Known for her ever-present smile and positive outlook, Hannah Dowdell often inspires others.
But this past summer the Cascade High School soccer player met some incredible girls who showed her what it means to truly appreciate life.
As part of a religious mission trip, Dowdell went to Cambodia for two weeks. She helped mentor a group of disadvantaged, poverty-stricken girls who are at risk of becoming human trafficking victims. Participating in the Mighty Girls soccer program, the youth -- ranging from ages 12 to 17 -- received soccer training from Dowdell and her peers. Dowdell also attended the girls' English classes and spent time bonding with them.
"It taught me a lot about being grateful. These girls have nothing (but) they're still smiling and they're still happy," said Dowdell, who mainly volunteered in Battambang, a large city in northwest Cambodia.
The Mighty Girls soccer and education program provides a safe, constructive environment for the Cambodian youth and empowers them to become role models.
"I got so much out of it," added Dowdell. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience."
Amanda Bynes
One of Dowdell's favorite movies is "She's the Man" (2006) starring Amanda Bynes. The actress plays a teenage girl who poses as her twin brother to play on a boys soccer team. "We quote it all the time. It's so funny," said Dowdell, who along with her Cascade teammates has a memorable line from the film -- "You played a beautiful game." -- printed on her warmup shirt.
Read more at http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20111004/SPORTS01/710049866/1004/SPORTS
