This story was captured in conjunction with The Sports Creative at the Max Myers playground in Philadelphia, PA.

I am Stacie Brilliant, I am 21 years old, and I’m a community soccer coach for FC Max Myers in Philadelphia.

I was born and raised in Haiti until I was 15. I grew up in the capital city named Port-au-Prince. Haiti, compared to the USA, is definitely different, but I loved growing up there because a lot of who I am today because I came from there. My country has influenced my personality, my life, and my hobbies. My favorite part of growing up there was playing street soccer; this used to be the best time.Haiti is part of who I am. Every time I have to introduce myself, I first say that I’m Haitian. Many people think nothing good can come from Haiti, but I’m very proud of myself and Haiti. My favorite personality trait that I got from Haitians is hospitality. I’m a very welcoming person. It doesn’t matter where you’re from. We Haitians, we’ll always make you feel welcome. 

My earliest memory of soccer must have been when I was around 6 yrs old and playing street soccer. I lived with my Aunt and Grandmother, and when we’d see someone outside with a ball, we would go and play. Street soccer is how I fell in love with the game.  The weather was always warm, the street had no asphalt and was surrounded by houses with unique paint colors, and there were always stray dogs.  It was mostly boys playing. When my brother was there, there was no problem, but when he couldn’t play, the boys would be meaner and more rough with me. That never stopped me, though. It’s funny. My parents wanted me to play Volleyball. I didn’t enjoy it at all. I remember that as soon as my volleyball sessions were done, I’d sneak to play soccer without my parents finding out. I remember one time when my parents thought I was at volleyball and I was playing soccer. I got a bad knee injury. I couldn’t tell them; I just had to pretend I was fine. Even though it hurt, I wouldn’t change it for the world. 

I came to the US at 15 and immediately enrolled in high school in Boston. This changed my life. I remember how happy and excited I was when I realized that my high school had a soccer team, and I quickly signed up for it. This opportunity meant a lot to me. It was like a dream come true. Being officially part of a team and having a coach to guide and teach me was a huge step in my soccer journey. I played during my 4 years of high school. Every year the state will select 2 boys and 2 girls from schools within the state and organize a big game. Those selected are called ‘All Stars.’ In my last year of high school, I got selected as an All Star. I was very excited and proud of this recognition. It was also a challenge to me, as I was very shy and that was something I had to overcome to be part of the team.  The weeks ahead of the big game day were amazing. I felt like a true star. I was interviewed, taken headshots, I was even given a uniform. The day of our game was like being on the red carpet. I received a certificate and a medal with pride after my participation.

Today, I live in North East Philadelphia. I’m currently pursuing a degree in Kinesiology. Philadelphia is a great city but it faces the challenge of gun violence. Philadelphia is one of the most dangerous cities I know in the US regarding gun violence. Soccer can help keep children away from gun violence. If you have kids busy at school and then playing soccer in the afternoons, they won’t have time to hang out with the wrong crowd. After such a long day, they won’t have the energy to focus on bad things. I believe that enrolling in soccer during the teenage years is key, as I feel it’s a stage where young people can be easily influenced. But soccer allows them to recharge and ensure they don’t become someone they’re not supposed to be.

I am proud to be a Coach for FC Max Myers; a free soccer program for the community. Many of the kids are refugees or immigrants. I know I’m a role model to the younger kids. Surprisingly, I struggle to make myself heard, particularly with older kids. Even though I am an extrovert, I’m not too loud, so it’s hard for me to call their attention sometimes. I love all of it. However, what I enjoy the most is how the kids have so much fun. I’ve noticed that is a moment for them to relax and not take their lives too seriously. 

Soccer means a lot to me. It's very important in my life. It's my way of being active and being in the moment. I don’t really think about anything else. It is important because of how active it keeps kids and people, not only their bodies but also their minds. I’ve always been against young people staying at home and doing nothing, as it makes it easier for them to engage in bad habits. Programs like the FC Max Myers are important as it removes the economic burden parents face when enrolling their children in after-school activities. Having a play space that is in good shape, is open to the public, and allows people to engage in healthy activities, is priceless.

My three most important values are happiness, respect, and love. My three main goals are to have a family, be happy, and have enough money to have a better life for my children than I had. I don’t want to be mad or miserable in life. I want to be better, do things I enjoy, and have a happy life. My message to girls starting out in soccer is: Don’t listen to the negativity of others, even if your insecurity tells you they might be right. Follow your goals, and do what makes you happy. 

There’s always a place for you in soccer.

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