09/15/2026
Sometimes the story behind a sports card is better than the card itself.
In the spring of 2017, our U13 Girls Condors Soccer Club team had one of those experiences we still talk about nearly a decade later.
We held a Paint Night at the former ArtLounge in Arlington, Massachusetts — and joining our girls that evening were Boston Breakers players Rose Lavelle and Sammy Jo Prudhomme.
A huge thank you goes to their teammate Angela Salem, who helped make the experience happen.
Rose was at the very beginning of her professional career. Earlier that year, the Boston Breakers had selected her No. 1 overall in the 2017 NWSL Draft, and she had made her U.S. Women's National Team debut.
What happened next has been remarkable.
Rose became a 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup champion, scoring in the World Cup Final and earning the tournament's Bronze Ball. She won Olympic bronze in Tokyo and Olympic gold in Paris in 2024. She became an NWSL champion and 2025 NWSL Championship MVP, was named 2025 U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year, and now, in 2026, is a Ballon d'Or Féminin nominee.
That's quite a journey from the young No. 1 draft pick who came to paint with our Condors in 2017.
And yet, when we think about that night, the trophies aren't what come to mind first.
Kind. Humble. Genuine.
Rose and Sammy Jo gave our girls their time and attention and made them feel special. It was a real treat for our young players — and an experience we've never forgotten.
That's one reason sports cards have become such an important part of the Sidekick Sports Academy experience. Cards give kids a connection to players and sports history.
And occasionally, we get to pull out a card and say:
We have a story about this one.
As Sidekick prepares for our 15th year of operation, we're excited to share more of the stories — and cards — that have helped shape our impact in the community.
Thank you, Rose, Sammy Jo and Angela, for being part of ours. ❤️⚽🎨
