Many know Cindy Parlow Cone as a soccer superstar, a World Cup winner and Olympic gold medalist and most recently coach of the NWSL's Portland Thorns. Earlier this month, she was honored by her alma mater for these achievements and for being a "global envoy and safety advocate ... an involved and committed mentor to girls and young women around the globe."
Photo by David Gellatly, courtesy of UNC School of Education
The University of North Carolina School of Education named Parlow Cone, a 2007 graduate with a bachelor’s degree in middle grades education, an Outstanding Young Alumna.
Photo by David Gellatly, courtesy of UNC School of Education“From this platform as a superstar athlete, Cindy has coached, mentored, and advocated…. Cindy’s involvement in the lives of young athletes has reached beyond the 50 states. Since 2007, she has been a sports envoy for the U.S. State Department, focusing on sport transcending culture and language; leadership education; AIDS prevention; and coaching education.... Having cited post-concussion syndrome when she retired as a player, Cindy is working to make the game safer for the next generations. Since 2008, in concert with the Sports Legacy Institute, Cindy has helped lead an awareness campaign on the dangers of heading the ball, seeking to delay the practice until players are in high school. In this and so many steps of her life, Cindy has walked the talk of youth development and social responsibility.”Since 2010, Cindy has been involved with Goals for Girls, an international initiative that helps disadvantaged girls across the globe by providing access to health and education programs taught through the game of soccer. Because of Cindy’s role as a spokesperson for Dragonwing, we take special pride in this award. It’s an honor to be affiliated with such a tremendous advocate and mentor for the power of sports to improve the lives of girls.