Athlete Ally welcomes new Pro Ambassadors
NEW YORK (June 23) – Today Athlete Ally welcomes eight members of the United States Deaf Soccer team – Emily Cressy, Maddie Taylor, Anna Smither, Allie Galoob, Mia Marin, Lexi Cano, Kate Ward, Becky Toler and Meghan Maiwad – along with coach and retired United States Women’s National Team Coach, Amy Griffin as Professional Ambassadors.
They join more than 150 other professional athletes who participate in the Athlete Ally’s Ambassador program, which helps the organization promote lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender inclusion and equality in sports and under the law, by speaking out to their peers and fan bases.
“These athletes know first hand the importance of equal access, opportunity, and experience in sports.” said Hudson Taylor, Athlete Ally Founder and Executive Director. “We’re incredibly proud that they’ll be joining an ever-growing team of Olympic, Paralympic, and professional athletes working together to spread the messages of LGBT respect inclusion on and off the field of play.”
The United States Deaf Soccer team was founded in 1999 and competes for the US in deaf soccer competitions. Under international criteria, players must have an average hearing loss of 55 Decibels or more in the best ear to compete. During matches, players must remove all hearing aids before playing, creating another obstacle to overcome.
The US team has won gold at the Deaf Olympic Games in 2005, 2009 and 2013.
Athlete Ally’s newest Pro Ambassadors are:
Emily Cressy
Forward/Midfielder
I am proud to be an Athlete Ally because I want to help awareness and equality for the LGBT community in sports. I am a firm believer that love has no boundaries, and in sports, nothing else should matter except the person’s love for the game.
Maddie Taylor
Defender
I am an Athlete Ally because I think people should be able to play the sport they want to play and love who they want to love. Everyone should be treated equally and with respect, no matter who they are, both on and off the field.
Anna Smither
Defender
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally because we all deserve to be equal with one another and to be heard.
Allie Galoob
Midfielder
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally because everyone deserves to experience the passion and thrill of being an athlete, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Mia Marin
Center/Midfielder
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally Ambassador because I take pride in being a role model and representing the Deaf Culture and youth.
Lexi Cano
Defense
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally Ambassador because I am for everyone being treated equally.
Kate Ward
Midfielder
I am proud to be an Athlete Ally because I believe that sports should create the wonderful opportunity for all to be successful and celebrated, no matter their differences.
Becca Toler
Goalkeeper
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally because everyone should be treated with respect. I believe in the Golden Rule: Treat others how you want to be treated.
Meghan Maiwad
Goalkeeper
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally Ambassador because we all deserve equality, inclusion, dignity and respect.
Amy Griffin
Coach and 1991 FIFA Women’s World Cup Champion
I’m proud to be an Athlete Ally because I want to help make sure the world is, are and inclusive for all.
About Athlete Ally
Athlete Ally is a non-profit organization that educates and empowers the athletic community to take a stand against homophobia and transphobia in sports. Athlete Ally works with MLB, the NBA, WNBA, and NBPA on player development and LGBT inclusion. It also co-wrote the NCAA’s LGBT policies and resource guides and partners with over a hundred professional athletes and college campuses to promote LGBT equality and respect.
To contact Athlete Ally:
Ted Rybka
Director of Communications
Athlete Ally
ted.rybka@athleteally.org
347-705-9760
Also connect with Athlete Ally on
Twitter: www.twitter.com/athleteally,
Facebook: www.facebook.com/athleteally,
or by visiting http://www.athleteally.org