Carolina Hernandez Morales
Family Services Program Manager
I am from a place in southern Mexico called Chiapas. My family and I migrated there when I was just 5 years old. I got into soccer when I was in middle school because it kept me busy and out of trouble. I also liked baseball and Taekwondo. As I grew up I watched a lot of sports, but the main one was baseball since my dad played baseball so that was our family pass of time.
In high school I tried out for the soccer team and I made it so that was my sport. Soccer is a sport that requires a lot of team work and that’s what I needed since I was a trouble maker and it was rare when I wasn’t in trouble. I didn’t know much of sportsmanship. If someone fouled me I went after them and looked for my revenge. Soccer was my way to be the best, focus in school and keep my grades up in order to graduate as well as my temperament.
When life was hard growing up in an atmosphere where there is a lot of violence, gangs, drugs and alcohol, I found that soccer was my escape and there I can release all my anger in the field and be happy. I had to stop playing for more than 10 years but now I have my kids involved and that’s how I decided I need to find a way to be more involved. I want my kids to grow up loving a sport and having that sport be their path to success in life. Soccer turned my life around for the better and that is what I want everyone to know. It's not just a sport, it’s a life style of happiness.
Now I’m glad I can make a difference in a child's life and I know I’m someone they will remember all their life since I believe in them and I don’t give up on them. I’m showing each player that all things are possible if you believe in yourself. I really enjoy being around kids and being able to make a difference in their life, as well as in their parent’s life. It feels good after each game knowing we gave it our all and never quit. We have shown we can come from many backgrounds, but through soccer we are one big family who supports and cares for each other.
Carolina joined PCFC in 2017.