Diaza Places Two Teams in the UPSL Final Four

Southern California - From Southern California youth soccer to international national team camps across Asia, Grace Thao’s journey reflects a player driven by curiosity, resilience, and a deep connection to the game. Grace Thao’s story begins in Southern California, where soccer first became part of her life at the age of seven. While some players discover the sport even earlier, the connection was immediate. “I just fell in love with the ball,” she recalls. “Other sports didn’t really click for me, but soccer felt natural.” That early passion quickly turned into something more serious. By eight years old, Thao was competing in club soccer with San Diego Surf, one of the region’s most respected development programs. Her youth career would later take her through several competitive environments, including Legends and West Coast, as she continued building her game. One element that played a major role in her development was futsal and indoor soccer. The fast-paced style demanded precision, creativity, and comfort on the ball. “Futsal shaped my identity as a player,” she explains. “It helped me develop technical skills and confidence. Sometimes people joke that the ball looks glued to my foot.”   Expanding Her Game Across Borders As her game evolved, so did her ambitions. One of the first major goals Thao set for herself was to represent a national team. Her multicultural background connected to Taiwan, the Philippines, and Thailand, opened the door to opportunities across different international programs. Through years of dedication, she worked her way into the U.S. Youth National Team regional camps and later gained experience within the Philippines U-20 program. More recently, she has also been part of the senior national team pools connected to Taiwan, Thailand, and the Philippines. One of her most memorable experiences came during a national team camp in Bangkok. “It was amazing,” she says. “I had never been to Thailand before, and getting to experience the culture while playing soccer made it even more special.” The opportunity gave her a deeper appreciation for the global nature of the sport.   Different Styles, Same Passion Playing across different countries also exposed Thao to contrasting styles of soccer. In the United States, the game often emphasizes athleticism, strength, and pace. In other parts of the world, she noticed a stronger focus on technical play and ball control. “The styles can be different,” she explains, “but the competitiveness is always there.” Beyond tactics, the cultural experiences left a lasting impact. “Growing up in Southern California, traveling abroad through soccer allowed me to see new places and understand different cultures. That’s something I’m really grateful for.”     Embracing Challenges Moving between teams, countries, and environments is never easy. For Thao, those transitions required learning how to stay grounded while navigating unfamiliar situations. “You’re going to feel uncomfortable sometimes,” she says. “New team, new coaches, new people, it can be intimidating.” Over time, she developed a mindset that allowed her to adapt while staying confident in her own identity. “You have, to stay true to yourself,” she explains. “The things that got you there are the things that make you unique.” Her perspective was shaped by both personal experiences and the support of her family. Her parents consistently encouraged her to embrace who she is, even when others focused on perceived limitations. Standing at 5'2", she has often been reminded that height is considered an advantage in many levels of the sport. Rather than seeing it as an obstacle, she learned to embrace it. “People might say you’re short,” she says with a smile. “And I’ll say, yeah, that’s true. But that’s part of who I am.”   Lessons From Legends Thao’s mentality has also been influenced by athletes she admired growing up. One of her biggest inspirations was Kobe Bryant, whose commitment to discipline and relentless improvement shaped the mindset she carries into soccer. “The idea that you have to sacrifice things for your dreams, that really stuck with me.” During her college career, she also experienced another memorable moment when she met Deion Sanders during his first year coaching at the University of Colorado Boulder. Sanders’ message to athletes resonated with her: belief in yourself is essential, especially when others doubt you. “That mindset helped reinforce what I already believed,” Thao says. “You have to trust that you belong.”   The Next Goal Today, Thao continues her college career at Loyola Marymount University, competing in the West Coast Conference while pursuing the next major objective she set years ago. Her vision remains clear: finish college and take the next step toward a professional career. “I think it’s important to keep setting goals,” she says. “There’s always another level you can reach.”     Women Who Inspire Her As part of Women’s History Month, Thao points first to her mother as one of the most important figures in her journey. “She drove me to practices, supported everything I did, and always believed in me.” On the field, several international stars have also shaped the way she sees the game. Players like Ada Hegerberg, Aitana Bonmatí, Alexia Putellas, and Tobin Heath inspired her growing up. “They all bring something unique to the field,” she says. “Creativity, confidence, personality. That’s what makes the game exciting.”   Looking Forward For Thao, soccer has always been more than a competition. It’s a space where identity, culture, and personal growth all intersect. The next chapter of her journey is still being written, but the foundation is already there: curiosity, determination, and the belief that every challenge is part of the process. And if her path so far has shown anything, it’s that the love for the game continues to guide everything that comes next.     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

Mississippi, USA — The Mississippi Premier League (MSPL) has officially announced Diaza as its Official League Partner, marking a strategic step forward as the league prepares for its inaugural Spring & Summer 2026 season. As part of the partnership rollout, Diaza will provide official league-branded gear for MSPL administrative and league staff, reinforcing professionalism and unified identity at the organizational level. Additionally, Diaza will be introduced to all current and incoming MSPL clubs, offering exclusive partnership opportunities and special apparel programs designed to support team identity and competitive growth.     What the Mississippi Premier League Represents The Mississippi Premier League (MSPL) is a new professional amateur soccer league launching its inaugural Spring & Summer 2026 season, created to meet the growing need for structured, competitive play for clubs across Mississippi and the surrounding region. MSPL aims to provide a clear pathway for ambitious organizations by combining competitive opportunities with league support in club development, promotion, and sustainable growth. Teams in the league will compete in an environment reflecting the intensity and organization of college-level play, while strengthening local soccer ecosystems throughout the state.     Why This Partnership Matters As Official League Partner, Diaza will begin by equipping MSPL administrative and league staff with league-branded gear, elevating professional standards and unity within the organization. More importantly, Diaza will be introduced to all MSPL clubs — both current and future — and will present special apparel offers designed to support club identity, performance, and long-term growth. This partnership goes beyond uniforms. It reflects a shared commitment to brand equity, competitive positioning, and building professionalism at the league level, establishing standards that benefit every member club.     A Shared Vision for Open Development “At Diaza, we believe that the foundation of sustainable soccer growth starts with strong, organized leagues,” said Diego Hurtado, CEO and Founder of Diaza. “Partnering with the Mississippi Premier League represents more than apparel, it reflects our commitment to supporting open development pathways where clubs can grow, identity can flourish, and communities can unite around the sport.” Hurtado continued: “Working with leagues like the MSPL is an investment in the future of soccer in the United States, a future where structure and opportunity go hand in hand.”     The Value for MSPL Clubs Through this partnership: Diaza will be formally introduced to all MSPL member clubs Participating teams will gain access to special partnership offers on technical kits and apparel Clubs will have opportunities for custom gear development with priority service Potential collaborative promotions and co-branded initiatives may be activated alongside the league For incoming teams, this partnership represents a competitive advantage, providing access to professional-grade apparel solutions and brand support aligned with league standards.     Building Momentum Toward 2026 As MSPL prepares for its inaugural 2026 season, the league continues building momentum across Mississippi and beyond. Through strategic collaborations within the U.S. soccer landscape and growing engagement across digital platforms, MSPL is positioning itself as a structured and ambitious platform for competitive clubs statewide. The Diaza partnership reinforces that direction, aligning league infrastructure, visual identity, and club opportunity under one cohesive framework.     Looking Ahead The Mississippi Premier League will officially kick off its inaugural season in Spring 2026. Clubs interested in joining the league or learning more about the Diaza partnership opportunities are encouraged to contact MSPL directly. For more information: MSPL: mspremierleague@gmail.comWebsite: https://www.mspremierleague.com/Instagram: www.instagram.com/mspremierleague/     About Mississippi Premier League The Mississippi Premier League (MSPL) is a competitive professional amateur soccer league launching Spring & Summer 2026. Designed for clubs seeking stronger competition and organizational growth, the league provides a pathway for ambitious teams across Mississippi and beyond.     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

Atlanta, Georgia — For those just discovering him, LozzzProductionz is more than a username. It’s a movement built from the ground up. Behind the lens is Carlos Torres, a video and media production company owner, a soccer journalist, a content creator, and a long-time ambassador for Diaza. But labels don’t fully explain what he does. Loz became a voice for players who weren’t being heard. It started with a problem There was little to no coverage for high school soccer, so during his senior year at Marietta High School, he picked up a camera and created his own platform. The first video he ever posted hit 300,000 views in just two hours. That moment changed everything. What began as coverage for one team became a platform for youth soccer across the country. Since then, Loz has filmed at every level — youth leagues, UPSL, and MLS environments. Moving through those spaces reshaped how he sees the game. For him, every moment matters. Every player is chasing something bigger than 90 minutes. He’s watched unknown players become professionals. He’s seen athletes wearing Diaza grow into the next stage of their careers. That perspective drives his work: spotlight the unseen talent before the world catches up. His style blends cinematic highlights with narration that pulls viewers into the game When Loz hits record, he isn’t just looking for highlights: “I look for emotion. I’m looking for a moment that people will never forget. You will never forget what happened during those 90 minutes. My goal is to make you feel like you’re in the game, just from watching.”, he stated.  A reaction. A celebration. A heartbreak The name LozzzProductionz carries its own story. Before building his production company, he was a FIFA content creator known as “yocarlozzz,” starting a trend of adding three Zs to his name.  A friend shortened his name to “Los,” and it stuck. He merged that identity with his production vision, evolving through versions of the name before landing on LozzzProductionz, a brand that others have since imitated. The Zs became part of the culture. Across youth, semi-pro, and professional levels, Loz has noticed something consistent: maturity beats pure skill. The most talented player doesn’t always win. The one who shows up on time, listens, respects the process, and stays coachable usually goes further. That belief influences how he tells stories and which athletes he chooses to highlight. In today’s content world, Loz thrives in both short-form and long-form formats. Short-form allows him to keep volume high and energy fast. Long-form gives him room to build deeper stories. He understands both are necessary, and he’s built his platform by mastering each. For nearly two years, Loz has grown alongside Diaza The relationship sharpened his professionalism and expanded his vision. From covering Be The Next Pro events to traveling to Cary, North Carolina for The Soccer Tournament (TST), the partnership has placed him at the center of major moments. Working within a structured, unified brand pushed him to elevate LozzzProductionz as a business not just a page. But ask him what he really sees himself as, and the answer goes beyond content creation. He sees himself as a platform for opportunity. His mission is to give players exposure that can change their lives. To preserve moments. To build culture. To open doors. And for 2026? He’s not thinking small. He’s going worldwide. This is LozzzProductionz and if you’re part of Diaza, you’ve likely already seen the impact. If not, you’re about to. Follow LozzProductionz on Instagram: Instagram   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

Austin, Texas - From Long Island youth soccer to the professional stage with Tampa Bay Sun, Jillian Shimkin’s path is a story of persistence, self-belief, and a deep love for the game. For many players, the dream of becoming a professional begins early. For Jillian Shimkin, that dream started at four years old, stepping onto the field in recreational leagues and quickly discovering the competitive side of the sport that would shape her future. Growing up on Long Island, soccer soon became central to her life. She spent nearly a decade developing at Albertson Soccer Club, a program known for producing high-level players. Those years built the foundation of her game, discipline, technical ability, and a competitive mindset. At one point, she balanced two passions: soccer and dance. But by fourth grade, the commitment required to pursue both became clear. “I had to make a choice,” Shimkin recalls. “And I knew soccer was the path I wanted to follow.” Her development continued at New York Soccer Club before she moved on to the college level, joining the University of Texas program in Austin. Competing in one of the country’s strongest collegiate environments gave her the opportunity to grow alongside teammates who would become lifelong friends. “It was an amazing experience,” she says. “Texas prepared me well for the level of intensity and physicality you need to succeed.”   Betting on Herself The transition from college soccer to the professional game can be unpredictable. For Jillian, that moment came with uncertainty. The draft system she expected to enter was removed, leaving her without a clear next step after finishing her senior season. For several months, she waited. Then she made a decision that would define the next phase of her career: she would create her own opportunity. Shimkin earned a trial with Tampa Bay Sun and approached it with a simple mindset—focus on her game and prove she belonged. “I was willing to take the trial and showcase what I could do,” she explains. “I wasn’t worried about comparing my path to anyone else’s. I just wanted to bet on myself.” That mindset paid off. After impressing during the trial period, she signed her first professional contract with Tampa Bay Sun. “It was a dream come true,” she says. “Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to play professionally.”   Finding Flow on the Field Preparation plays a major role in Shimkin’s approach to the game, but once match day arrives, her mentality shifts. During the week, she studies opponents, identifies key players, and clarifies her role within the team’s tactics. By the time the game begins, the goal is simple: play freely. “When I step onto the field, I try not to think too much,” she explains. “That’s when my creativity comes out the most.” That creative instinct has become one of her defining strengths as a player.   A Team Environment That Fuels Growth Now in her rookie season with Tampa Bay Sun, Jillian describes the transition to the professional level as both demanding and rewarding. “The level is extremely high,” she says. “Everyone is strong, fast, technical. You have to bring your best every day.” At the same time, the team environment has made the adjustment easier. “We have a really supportive group,” she explains. “Everyone pushes each other and helps each other improve.” For a player entering her first professional season, that culture has been an important part of the process.   Beyond the Pitch Jillian Shimkin has also developed interests outside the game that complement her life as an athlete. During the period when she was waiting for her professional opportunity, she discovered Pilates and eventually became an instructor. What started as a personal fitness routine quickly turned into something more meaningful. “I’ve always loved coaching and helping people,” she says. “Teaching Pilates became another way to stay active and connect with others.” For her, having an outlet outside soccer brings balance to a demanding career. “I think it’s really important for athletes to have something else they enjoy,” she adds.   A Festival of Soccer One of Shimkin’s recent highlights came at The Soccer Tournament (TST), where she played with Austin Rise in the global 7v7 event. The atmosphere left a lasting impression. “It felt like a soccer festival,” she says. “You’d finish your game and go watch other teams play. There were amazing players everywhere.” Shimkin has always loved small-sided soccer, so the format suited her perfectly. “Futsal, five-a-side, seven-a-side, that style of play has always been my favorite.”   The Women Who Inspire Her As part of Women’s History Month, Shimkin points first to the women closest to her. Her mother remains one of the strongest influences in her life, someone she credits for constant support throughout her career. “She does everything for our family,” Jillian says. “I’m incredibly grateful for her.” Her sister has also played a major role. The two trained together constantly growing up, building a competitive environment that pushed them both to improve. Today, her sister continues the family soccer legacy as a collegiate player at Texas. And when it comes to players she admires, Jillian points to one of the game’s most iconic figures: Marta. “She plays with so much creativity and flair,” Shimkin says. “She’s a legend.”   A Career Just Beginning For Shimkin, the current moment represents the start of a much larger journey. When asked to describe this chapter of her life, one word comes to mind: “Growth.” As a rookie stepping into the professional game, she approaches each day with curiosity, ambition, and the understanding that development never stops. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I want to keep building and keep improving.” And if her path so far has shown anything, it’s that believing in your own journey can take you further than expected.     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