LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) - Racing Louisville FC captain Jaelin Howell secured her biggest victory of the year off of the field.
The midfielder won the NWSL's Nationwide Community Impact Award on Saturday night for her continued work with Down Syndrome of Louisville. With the victory, Nationwide will donate $25,000. She won thanks to votes from fans and a panel of judges that included representatives from the NWSL, NWSL Players Association, Nationwide and NWSL Media Association.
"It's such an honor and a blessing to receive the Nationwide Community Impact Award for Down Syndrome of Louisville," Howell said. "Thank you to Racing and our wonderful Louisville community for your constant support.
"It's always amazing to see when communities can come together and change people's lives through sport. Thank you to Nationwide for providing this platform and opportunity. I'm so proud of all the other community ambassadors in the NWSL and their work to create positive change. We hope this is just the beginning in our partnership with DSL!"
Racing Louisville FC captain Jaelin Howell partnered with Down Syndrome of Louisville to host a dance for individuals with intellectual disabilities of all ages at St. Leonard Parish on July 22, 2023.
Howell's work is inspired by a close relationship with a family friend who has Down syndrome. The 23-year-old spearheaded a partnership between Racing Louisville FC and the organization to try to build friendships and advocate for inclusion.
"When Jaelin shared that she wanted to get involved with Down Syndrome of Louisville, I was so excited to put the club’s support behind her," Racing community engagement coordinator Stephanie Burdorf said. "What I didn’t know then was how contagious and steadfast her passion is, and it quickly spread to me, her Racing teammates and our fans as we introduced the amazing work DSL does into our game day experience and community efforts.
"Jaelin has led the charge in creating a beautiful partnership with DSL, and we are so proud of her for winning this award."
She shined a spotlight on the partnership by hosting the first-ever Racing BFF Dance this past summer. It was a mixer event similar to prom, as Down Syndrome of Louisville members enjoyed an evening of fun with coaches and players from Racing Louisville FC.
For Racing Louisville FC captain Jaelin Howell, Down Syndrome of Louisville hits close to her heart.
Howell has also hosted a soccer clinic and raised money for the organization via the 2023 Kindness Warrior Walk. She helped Racing staff, players and fans donate markers, disposable cutlery and disinfecting wipes to DSL, which are the three most commonly used items at the organization's facility.
The former No. 2 overall pick in the 2022 NWSL Draft also could often be seen sporting a Boogie Down Crew shirt. Racing sponsors the 11-and-up dance team that performs more than 30 times a year at DSL and community events, and held Kindness Warrior Training sessions for players and staffers.
Courtesy of David Mucker
Howell is one of the young stars making up a promising core for Racing Louisville FC. The defensive midfielder has twice ranked in the NWSL's top 10 for blocks, interceptions and tackles won.
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