"Hometown hero" and U.S. women's soccer team player Tierna Davidson, 21, visited Oak Knoll School in Menlo Park this morning (Nov. 22), where students, teachers and administrators celebrated her success.
The Menlo Park native and former Oak Knoll student answered students' questions and shared advice with them during a schoolwide assembly. Kids welcomed Davidson, who was part of the 2019 World Cup-winning U.S. women's soccer team, with applause and a colorfully painted welcome sign. Many students dressed in soccer jerseys and donned red, white and blue attire.
"I want you to go out into the world and live your best lives," said Davidson, who noted that she hadn't been to Oak Knoll for about 10 years. "Do what you want to do and never apologize for it."
Davidson, a Stanford University student, said she was initially more focused on colleges with aerospace programs because as a child she dreamed of becoming an astronaut for NASA. She changed her mind when she got the opportunity to play soccer at Stanford, she said.
During the assembly, Menlo Park Mayor Ray Mueller presented Davidson with a proclamation from the city to honor the "hometown hero's" hard work and dedication to playing soccer.
Oak Knoll Principal Kristen Gracia described Davidson as a fantastic soccer player and teammate. During this year's World Cup, the Oak Knoll kids enjoyed following the action, and watched a match during lunchtime one day, Menlo Park City School District officials noted.
"She's a great example of what an Oak Knoll Otter does," Gracia said.
Davidson left college a year early to become the first-round draft pick for the women's professional soccer team, the Chicago Red Stars, according to a United States Soccer Federation profile of Davidson. She is finishing up her undergraduate degree in "bits and pieces," she told students.
Davidson grew up a 10-minute bike ride away from Stanford, according to her profile. As a girl, she idolized American professional soccer player Mia Hamm, she told students.
A student asked if Davidson would play in the Summer Olympics in Tokyo next year, but the soccer star said it depends on how she recovers from an ankle injury.
-
Comments