Qiana Brings Soccer to Shortwave Radio

I know you have been wondering what I have been up to for the last few months. For those of you who haven't followed me on Facebook or Twitter, it can be a bit challenging.

Just hang tight. I will be revealing our next, great soccer adventure very, very soon. In the meantime, I can tell you that I have signed on to broadcast my first ever radio show. It will be available worldwide through the shortwave radio station, WRMI (Radio Miami International). Who better to take me and my evangelistic soccer message to the huts, favellas, barrios, beaches and streets of far flung places across the planet?

You can catch me hosting my show Eat Soccer! from 8:00-8:15 p.m. EST (0100 UTC) every Thursday. For those of you who do not have a shortwave radio, do not worry. I've got you covered. Catch me on WRMI's live streaming broadcast at the listed time above.

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Soccer & The Path Less Traveled

Free Style Soccer Goes Qiana

My traveling schedule has started to pick up, and this past weekend I found myself yet again in Charlotte. Being that I like to kill many birds with one stone, I lined up a birthday party attendance, a visit to the Concrete2Green futsal center and a few important conversations with my mentors.

During a drive on Saturday morning, one of my mentors began telling me a story. She recalled how, in the midst of admiring other accomplished colleagues, she found herself unrealistically comparing her list of accomplishments to those who had more experience than herself.

I remember thinking to myself the irony of hearing this story when, several hours later, I was asked to participate in a freestyle soccer exhibition at the annual Slam Jam at Grayson Park. I expressed my hesitation to participate as I reflected on the tens of people that I have met who have grown up all of their lives doing jaw dropping tricks with the ball.

I resolved in my mind that if this experience was meant for my “freestyle colleagues” then they would be at Grayson Park and not me. With that note, I joined in on the exhibition. The juggling jitters were there nonetheless, but as I continued with my touches on the ball, they disappeared as I flipped the ball from the side of my samba sole to my knee. I may be in the early stages of my free style development. However, showcasing my “free style wizardry” at Slam Jam was quite a coming out event!

Breakfast At Betty's

This Damsel Needs a Disguise

I am at a loss when it comes to cars. In the event I need car maintenance, I take my car to the dealership when the maintenance light comes on. As far as repair, I defer to anyone with more driving experience than me. Sometimes I get a quick answer. Other times, like this past Sunday, my mama directs me to the nearest auto parts store.

The front headlight on my car was out, and I wanted to get a good deal. Now, this wasn’t the first time I had to replace a light. The last time it was one of the lights in the back. However, as I looked at the extra bulb in my glove compartment, I was reminded that, even if this was the right size, I didn’t know the first thing about taking the cover off.

There was no time to waste. I headed to Pep Boys, and began my usual routine of wandering around with my “tried and true” damsel in distress look. The first salesperson, who approached me, was a lady, and she was unfazed by my look of confusion.

“What’s the make and model of your car?” she asked flatly. I told her and she rattled off a four digit number, pointed to an aisle on the left and walked off. Definitely, she was a lady who seemed like she could fix anything on her car.

And just when I thought my act fell flat—a store manager appeared. “Victory is mine,” I thought.

“Are you finding everything that you need?” he asked. With a moment of hesitation, I rambled off the headlight number and told him my inability to locate it. The manager quickly located up the bulb package. I asked him if someone could help me install it because I “just don’t understand how to do it.” He replied, “You never know how to do it!”

I gasped.

In that moment, my mind went dark. I didn’t know what to say. I have never been called out on my damsel in distress act (and for the record I don’t bring it out often).

I innocently asked, “Was it my hair that gave me away?”

The manager laughed and said, “Next time you should wear a hat and dark glasses. Don’t worry. I will install the light for you.”

[Insert sigh of relief here] I did get my desired result, but not without embarrassment. In the future if I pull a damsel in distress again, I am going to need a disguise—straight hair…

Concrete 2 Green: Bringing Futsal to Charlotte’s Inner City

This week I spent a few days in Charlotte. I drove around and looked for any signs of a soccer pick-up scene. Much to my disappointment, I found a few parks without goals and some parks with goals and no people. Imagine my frustration.

However, I was not down for long because I had an appointment to visit Concrete2 Green. Concrete2Green is a socially conscious company that uses innovative and eco friendly strategies to grow the sport of soccer in US inner cities and urban communities. Earlier this year, C2G transformed the old ice skating rink in Eastland Mall into a vibrant futsal center.

My time at C2G was filled with lots of pick-up games and kickups. Moreover, I had the opportunity to see some of Charlotte’s up-and-coming soccer players show off their best tricks.

The C2G Futsal Center provides an opportunity for soccer players (of all ages) to develop their technical ability and freestyle flair in a safe environment. If you come to or live in the Queens City and need a great place to play, feel free to swing by for a few pick-up games or join in on league play. I can guarantee you that when I am in town—it will be the one place that you can catch me at!