FC Copa Academy is honoring Black History Month by spotlighting members of our organization and former players.
We interviewed FC Copa Alumna Sydney Cummings. Sydney was a standout player for FC Copa Academy and also represented New Jersey Copa FC in the UWS. She played collegiately at Brown University and appeared at the international level for the Guyana National Team. An incredible role model to our players, she just recently participated in one of FC Copa’s Copa Virtually Presents online seminars, sharing her experiences with our players.
Can you please describe your experience with FC Copa?
I can’t say enough about my time at Copa. Copa is my home away from home. The coaches there took the time to mold me as a player and person, and I am forever grateful for everything they’ve done. But overall, my time at Copa was simply so much fun. I have teammates I still talk to everyday and memories I cherish. I’m always excited to come back each summer and continue to build more memories at Copa.
In what ways do you recognize and celebrate Black History Month?
Black History Month is such an important month in my life, and I’m feeling it a little more this year. It’s just super important to me to highlight, appreciate, and celebrate Black people who have shaped this country and the world. I don’t think celebrating Black lives and accomplishments is only confined to this month. It’s important for education and appreciation to extend beyond just February, which is how I try to live my life.
Who has served as role models and influencers in your soccer career?
My family has always been my biggest influencers. My older brothers are so supportive of me, and my parents continue to make sacrifices for my soccer career. I’ve had some amazing coaches in my life who influence me as well. To this day, I can hear Coach Roberto and Coach Lori in my ear; what they’ve taught me is evident in the actions I take now. My college coach, Kia McNeill, is a role model for me in all aspects. She was an amazing player, she’s an incredible coach, and she’s someone I look up to and try to be like as a Black woman and professional. Overall, those closest to me have always been my motivators and role models, and everyday I just try to make them proud.