Ella Sports Foundation Welcomes Professional Athlete Yaneisy Rodriguez As Soccer Ambassador

“We are delighted to welcome Yaneisy to the ELLA family as our Soccer Ambassador,” says Patty Godoy, co-founder of ELLA Sports Foundation. “Yaneisy is another example of a young Latina who began playing soccer at an early age and, with the help of her parents, has persevered, building an exemplary sports career.”

“I am so happy to join ELLA as Soccer Ambassador,” says Yaneisy. “I am passionate about working with youth and coaching young athletes. My goal is to inspire and help provide resources to encourage more girls to play sports. I hope my trajectory and hard-won achievements will inspire young Latinas to develop their leadership skills and advance their academic careers through sports.”

As Soccer Ambassador for ELLA, Yaneisy will interact with young girls at schools and sports organizations to inspire them to reach their goals and create a positive impact on their communities through sports.

ABOUT YANEISY RODRIGUEZ

Yaneisy is a talented and dedicated professional athlete that has made a significant impact on the field since joining Pumas Femenil, a Mexican professional women’s soccer club based in Mexico City, during the 2021-2022 season. With 11 starts under her belt, she has quickly established herself as a key member of the team. Prior to joining Pumas Femenil, she played one season with Necaxa Femenil, a professional team based in the city of Aguascalientes, Mexico, where she started in 12 games. In 2021, Yaneisy was selected to participate in a U-20 Mexican women’s national team training camp highlighting her potential. Off the field, Yaneisy is equally dedicated to her studies, currently working towards a bachelor’s degree in communications.

Before her professional career, Yaneisy made her college debut as a student-athlete during the NCAA 2021 Spring Tournament, playing for the University of Washington. Her time as a student-athlete was also marked by her coaching experience. She coached Westside Metro FC U-8/U-9 youth in Portland, Oregon and a Washington Timbers Football Club U-9 girls’ team in Vancouver, Washington. As a defensive player, Yaneisy is known for her ability to both defend and attack. Her style of play is very hardworking and team oriented, making her a valuable asset. Yaneisy aspires to represent Mexico in the World Cup and to play professionally in the U.S. and Europe, to experience the diversity of soccer cultures.

ABOUT ELLA SPORTS FOUNDATION

ELLA is the Spanish language word for “She.” The acronym stands for Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes. It was founded by teenager Lilly Travieso and her mother Patty Godoy. Lilly began playing sports at a young age. Over the years, she became passionate about playing softball and dreamed of playing the sport at a top university someday. Lilly embarked on a strenuous mental, physical, and academic journey to achieve her dream. However, along the way, she discovered the many obstacles and disparities faced by Latina athletes culturally and economically.

After an arduous journey facing many obstacles and with the help of her parents, Lilly applied to and was accepted to Cornell University on a sports scholarship. Her own struggles inspired Lilly establish an organization that would help young Latina athletes like herself to have the same opportunities, such as the mentorship and support they need as they embark on their own athletic, academic, and professional journey. With the help of her mother, Patty Godoy, Lilly founded ELLA Sports Foundation, a 501(c) non-profit with a mission to support young Latinas to become leaders of tomorrow through sports and academic excellence.

ELLA, which stands for Empowering Leadership in Latina Athletes, seeks to develop strong Latina leaders that will positively impact their communities while establishing their own legacy. The ELLA network provides young female athletes with opportunities to prepare themselves with college preparatory courses, high quality training, valuable networking, athletic and college mentorship, and exposure to leadership opportunities.