Nikki Stanton, what are you FOR?
- What it’s like playing for Seattle, her hometown
- Her commitment to the game of soccer
- Her confident yet laid back sense of style
- Why she cares so much about giving back
- and more
DESCRIBE WHAT IT'S LIKE PLAYING FOR SEATTLE, YOUR HOMETOWN.
"When I go do something in the community here [in Seattle], like go meet a Middle School soccer team for example, I’m not just some random person. I literally grew up five minutes down the road and [they see] that I’ve played soccer all around the world. For them it’s like, “maybe I could go pro, too.”
DESCRIBE THE SACRIFICES THAT YOU'VE MADE THAT HAS GOTTEN YOU TO WHERE YOU ARE TODAY?
"Growing up, I had to sacrifice a lot. But soccer always made me feel like I wasn’t missing out. I’ve been able to meet all these cool people and have all these cool experiences; it’s like, yeah I missed a lot of birthdays and weddings and school dances, but I really think it was worth it."
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR THAT YOUNG BOY OR GIRL OBSESSED WITH SOCCER WHO WANTS TO ONE DAY PLAY AT THE HIGHEST LEVEL?
"When I graduated college, I kept asking other people if they thought I was good enough to go pro. And when I was trying out for pro teams, I wasn’t playing with confidence. And then eventually I had this moment where I thought, “Girl, you can do this! Look at all you’ve accomplished.” You’ve got to believe in yourself in order to get the belief from other people. And just enjoy the journey. You’re going to have ups. You’re going to have downs. Appreciate all the small wins. Don’t dwell on the losses. Because there’s going to be losses."
DESCRIBE YOUR SENSE OF STYLE.
"My style is comfy casual. My work clothes are my sweats. But it’s not just any sweats. I like wearing clothes that stand for something. I like saying something with what I put on."
WHO IS THE BEST DRESSED TEAMMATE YOU'VE EVER HAD?
"Sarah Gorden. I played with her in Chicago for a few years. She wears stuff you wouldn’t pick to put out together. But that’s fashion. I’ve been with her when she’s putting together an outfit and you think there’s no way that’s going to look good and then she looks like an absolute star."
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO GIVE BACK?
"I think some people don’t see the value in giving back. That’s why it’s important for people to continue speak out about how important it is. Because if they hear and see even one or two people giving back then maybe it will show them how important it really is."
WHAT DOES BEING ‘FOR OTHERS’ MEAN TO YOU?
"Being For Others is a lifestyle. You can do it every day. Donate blood. Go to a coffee shop and hold the door. You can just smile at someone. It can be tiny things that can change the way people see the world. When the world seems like a sad place, spreading positivity is so huge."
To explore other chapters of our 'What are you FOR? campaign, please visit for-others.com/blogs/news
