A Story of Support Beyond the Field Queens, NY — In a world where symbolic gestures often get lost in the noise, some stand out not because they’re loud but because they matter deeply to real people. Diaza’s latest collaboration with Queens College is one of those moments. Last season, Diaza partnered with Queens College Men’s Soccer to create a special edition autism jersey not tied to a specific awareness month or event but born from a deeply personal place.  The jersey was designed in honor of the coach’s son, who has autism, a reminder that support and recognition for the autism community should be year-round, heartfelt, and ongoing. “This wasn’t just about a jersey,” says Diego Hurtado, founder of Diaza. “It may not be autism awareness month, but showing support for this cause is year-round for us.” This sentiment reflects Diaza’s broader philosophy: sport, community, and inclusion are connected in ways that transcend calendars and marketing moments, they’re about real people and lived experience. The collaboration came from a desire to uplift the coach’s family and the wider autism community in a way that feels genuine and visible. Diaza worked closely with Queens College to craft a design that would honor the coach’s son while also resonating with players and fans alike. The result was more than a piece of apparel, it was a statement of belonging. Throughout the build and reveal, the response from the team and community was powerful. Players wore the jersey with pride, fans shared photos and stories online, and many in the autism community reached out to express their appreciation.  “Spreading awareness for this specific issue or topic is really important. I think some people think it's all a stigma around it and I think just embracing a little more and just coming together.", said one of the members of the team when the jersey was first presented to them. The jersey wasn’t a one-off gesture; it became a catalyst for conversation and connection. "Different, not less. Just because you're different doesn't mean you're worth less. This jersey means variety. You know, everyone's different but we all fit in. That's the main thing. It's bigger than the game. Different doesn't mean less. That's all.”, said another of the Queens College players. Diaza’s work on this initiative reflects its broader commitment to using sport and design as tools for representation and support. From high school fields to college programs, the brand has always focused on stories that matter, not just headlines or trends. This project was no different. "Everyone's equal. Everyone deserves the same chance as everyone else. The design is awesome. I mean, the puzzle pieces, it just brings everything together", said one member of the Queens College program, echoing the impact of something that may seem small but carries big meaning. As Diaza continues to expand its platform, projects like the autism jersey with Queens College showcase the power of intentional support, not just in April, but every day of the year. About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl

Fort Lauderdale - From an unexpected start in goal to a professional debut in Fort Lauderdale, Bella Hara’s journey shows how confidence, leadership, and persistence shape a goalkeeper’s path. Bella Hara didn’t grow up dreaming of becoming a goalkeeper. In fact, soccer wasn’t even the sport she wanted to try at first. As a child in San Diego, she explored a wide variety of activities, from gymnastics to basketball and even ice skating. Soccer only entered the picture because her friends at school were joining the team. “I honestly wanted to do everything except soccer,” Hara says with a laugh. Eventually she decided to give it a chance. The early days weren’t easy. She describes herself as athletic but uncoordinated when it came to controlling a soccer ball. Then one moment changed everything. During a game, the team’s goalkeeper was missing and the coach asked if anyone wanted to step in. “I said yes mostly because I didn’t want to run anymore,” she recalls. That spontaneous decision turned out to be the beginning of her future position.   Discovering the Goalkeeper Mindset At first, Bella balanced playing forward and stepping into goal when needed. But as she moved into club soccer and continued developing, she realized the goalkeeper role suited her personality and instincts. She began committing to the position full-time, eventually moving through competitive clubs in the San Diego area including Albion and San Diego Surf. Those environments helped shape her technical development and gave her the confidence to pursue soccer beyond youth competition. “They helped me realize that college soccer was a real possibility,” she says.   Handling the Pressure Goalkeepers occupy one of the most demanding positions in the game. A mistake anywhere else on the field may go unnoticed. For a goalkeeper, it often decides the outcome of a match. Hara has learned to manage that pressure by adopting a very specific mentality. “Every player is going to make mistakes,” she explains. “As a goalkeeper, they just become more visible.” Instead of focusing on avoiding errors, she focuses on how quickly she can move forward from them. “The biggest mistake you can make is remembering the last mistake.” Developing that short memory has allowed her to stay composed and confident even in high-pressure situations.   The Power of Communication One of Hara’s most distinctive qualities on the field is her voice. Her mother often jokes that she’s the loudest player during matches and that’s intentional. As a goalkeeper, she sees the entire field in front of her. Communication becomes one of the most powerful tools for organizing the team and maintaining defensive structure. “My college coach used to say that when you’re communicating constantly, you’re not stuck inside your own head,” Hara explains. That leadership style means guiding teammates, offering encouragement, and providing clear instructions during the game. “Being vocal helps the entire team,” she says. “And it keeps me focused on the moment.”   From College Success to the Professional Level Hara’s college career included one of the most significant achievements in any athlete’s journey: winning a national championship during her fifth year. Shortly after, she reached another milestone. She signed her first professional contract and made her pro debut in Fort Lauderdale. For a player who came through the Division II college system, the achievement carried special meaning. “Not many D2 athletes make it to the professional level,” she says. “So realizing that I’ve made it here is something I’m really proud of.” At the same time, she keeps the mindset that helped her reach that stage. “I still carry that chip on my shoulder,” she says. “It reminds me to stay humble and keep improving.”     The Support Behind the Journey Behind every athlete’s career is a network of people who make the journey possible. For Bella Hara, that support system starts with her parents. “They’ve been to every single game,” she says. “They drove me to tournaments, helped with recruiting emails to college coaches, everything.” Her coaching staff at Cal Poly Pomona also played a pivotal role in shaping her career. When she transferred into the program, she was struggling with confidence and consistency. The coaching staff, led by Jay Mason along with Dan Richards and goalkeeper coach Gutierrez, helped rebuild her mentality and elevate her performance. “They met me where I was at,” she says. “But they also pushed me to be better.”   Advice for the Next Generation Looking back at her journey, Hara believes the most important element for young athletes is maintaining joy in the game. “The path can feel long and exhausting sometimes,” she says. But losing the love for soccer makes the journey harder. “You have to remember why you started playing in the first place,” she explains. “If you keep that joy, everything else becomes easier to manage.”     Inspired by the Pioneers As part of Women’s History Month, Hara reflects on the players who helped shape her understanding of the sport. She grew up watching legends of the U.S. Women’s National Team like Mia Hamm, Julie Foudy, and Michelle Akers. Those early generations of players helped establish the global reputation of women’s soccer. “They were pioneers,” Hara says. “They kept pushing forward even when the sport didn’t have the recognition it has today.” Their influence helped inspire a new generation of players—including Hara herself.   Staying Present Today, Hara continues building her career with the same mindset that helped her grow from a hesitant youth player into a professional goalkeeper. Her advice is simple but powerful: “Be where your feet are.” For athletes chasing their goals, the journey can feel overwhelming at times. But focusing on the present moment—training, competing, improving—creates the foundation for everything that comes next. And for Bella Hara, that mindset continues to guide every step of the journey.   About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootball  

Ann Arbor - From local youth soccer in Michigan to balancing the game with medical school and community outreach, Emily Eitzman’s journey shows how the sport can shape both personal growth and service to others. For Emily Eitzman, soccer has always been part of her life. Growing up in Saline, Michigan, she started playing with local youth clubs at an early age. What began as a childhood activity quickly became a constant presence in her life. “I’ve been playing soccer for as long as I can remember,” she says. Her early years were spent developing with the Saline Area Soccer Association before moving into more competitive environments, eventually joining teams in Livonia and later AFC Ann Arbor. By the time she reached high school, she was already competing alongside college players with AFC Ann Arbor during the summer season, an experience that exposed her to a higher level of play early in her career.   Balancing Sport and Academics While soccer remained a central part of her life, Eitzman always pursued her academic ambitions alongside the game. She attended the University of Michigan, where she played for the university’s club soccer team while completing her undergraduate degree. She later continued her studies with a business master’s program and is now pursuing medical school. Maintaining that balance between athletics and academics required strong discipline. “Time management is really important,” she explains. “At the start of each week, I plan everything, classes, soccer, and the other things I’m involved in.” For Emily, the key is prioritizing what matters most. “I try to remind myself why I’m doing all of these things,” she says. “When you’re passionate about something, you find a way to make time for it.”   A Team That Became a Community Emily has spent several summers playing with AFC Ann Arbor, a team that has become a meaningful part of her soccer journey. When she first joined the club, she was still in high school and unsure what to expect. Most of her teammates were already college athletes, but the environment quickly became welcoming and supportive. “I had so much fun from the beginning,” she recalls. Over the years, the club has brought together players from different universities, states, and even countries. That diversity has created a new team dynamic every season. “One of my favorite parts is meeting new people each summer,” she says. “You build friendships with players from so many different backgrounds.” Beyond competition, the club also emphasizes community involvement.     Soccer Beyond the Field Through AFC Ann Arbor, Emily became involved with the Mighty Oak Project, the nonprofit outreach arm connected to the club. The initiative focuses on using soccer as a tool to provide opportunities for children who might not otherwise have access to the sport. “That experience really shaped me,” she says. The outreach work helped reinforce her belief that sports can bring people together and create opportunities far beyond competition. It’s a philosophy that continues to guide many of the projects she pursues today.   Sharing Stories Through Books Emily Eitzman has also found a unique way to share life lessons inspired by soccer and family experiences. She has written two children’s books, both influenced by stories from her grandfather. The first, Grandpa’s Advice, reflects on his outlook on life while living with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the challenges he faced, he maintained an attitude of gratitude and appreciation for everyday moments. “That really inspired me,” she says. Her second book, Rishi and the Banana Leaf Ball, tells a story from her grandfather’s childhood in India. Without access to a soccer ball, he created one out of banana leaves so he could play with friends. “It’s about perseverance,” Eitzman explains. “If you really want to do something, you find a way.”   A Lifelong Love for the Game Although she has played other sports—basketball, cross country, and track—soccer always remained her strongest connection. When the time came to focus on a single sport, the decision felt natural. “I loved basketball,” she says. “But soccer just felt like part of who I am.” Part of that connection comes from the simplicity of the game. All it takes is a ball, an open space, and a few people who want to play. “It’s a sport that brings people together,” she says.   Inspired by Family As part of Women’s History Month, Emily Eitzman reflects on the women who have had the greatest influence on her journey. Her mother and grandmother stand out as the two people who shaped her values the most. “They’ve always been incredible support systems for me,” she says. Both have played important roles in encouraging her goals, whether in sports, academics, or community work. Her mother even helps support the amputee soccer program Eitzman helped establish at Michigan. “We call her the equipment manager,” she says with a smile.   Playing for the Love of It Despite the demanding schedule of medical school, Emily continues to play soccer whenever she can. For her, the game remains a source of joy, connection, and energy. “I just love playing,” she says. And after years of balancing athletics, academics, and outreach, that passion for the sport still remains the driving force behind everything she does.     About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootball  

In North Carolina’s growing soccer landscape, Briar United FC is building something intentional. North Carolina - Now expanded into a two-team structure, competing in both the United Premier Soccer League Premier Division and Division 1, while also participating in the U.S. Open Cup, Briar United is positioning itself as more than just a semi-professional club, creating a merit-based platform designed to give overlooked talent a real opportunity. First team competes as Briar United FC in UPSL Premier Division and U.S. Open Cup competition; While the just launched team, Briar United Castle FC, competes in UPSL Division 1, strengthening the club’s developmental structure and competitive depth.   A Club Built on Purpose For owner and head coach Nelson Mendoza, Briar United’s identity is clear: “Our team thrives on hard work and a shared sense of purpose; by navigating challenges together like a family, we continue to evolve into a more professional and impactful organization.” That family-first mentality is not just language. It reflects the club’s internal standards and long-term vision. “Our mission is to cultivate a high-performance culture through elite international standards, fostering a lifelong love for soccer while preparing young athletes for the global stage,” Mendoza explains. This is a club that measures success collectively: “We measure our success by our ability to operate with unwavering cohesion, recognizing that our greatest triumphs are achieved only when we win as one.”     Competing With Ambition Entering the U.S. Open Cup marked a defining moment in Briar United’s trajectory. “The prestige of the U.S. Open Cup and the competitive rigor of the UPSL bring out the best in our team, inspiring a relentless pursuit of growth in every player's professional and personal life,” Mendoza says. That ambition is backed by structure. Player recruitment is based on comprehensive evaluation, technical ability, experience, and professionalism, but with a key difference: access. Unlike many semi-professional environments that require costly evaluation fees, Briar United operates on a merit-based model with free open tryouts. The goal is simple: remove financial barriers and allow talent to earn opportunity. On the field, Mendoza believes the difference is cultural. “What sets Briar United FC apart is our disciplined culture, which ensures we maintain the highest professional standards on and off the pitch.”     Leadership Rooted in Experience Mendoza’s journey began in elite environments, mentored by his father among former professional athletes. Although his own playing career was cut short, that transition became the catalyst for Briar United’s founding. “I have dedicated my time and resources to Briar United FC to provide a merit-based platform for those previously overlooked due to race, background, or status,” he shares. The mission is personal. And it’s long-term. Over the next three to five years, Briar United plans to expand its tiered system into a comprehensive academy structure that bridges youth and professional levels, strengthening the pathway within North Carolina.   Community as Stakeholders. Community engagement is foundational “Community engagement is foundational to Briar United FC, as our supporters are the valued stakeholders who drive our mission forward,” Mendoza says. Matchday reflects that connection; an electric atmosphere fueled by a passionate local base that believes in what the club represents.   A Growing Platform As Briar United expands its competitive footprint, partnerships play a critical role in strengthening visibility and professionalism. Diego Hurtado, representing Diaza, emphasized the importance of supporting ambitious community-driven clubs: “Clubs like Briar United represent the future of open development in American soccer. When a team commits to merit-based access, professional standards, and real competitive ambition, that deserves visibility and support.” With two teams competing, a clear pathway model, and a leadership group focused on inclusion and elite performance, Briar United is steadily building its place within the American soccer pyramid. North Carolina soccer is growing. Briar United intends to grow with it and raise the standard along the way.  To follow the club’s journey, match updates, and community initiatives, visit their Instagram:👉 https://www.instagram.com/briarunited/ About Diaza Diaza is one of the fastest-growing sportswear and lifestyle brands in the United States, dedicated to empowering athletes on and off the field. Founded in 2020, Diaza is built on the belief that sport is more than competition: it's a platform to inspire growth, build community, and make a meaningful impact. Diaza collaborates with grassroots clubs, professional teams, and creators to bring soccer culture to life. Website: www.diaza.comInstagram: @diazafootballl