Recent Jackson State University grad and Texas Rush Alumni, Kamri Brown, has relocated to Costa Rica for a year-long fellowship with Beyond Sports. Brown was chosen to design a leadership academy for young female athletes, continuing to honor her commitment to empowering women.

One of just nine women to be selected for this rare opportunity, Brown is excited to bring her passions to an environment that will produce personal growth and allow her to lead the female athletes around her.

“I dedicated so much time to being a student-athlete, that I didn’t acquire as much professional experience as I would’ve liked,” Kamri says. “I was thrilled to find an opportunity where I will be able to strengthen my entrepreneurial skills and also shape future generations of female athletes.”

Brown’s background with Texas Rush have given her a foundation of grit.

“I played for Texas Rush for about 8 years or so. Unlike most of the naturally talented girls who jumped right to Nike (the top team at the time), I struggled and played on every single lower level team. I took what I could from each team and learned what it means to work for something you want. I was never content with not being the best and I was determined to play with the Nike team. I got knocked down quite a few times, but I always had to get up and keep going.

I was lucky enough to play on Stuart Fitzsimons team and he was one of the best coaches I've had in my entire soccer career. He was extremely tough but he never gave up on us. Our team was very successful and then we entered ECNL and had a very rude awakening. He sat us down one day and asked us if we knew what tenacity meant. He explained how diligence never loses because it never quits and that we couldn't wait for anyone to hand us anything in life, and that we needed to go and get it ourselves. I still remember the exact spot I was at when he told us. That moment still comes to mind today when I'm feeling lazy or not actively doing something that can better myself or someone else’s life.”

Brown certainly kept her attitude of diligence after her career with Rush Nike, signing with the Jackson State University Tigers. Throughout her career at Jackson State, Brown worked to create events focused on assisting small businesses in the area and organize professional development opportunities for Jackson State students.

After graduation, Brown searched for opportunities to use her skills and talents.

“Playing for The Rush helped create a strong foundation for my life. I don't think I would be willing to step out of my comfort zone and start this new chapter if it wasn't for my time with Rush Soccer.”

Brown and her team of fellows will work to install the Beyond Sports Girls Leadership Academy of Service and Sport, or GLASS. This program will host high school female athletes for ten days in Costa Rica beginning in the spring of 2019.

Brown and her team designed a curriculum that will lead the next generation of female athletes and expose them to sport-specific training, leadership development, service opportunities, and adventure excursions.

“Throughout my entire experience with Rush, I learned how to pick myself back up, work hard for what you want, and to never give up,” Brown concluded.

“All of these lessons have stuck with me today and allows me to be the perfect example for young girls. That's why what I'm doing in Costa Rica is so important; we're able to show young girls the lessons we've learned throughout our collegiate career and help them establish an important foundation that will stay with them on and off the field.”