ABOUT THE FOUNDER
HI, I’M SHAWNA PALMER
My name is Shawna Palmer (formerly Gordon) and I’m a former professional soccer player, now founder & Executive Director of Football For Her. Born and raised in California, I have been playing soccer since I was 4 years old. Growing up, I played up an age group on Arsenal FC, a club team in Alta Loma, CA. I closed out my youth days with OJSC Barcelona. Through the game, I was able to secure a scholarship to Cal State Long Beach.
I played professionally here in the NWSL, in Australia’s W-League, and also in Sweden’s first division for Umea IKFF. Throughout my career, I saw and experienced a lack of representation within the sport, and made it my mission to bring visibility to youth athletes of color—ultimately providing an opportunity for them to experience how sport can change their life, just like it did mine.