Meet Carolyn Reyes Perez | Soccer Coach & Graphic Designer
We had the good fortune of connecting with Carolyn Reyes Perez and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Carolyn, where are your from? We’d love to hear about how your background has played a role in who you are today?
I was born and raised in the Dominican Republic. My parents and teachers taught me where discipline can lead you from the very beginning and on the other hand, Dominicans are people who thrive despite any adversity.
As a child, I was always playing sports with the boys because most girls were taught not to take sports seriously.
Now, at my age and with all the women empowerment that we are finally seeing nowadays, I’m here to offer women, a safe and healthy spot to play soccer.
I have a background in sports and a degree in Advertising and that has definitely taken me to who I am and where I am today.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am a coach and founder of Pandas FC, a women’s soccer club for all levels. At our club we offer a space free of discrimination of any kind and a healthy enviroment.
Our club has given the opportunity to women who want to learn how to play soccer but has also given an option to soccer players that had many years without playing for different reasons, and that’s something that I’m proud of.
I personally had many years without playing soccer and the pandemic made me think about professional opportunities that could give me a chance to give back to the community one way or another.
It was not easy to leave aside great job opportunities in order to follow my heart. After the pandemic, I started an artisan project with my wife and I was still missing sports, something that would help my physical and mental health.
Once I stepped on the field again, there was no going back. I wanted women to experience what I was feeling.
I want women to know that our soccer club is here to help them to stay active, to give them more confidence, to have a good time playing, but mostly to empower them.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you are visiting Miami, you definetely need to visit the Pérez Art Museum and then take a walk around the Bayside Marketplace.
If you like to be outdoors, Coconut Grove and South Beach are places that you would love to visit. While you are at Coconut Grove, I recommend trying Mister O1 Extraordinary Pizza and at Miami Beach, make sure you pass by the Time Out Market.
To have a shopping and dinning experience with a great view, visit Brickell City Centre at night. If you want to stay active, a little run around the beach will be a good experience.
If you prefer team sports, there a lot of pick-up games options in Miami, including our Sunday pick-up games.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
God and discipline are the main reason of my success. The love and support from my wife and my family had definitely help me every step of the way. I appreciate the support and encouragement from my teammates because it makes me want to lead by example.
My teachers, coaches, friends, colleagues… all of you deserve all the recognition. I am where I am because I surround myself with amazing people that encourage me to be a better person every day.
The biggest shoutout should be to everyone that is part of PANDAS FC, this soccer club exists because of you!
Website: https://www.instagram.com/pandasmiamifc/
Instagram: @pandasmiamifc
Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
