CHARLOTTE, N.C. - "Being a Queens student-athlete has made me more independent and confident," says Rodrigo Canovas '28. "Coming from Brazil and being away from my family and friends for the first time was a big change. Soccer helped me find a community here, but being a student-athlete also taught me how to handle responsibilities, manage my time, and keep going even when things are difficult."
Today marks the launch of Investing in Champions, Queens Athletics' annual giving campaign. Every gift this week goes directly to student-athletes like Canovas and his teammates, funding the nutrition, travel, and training resources that shape the Queens Men's Soccer experience — for the team and the individual.
"The biggest way I see this sport shape our athletes as people, not just competitors, is that they become leaders for life," says Head Coach Oliver Carias.
Canovas came from Brazil, moved to Germany for a few years, and eventually arrived in the United States to continue his education and his soccer career. "Every time I put on the Queens jersey, I think about that journey and the people who helped me get here," he says. "I feel proud to represent the university and my teammates."
Soccer taught him to deal with failure and pressure. "I've learned that I can't control everything, but I can control how I respond," Canovas says.
The team's culture is written down as the Queens Standard, which opens with the line, "We are family by choice, brothers by commitment."
It's not just words on a wall for this team, either. "One memory that stands out is being around my teammates after a difficult game or practice and realizing that these people had become my family away from home," Canovas says. "When I first came to Queens, I was in a completely new country and didn't really know anyone. Soccer gave me my first real group of friends here."
Donor support, Carias says, lets the program enhance every detail of the athlete experience. This is especially true for Canovas, who says generosity has helped him "to study in another country, compete at a high level, meet people from different backgrounds, and grow as a person."
"There are a lot of moments that people don't see, like the early mornings, practices, classes, and times when you're struggling but still have to keep going," Canovas says. "Knowing that people believe in Queens student-athletes makes those moments feel meaningful."
This week, you can be a part of the Queens Men's Soccer story. With a fundraising goal of $15,000, every gift plays a role in helping turn this team into a family. Check out this year's challenges, giveaways, and goals HERE.
Investing In Champions is October 2-9, 2026. Unlock Royals Club benefits with gifts of $100 or more. For questions or information on issuing your own challenge, please reach out to Danielle Evans-Clan, director of athletics advancement, at evanscland@queens.edu.
