Taking Their Shot: Inside the Grit, Dreams, and Drive of Young Soccer Hopefuls

Taking Their Shot — A Different Kind of Goal

As anticipation builds for the next FIFA World Cup, the global spotlight is fixed on the stars of today. But across the U.S., a quieter and equally fierce competition is underway. For many young athletes, especially those from underrepresented communities, the dream isn’t just to play in the World Cup—it’s to earn a college scholarship that could one day get them there.

Taking Their Shot, premiering October 21st on WeAreCocina.com, tells their story. The new series follows young soccer players working tirelessly to break barriers and secure a future in both academics and athletics. With grit, heart, and unstoppable determination, these players are doing whatever it takes to take their shot at a college and maybe even a professional career.

Taking Their Shot: Meet Vanessa, the Goalkeeper with Heart

The first episode of Taking Their Shot introduces us to Vanessa—a high school senior with dreams as big as her saves. She’s a goalkeeper known for her mix of charm and competitiveness, described by her coach Lindsey Huie as “a teddy bear, but a monster in the goal.”

Huie knows talent when she sees it. A former U.S. Women’s National Team and professional player, and two-time national champion at the University of Portland, she’s spent years mentoring players through her program, Get Gritness. Huie understands the path Vanessa is on—the long hours, the constant training, and the emotional toll of chasing a dream in a system that isn’t always built for everyone.

“She doesn’t even know how good she is,” Huie says with a knowing smile. But with graduation looming, time isn’t on Vanessa’s side. The clock is ticking, and her next few months could decide everything.

Sneak peak of Vanessa’s superpowers: strength & power, 1 on 1 shot stopper, and a wingspan that would make a California condor jealous. 

A Real-Life Assist: The Work of ACCESS U Foundation

That’s where ACCESS U steps in. The nonprofit organization works to level the playing field for student-athletes from under-resourced and underserved communities. By pairing each athlete with mentors, ACCESS U helps guide them through the often-complicated college recruitment process—bridging the gap between raw talent and real opportunity.

ACCESS U believes that “every soccer player deserves a chance to succeed,” both on the field and beyond. Their approach combines academic support, leadership development, and college readiness, helping young athletes fulfill their potential in education, work, and life.

Thanks to ACCESS U, Vanessa is preparing for a crucial showcase in Phoenix this November. There, college scouts will be watching closely. A standout performance could earn her a coveted Division I scholarship—her ultimate goal, and possibly her last shot at making it to the next level.

The Bigger Picture Behind Taking Their Shot

Through Vanessa’s journey, Taking Their Shot captures something much larger than sport. It’s about community, opportunity, and resilience. It’s about the mentors who believe in young athletes when the system doesn’t. It’s about the pressure to perform—not just to win a game, but to change the trajectory of a life.

Each episode of Taking Their Shot gives viewers a front-row seat to the sacrifices, setbacks, and triumphs that shape these young dreamers. Viewers will see how family, coaching, and organizations like ACCESS U come together to build a foundation for success, one kick at a time.

Mark Your Calendars: October 21st

Don’t miss the exclusive premiere of Taking Their Shot, streaming only on WeAreCocina.com on October 21st. Follow Vanessa and other rising athletes as they chase college scholarships, train for showcases, and navigate the obstacles that stand between them and their goals.

This fall, get ready to cheer, hope, and maybe even tear up a little. Because when dreams are on the line, everyone deserves the chance to take their shot.