Dragonwing Girl Blog
Proud Sponsor of CASL Soccer
My inspiration for Dragonwing was sparked on the sidelines of the beautiful North Carolina soccer fields, so when given the opportunity to become a sponsor of the Capital Area Soccer League (CASL - pronounced "castle"), we didn't hesitate.
Lots of Dragonwing girls play with CASL, and we're happy to be able to support them on and off the fields. After all, empowering girls to play with confidence is what Dragonwing is all about!
If you get the chance to visit the WRAL Soccer Center in Raleigh, one of the country's largest outdoor soccer complexes, make your way over to Field #7, now known as "Dragonwing girlgear Field." That has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?!
Power of Shared Language of Soccer
Last month, the Jordanian U15 Women's National Soccer Team came to the US to train and engage in American culture. Some Dragonwing soccer girls here in North Carolina were among those fortunate enough to be able to scrimmage with the team, share a meal, and get to know a bit about the similarities and differences between their lives as teen girl athletes.
Former USWNT member and Olympic gold medalist, Cindy Parlow Cone, was one of the girls' soccer coaches who met with the Jordanian girls' team. A spokesperson for Dragonwing girlgear and ambassador for Goals for Girls, an international nonprofit that helps girls worldwide through cultural exchange and soccer, Parlow Cone noted the power of sports "diplomacy":
Every time…I'm a sports envoy to another country, it just reiterates how much power…this sport of soccer hasI can say quite confidently that this experience has changed my daughter's life -- and those of all the girls on the field that chilly December evening. To meet and interact, both casually and on the soccer field, with girls from another country, opened their eyes to the similarities and differences they experience as teen girls.. It's amazing how this game can bring so many people together.
Despite language differences, they communicated perfectly in their shared "language" of soccer, where each girl knew what to do and how to play.They relished the competition and joy of the sport! Most of the girls are now connected via social media and sharing parts of their daily lives -- tweets, photos, and updates -- with their new friends across the globe. The members of the U15 team will be the first team to represent Jordan when it hosts the 2016 FIFA U17 Women's World Cup in 2016. The Jordanian team's visit was part of the US State Department's Empowering Women and Girls Through Sports Initiative and the University of Tennessee Center for Sport, Peace and Society.
Girls Athletic Wear "Made in the Carolinas"
I recently spent several hours with a film crew from TWC's "Made in the Carolinas" series for a featured story on Dragonwing girlgear. We traveled to the North Carolina manufacturing plant where our seamless sports bras are made and then to a soccer scrimmage and practice with our spokesperson Cindy Parlow Cone and a team of amazing teen girls.
We're all delighted that TWC's "Made in the Carolinas" profile captured our mission and spirit perfectly. And we take pride in our seamless sports bras being Made in the USA, right here in North Carolina.
Reporter Richard Green explained part of what makes our girls athletic wear perform so well, "Dragonwing incorporates elements that wick away moisture, prevent chafing and essentially allows girls to compete without worry."
Soccer great Cindy Parlow Cone echoed that Dragonwing's sports bras, compression shorts, and other athletic wear "empowers girls to be free and not worry what they're wearing under their uniforms."
"Girls on the field who wear Dragonwing clothing are sold on the benefits," said Green. Teen soccer player Sarah agreed, "It's nice having something locally made, locally created, and something that actually fits."
I was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight our mission of empowering girls to play -- and be -- their best. "We want to give girls an advantage. If their gear performs better, they will play better."
Please help spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and family -- by email or social media.
Reporter Richard Green explained part of what makes our girls athletic wear perform so well, "Dragonwing incorporates elements that wick away moisture, prevent chafing and essentially allows girls to compete without worry."
Soccer great Cindy Parlow Cone echoed that Dragonwing's sports bras, compression shorts, and other athletic wear "empowers girls to be free and not worry what they're wearing under their uniforms."
"Girls on the field who wear Dragonwing clothing are sold on the benefits," said Green. Teen soccer player Sarah agreed, "It's nice having something locally made, locally created, and something that actually fits."
I was pleased to have the opportunity to highlight our mission of empowering girls to play -- and be -- their best. "We want to give girls an advantage. If their gear performs better, they will play better."
Please help spread the word by sharing this post with your friends and family -- by email or social media.
Meet Celia, Dragonwing intern extraordinaire
Dragonwing Ladies,
I'm Celia and am happily running the Dragonwing Instagram account, hosting some Trunk Shows, and working with the other ambassadors to this fantastic, girl-centered company this summer.
A little bit about myself: I’m excited to begin a new adventure as a Cameron Crazie at Duke University this fall. Right now, I live in North Carolina with my wonderfully complex family, which includes my mom, sister, grandparents (Nanny and Fody), and two doggies.
Though I was always picked last in gym class and have never played any sports, I do love to move. I practice modern dance (as well as silly dancing in my room) and Ashtanga yoga, and I find joy in doing all things outdoors from hammocking to swimming and hiking.
Two of my favorite things in the world are live music and great views. Some of my favorite spots in NC are the peak of Hanging Rock, Eno River, and Jordan Lake, especially at sunset.
In my free time, I write for my own blog, eat at least one avocado per day, take board and card games with my family way too seriously, and read anything I can get my hands on. My favorite book right now is Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan. I follow several newspapers and creative projects, particularly Humans of New York by photojournalist Brandon Stanton, with devotion.
I’m an Orange is the New Black, Modern Family, and everything-by-Shonda-Rhimes addict, a lover of baby animal videos, and the #1 fan girl of my friends at their sporting events and musicals.
Finally, I’m proud of my roles as a camp counselor, dance teacher, nanny, and pal to the awesome kids I’m lucky to hang out with all the time.
Up next from me is a post about running for non-runners, as I (sort of) prepare to run (or jog or walk) the Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure 5K this Saturday (6/13).
Follow @dragonwinggirl and tag us in your beautiful photographs, because I will be delighted to share them.
Warmly,
Celia
A little bit about myself: I’m excited to begin a new adventure as a Cameron Crazie at Duke University this fall. Right now, I live in North Carolina with my wonderfully complex family, which includes my mom, sister, grandparents (Nanny and Fody), and two doggies.
Though I was always picked last in gym class and have never played any sports, I do love to move. I practice modern dance (as well as silly dancing in my room) and Ashtanga yoga, and I find joy in doing all things outdoors from hammocking to swimming and hiking.
Two of my favorite things in the world are live music and great views. Some of my favorite spots in NC are the peak of Hanging Rock, Eno River, and Jordan Lake, especially at sunset.
In my free time, I write for my own blog, eat at least one avocado per day, take board and card games with my family way too seriously, and read anything I can get my hands on. My favorite book right now is Brain on Fire by Susannah Cahalan. I follow several newspapers and creative projects, particularly Humans of New York by photojournalist Brandon Stanton, with devotion.
I’m an Orange is the New Black, Modern Family, and everything-by-Shonda-Rhimes addict, a lover of baby animal videos, and the #1 fan girl of my friends at their sporting events and musicals.
Finally, I’m proud of my roles as a camp counselor, dance teacher, nanny, and pal to the awesome kids I’m lucky to hang out with all the time.
Up next from me is a post about running for non-runners, as I (sort of) prepare to run (or jog or walk) the Komen NC Triangle Race for the Cure 5K this Saturday (6/13).
Follow @dragonwinggirl and tag us in your beautiful photographs, because I will be delighted to share them.
Warmly,
Celia
