Featured Player of the Month: Devin Quezada
“You can’t noun on verbs. You just gotta do it”, explains SSUSA Women’s player Devin Quezada. And that’s exactly what she has done.
Devin joined the Bay Area’s Women’s Program in January of 2017, and has been an integral part of the team ever since. Before Street Soccer, Devin had a hard time coming to terms with her addiction. Constantly internalizing her feelings, she strayed away from community settings. Now, months later, she is true a leader in San Francisco’s Adult Program and has landed herself a job with SSUSA’s Corporate Partner and Gear Supplier, Uniqlo. Whether she’s recruiting new players or building positive relationships with current team members, Devin’s love for the Street Soccer community is contagious. Avery Kidwell, the SF Women’s Coach was able to dig a little deeper:
What was your first impression of SSUSA?
Well I definitely believe in signs and think the universe gives you what you need at the right time. Street Soccer was what I needed. I instantly felt the release and a confirmation that everything was going to be okay. I remember leaving the first practice and I couldn’t stop laughing. I was just happy. I was ready to trade in my addiction for a community of support.
Do you take the life skills taught each week to heart?
You bet. First and foremost I always make it a priority to show up, the first lesson engrained in our heads. If I can’t make a practice, a game or an event, I will always let my coaches know ahead of time. But I think all the life lessons we practice each week only enhance what I’m practicing in my recovery. So if we are out here practicing playing with heart, then you better believe I will be present and push myself. They are good reminders how to live.
How has the Street Soccer community supported you off the field?
Off the field is where the unique support lies. It’s authentic. Something I have not witnessed in a while. I have coaches that text me weekly just to simply check in – one even wrote me a very heartfelt letter to simply acknowledge my important role on Team Gold. That stuff just doesn’t happen to me! And then we are invited to professional soccer games and provided with job opportunities? I struck gold.
How did you feel when you got the Uniqlo job?
Hopeful. Very hopeful. When I found out about the opportunity to visit the headquarters, I couldn’t stop smiling. This smile grew tenfold when we were actually at the site, and then you can imagine the full on squeal everyone had to hear when I actually got the job. I am forever grateful. To put this all into perspective, I have two huge passions – clothes and the environment. Uniqlo covers both of these areas. I am currently aiming to work on their Creative Team and take in as much information as I can.
Where do you see yourself in the Street Soccer Community in a year?
Right here! I’m so used to being a wanderer that I have a new energy from being committed to something. I’ve found the joy in communication again. I love saying I am part of a team and a really really cool one at that. Oh and eventually when I’m a millionaire I’d like to give back lots of money and my time!
What advice would you give to new members looking to join the Street Soccer Community?
Remember we all have a past but don’t let it deter you from what is next. Admitting I had a problem made me feel like I was on the floor with the wind knocked out of me. Street Soccer took that feeling away and made me realize it’s okay to admit this and then move forward. So just do it. Reconnect with people and a community. I’ve learned that when you are going through recovery or any other life struggles, find out how to switch the negative to a positive. In my case, I found a new addiction. An addiction to positive relationships and people.