From US Soccer Communications
USWNT AND NJ/NY GOTHAM FC DEFENDER IMANI DORSEY WINS U.S. SOCCER’S FIRST ONE NATION. SOCIAL IMPACT AWARD
Founding Member of the Black Women Players’ Collective Strives to Make Change in NWSL;Chosen as Winner by U.S. Soccer One Nation Game Ambassadors
CHICAGO (Dec. 22, 2021) – U.S. Women’s National Team and NY/NY Gotham FC defender Imani Dorsey has been voted the winner of U.S. Soccer’s first One Nation. Social Impact Award for her work with the Black Women’s Player Collective (BWPC) . The award honors a player from U.S. Soccer’s National Team programs for their off-field contributions making a positive impact in the areas of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. In recognition of Dorsey, U.S. Soccer will make a donation to the BWPC.
Launched in October 2020, Dorsey was a founding board member of the BWPC, whose mission is to advance opportunities for Black girls in sport and beyond. The organization aims to elevate the image, value and representation of Black women as athletes and leaders across industries, striving to establish a support network that expands access to different career paths before and after playing.
The initial BWPC membership included all 43 Black players competing in NWSL’s 2020 season. Dorsey helps lead the group as one of seven board members working to provide Black girls direct access to soccer at every level through education, mentorship and community development. During its first year of existence, BWPC projects included partnering with several other organizations in the construction of 12 mini soccer pitches in cities across the country and the Voice in Sport mentorship program to provide role models for young Black female athletes.
Dorsey was chosen as the One Nation Social Impact Award winner by this year’s U.S. Soccer’s Game Ambassadors, community members making a difference in the advancement of diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in the cities where the U.S. Men’s National Team and USWNT played this year. Nominees for the award were selected by the U.S. Soccer Athletes’ Council.
Dorsey, a defender for NJ/NY Gotham FC who was drafted with the fifth overall pick in the 2018 NWSL Draft out of Duke University, has played four seasons in the National Women’s Soccer League. She was voted the 2018 NWSL Rookie of the Year and recently received her first senior USWNT cap when she played against Australia in Newcastle on Nov. 30.