LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Nadia Nadim is a force to reckon with both on and off the pitch — a professional soccer player for NWSL club Racing Louisville FC who also has a new title of doctor.
Nadim had the chance to speak to Newcomer Academy students, but it was about more than just her accomplishments. She was able to have conversations about what it took to get to where she is now.
What You Need To Know
- Nadia Nadim is a professional NWSL soccer player for Racing Louisville FC
- Nadim and her family were forced to flee Afghanistan when she was 11 years old
- Now, she’s a medical doctor and a top NWSL player
- Nadim spoke to Newcomer Academy students about her inspirational story
“We need to see things before we 100% believe in them, so we need to relate,” Nadim said. “I think me standing here showing I was literally in the same spot as you guys, but I kind of made it... If you can say so and if it was possible for me, it’s definitely possible for you.”
After the Taliban killed her father when she was just 11 years old, Nadim and her family were forced to flee Afghanistan to Pakistan and then Denmark. It’s a similar story many Newcomer Academy students have had to deal with.
“I think I’m the luckiest girl that came to the United States. When I saw things happen, it feels so sad for me because everyone loves their country,” former Newcomer Academy and now JCTC student Silsila Afzali said. “I love my country and I felt so sad that this happened and I pray God will move the Taliban from Afghanistan and bring peace in Afghanistan.”
The change is clear, especially after the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in Aug. 2021. Over 30 Afghan students now attend Newcomer Academy and sat in on Nadim’s inspirational story.
Afzali is now studying nursing at JCTC.
“I mean I’m so proud of her that she is a soccer player and a doctor and I think when all Afghan girls see her, I think they will get encouraged,” Afzali said. “We can learn something from her to never give up on life.”
Nadim, who speaks 11 languages, had the chance to speak with not only students from her home country but those from nearly 30 different countries.
Hoping to leave students with one message…
“All the doors are open, you just have to put the work in. And I know it sucks to have to leave everything behind and try to start this new life, but we cannot think of the past,” she said. “Think of your future, and this is a great opportunity for you to have a better future.”
If you would like the chance to see Nadia Nadim hit the field for Racing Louisville FC, their next home game will be Friday, Sept. 16 at 7:30 p.m.