tender age of five, and it has been a cornerstone of her life ever since. She describes the Girl Scouts as an avenue that not only allowed her to give back to her community but also provided her with unique opportunities that she wouldn’t have encountered otherwise. This early involvement with the organization set the stage for her future as a leader.

“I’m passionate about my Girl Scouts Silver Award project about Equality in Sports because I have experienced inequality on the field since I was in elementary school, and feel that no one should have to go through that,” said Asnani. “My hope is to inspire people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.”

The Leader of the Year Award also comes with various scholarships and prizes, but for Nina, the true reward was the opportunity to attend the Alex Morgan Confidence Gala and meet some truly inspiring individuals. Additionally, she received Nike soccer cleats and a gift bag, items that further symbolized her accomplishments. Nina takes great pride in recognizing that this award isn’t just a personal victory; meeting Alex Morgan, one of her lifelong heroes, was a surreal experience.

“I am so grateful for my family and friends, who have supported me throughout my entire journey,” said Asnani. “I understand that most kids don’t have as many opportunities as me, so it makes this moment very special.”

With her newfound platform as Leader of the Year, Asnani has a clear vision of how she wants to inspire other girls in her community. She is committed to inspiring people to stand up for what they believe in and create sustainable change in their communities.