Brianna Banks: Changing Lives Through Soccer
Kensington Soccer Club Coach and Player Brianna Banks/Photo by Alberto Huichapa
Walking by the park near home, she could see a number of African American girls kicking a ball around on the field. She knew of soccer but never really looked into it as something she could do. Watching the girls play and trying to get their team ahead looked like a lot of fun, a fun she wanted to be a part of. She walked up to the girls and introduced herself: “Hi, I’m Brianna. Can I play?”
Kensington Soccer Club U17 Girls Coach Brianna Banks has developed a passion for the game since playing her first game of soccer at age nine. Through soccer, she’s found purpose in being a role model and a leader for others in her community, especially for young girls, African Americans, and people of the LGBTQ+ community, all of which Banks herself identifies with. “These children look up to me, so I have to set an example,” Banks said. “I teach these girls to be confident, to have confidence in themselves and their futures.”
Banks knows that many of the girls on her team are exposed to inequality and violence daily and that it’s important for the girls on her team to speak on these topics, to understand that regardless of status or identity, they can aspire to a better life.
“Being a black woman in the LGBTQ+ community, I share my personal stories with the girls because I want them to see where I am today, despite my status, and that they could do the same, if not better,” Banks said. “When they have these obstacles, it’s going to be hard but we can help them stay focused and positive, letting them know they can get through it.”
Banks inspires others with her hard work and accomplishments. She currently plays as a forward for Philadelphia Lone Star Women, which competes in the Women’s Premier Soccer League (WPSL) — the largest women’s league in the world (in terms of the number of clubs) and sits below the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). She played college soccer for Penn State Brandywine, graduating in 2019 as the all-time leading goalscorer (119), USCAA Player of the Year (2019), four-time USCAA First Team All-American, and four-time PSUAC Player of the Year.
Banks is currently attending West Chester University, pursuing a master's in social work. She plans to open a practice in North Philadelphia, which would help adults and children with mental health disabilities. This, however, is her backup plan.
“My goal in life is to play professionally overseas, to see the world and play soccer,” Banks said. “Lone Star has connections with professional teams in England; I plan on traveling abroad and trying out for some of those.”
Banks thanks Kensington Soccer Club for helping to get her where she is today.
“KSC showed me what support is,” Banks said. “KSC is a family that loves and respects different people and cultures. It’s a stress-free community where you can come in, play and have a great time.”