From WE ARE ONE TEAM
We Are One Team (WA1T), an award-winning initiative to promote social justice through sport at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), will present soccer star Robbie Rogers, who has made history by becoming the first openly gay male athlete to compete in one of the five major North American Sports Leagues, as its 2017 spring speaker for the WA1T: Our Voices educational series.
On Wednesday, March 15, at 6 p.m. in Olscamp 101, Rogers will be visiting BGSU to share his powerful story about how coming out has affected his soccer career and life.
The event, titled “We Are One Team (WA1T) Presents: Robbie Rogers – Coming Out to Play,” is open to the public.
“I couldn’t be more excited to visit BGSU in March. I’m extremely inspired by We Are One Team (WA1T) and look forward to sharing my experiences as an openly gay athlete as well as to meet the students who in many ways have motivated me to continue to live my life with purpose and passion,” Rogers says.
Rogers has made a name for himself in the soccer world and beyond. He was first introduced to the game when he was four years old, and ever since then he has continued to train and follow his passion. He has played for the Columbus Crew, Leeds United, Stevenage and was a former member of the U.S. Men’s National Soccer team. Currently, he plays for the Major League Soccer Club L.A. Galaxy, representing number 14 on the field as a defender. Rogers is not only an inspirational athlete on the field, but also uses his platform as an athlete to promote social justice off the field.
He has shared his unique story with others through his book”Coming Out to Play. “The book focuses on his journey from keeping his sexuality secret to stepping forward and becoming a trailblazing, out and proud professional athlete. Rogers is a role model for those who may not have found their voices and who may be hindered to go after their dreams.
