CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Kennedy Simon '28 firmly believes, "If you are a close and loyal group, you can get through anything together."
Today marks the launch of Investing in Champions, Queens Athletics' annual giving campaign. Every gift this week goes directly to support student-athletes like Simon and her teammates, funding the quality gear, travel, nutrition, and tech support that keeps the team moving through a fall season with more than 20 matches.
"Soccer is the catalyst to help our young people grow and learn in all aspects of life," says Head Coach Shannon Neely, "from overcoming challenges to learning skills of working with people from all walks of life. The lessons learned during college athletics can help someone be a better friend, family member, employee, and anything they would like to be in life."
"My sport has helped me grow over the years in many ways," Simon says. "Most importantly, it has helped me grow as a person. Growing up with many girls around me through thick and thin has taught me to always be there for people, especially when they need it most. It has helped me grow as a leader by bringing positivity and energy to not only the field, but life."
She's not the only one who cherishes the community built. "Queens Women's Soccer means resilience, perseverance, and determination at all times," says Alivia McCain '28. "Whether it's in a game, dealing with an injury, or just in our day-to-day lives with challenges we face. We have a culture of genuine care and respect each other highly."
Neely hopes the growth and leadership skills honed stay with every player long after her time on the roster ends. She hopes to help cultivate self-assurance and reinforce the belief that each player is capable and valuable. Years from now, Neely says, it's often pride in helping build the team's culture that stays with her former players most.
This Investing In Champions, Simon has a message to share. "My team and I are beyond grateful for the support, and the opportunities your donation would bring," she said. "It means everything to have someone believe in us and our program. The experiences we get to have because of someone so kind are something that we do not ever take for granted."
This week, you can invest in Simon, McCain, and every one of Queens Women's Soccer's 30 student-athletes. With a goal of $50,000, every gift is an investment in the culture and community that builds leaders for life. Challenge details to be added.
Check out this year's challenges and progress toward the goal at queens.edu/royals-giving.
Investing In Champions is October 2-9, 2026. Unlock Royals Club benefits for 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.
