​Former US Women’s National Team striker Kim Crabbe will headline Mundialito’s inaugural Youth Leadership Day on Friday, July 10, addressing young athletes from Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls. Crabbe earned a historic distinction as the first Black woman to be called up to the U.S. Women’s National Team in 1985. Prior to her national team selection, she played for George Mason University, where she helped secure the national championship in the same year.
“The greatest reward isn’t what you accomplish yourself—it’s watching the next generation discover what they’re capable of. That’s why opportunities like Youth Leadership Day matter,” Crabbe said in a press release. “Young people need to see leaders who have walked different paths, overcome adversity, and are willing to share what they’ve learned. I hope every participant leaves knowing that their future isn’t defined by where they come from, but by the choices they make and the effort they’re willing to give.”
The event is sponsored by the Rhode Island Sports Commission, the City of Pawtucket, United Way, Hampton Inn, and Serena Gralla. In addition to Crabbe’s keynote, the day will feature workshops led by professionals and community leaders designed to provide athletes with guidance on educational and career pathways. Participating organizations include leaders from the URI Foundation, Johnson & Wales University, Boston Legacy, and RIFC, as noted in the press release.
The day-long program will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 100 Freight Street in Pawtucket, with Crabbe’s keynote scheduled to begin at 10:20 a.m. on Friday. For more information about the event, visit mundialitousa.org.
This article originally appeared in The Providence Journal: USWNT pioneer Kim Crabbe to inspire local athletes for better SEO.