North Park 8el grader Nina Asnani is making waves on and off the field after receiving the Alex Morgan Foundation Homebreak Leader of the Year Award.

Each year, the foundation distributes awards from nominations made by coaches of young athletes. The players, who attend home games for San Diego Wave FC as part of “Alex’s Homebreak,” are awarded based upon leadership, community involvement and drive both within soccer and across their day-to-day lives.

Asnani was presented with her Leader of the Year Award at the Foundation’s inaugural Celebration of Confidence on October 11. Asnani, who is also a local Cadette Girl Scout, was ecstatic when she received the award.

“It all has been really great. It has allowed me to connect with a lot of different people and I am very proud of myself and of my parents for helping me out and getting me to this point,” Asnani explained.

Asnani’s involvement within the San Diego community did not start with the Homebreak Leader of the Year Award. For years, her family, friends and community have been deeply involved through local organizations, such as Girl Scouts San Diego.

“My family and I do a lot of work throughout the community. I am working on my Silver Award right now; it is 50 hours of community service. I chose to represent girls in sports for it and make sure girls in sports get the quality and treatment they deserve. This Homebreak award has been so helpful for that,” Asnani said. “I hope to make a documentary, with coaches and players and spreading awareness on the topic.”

For Asnani, receiving the Homebreak Leader of the Year Award also means a big step in representation.

“I know my parents did not have these opportunities when they were kids. They understand how important this is for me and they are so supportive. This has been such a great way to represent girls of my age and girls of color. This is something I have also been looking to represent within Girl Scouts,” Asnani said.

Now that Asnani has been recognized for her determination and ability to navigate the field and world, she is determined to not stop here.

For years, soccer has been Asnani’s passion. She hopes to continue playing and eventually join a professional league.

“I started playing soccer when I was three. At first, I liked it because it was about making new friends and meeting new people, but eventually I realized I love the sport and everything about it,” Asnani said.

Asnani is thrilled to continue pursuing both soccer and Girl Scouts. Her team, North Park Matrix, has been cheering her on throughout the award process.

“You can never know enough about something you love,” Asnani explained.

More information on the Alex Morgan Foundation Homebreak Leader of the Year Award can be found at alexmorganfoundation.org.