OL Reign Academy Announces Boeing Scholarship Winners

OL Reign announced today that OL Reign Academy players Arianna Ortiz and Fia Jagodzinske are this year’s recipients of the Boeing Scholarship for young soccer players of color. The Boeing Scholarship program debuted in 2020 as a result from OL Reign’s longstanding partnership with Boeing and covers the full participation fee for two OL Reign Academy players each season.

“This year, we are proud to have Fia and Arianna as our 2022 Boeing Scholarship recipients. One of our top priorities as an academy is to create a playing and training environment that supports all players, regardless of their race, income or socioeconomic background. One of the ways in which we do this, is through our partnership with Boeing,” said Amy Griffin, OL Reign Academy Executive Director.

Developed as an effort to address the underrepresentation of girls in youth soccer, the Boeing Scholarship program is an extension of OL Reign’s partnership with Boeing. The two organizations have a history of working together to support and ensure equity and inclusion in Washington state.

In 2021, the Boeing Scholarship was awarded to Avah Snodgrass, Tatiwyat Buck and Arianna Ortiz and players were recognized at OL Reign’s match against NJ/NY Gotham FC on August 21,, 2021. In addition, Boeing continued their efforts to focus on diversity, equity and inclusion by making $50,000 donation to the Black Future Co-op Fund prior to the iconic doubleheader event in 2021.

At its core, OL Reign Academy was built by women, for women, with a goal to empower the next generation of female footballers on and off the field.

“The environment here is just so inclusive,” said Ortiz. “I feel so much closer to actually being able to play professionally. Having the Boeing Scholarship has really helped me to develop as a player and just continue to follow my dreams that I’ve always wanted to accomplish. Now I know that it’s not impossible and I know that I can one day reach that goal. I’m really excited to see other people like me on the field, getting what they deserve.”

“I’ve been playing soccer since I was three. I definitely feel more motivated that I have the Boeing Scholarship now because I know that there is something helping me get there. It helps inspire me to know that it’s not just me and there are a lot of other people stepping up to pave the way,” said Jagodzinske.

“Our family is a family of five children, so there’s seven of us. Things have been tighter, so it was such an amazing gift that [Fia] got it. This is her true heart of hearts of playing.”,” said Kristin Jagodzinske.

She continued,“As parents, we are just excited for her to see that it’s really possible and that it’s not a far reach, so we are very thankful to Boeing to do this.”

Jagodzinske and Ortiz will be recognized at halftime of OL Reign’s final regular season home match at Lumen Field on October 1 against the Orlando Pride.