I have been involved in soccer for nearly 40 years and played collegiately at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy. The sport has taught and given me so much personally, and I believe everyone deserves access to this beautiful game that holds special powers of growth, unity and community. I also believe every young person deserves the opportunity to dream of answers to these questions: how high, how far can my passion take me? Rooted in these beliefs, my investment aligns seamlessly with the mission of TLH Reckoning - they are changing the game and creating a new reality, empowering young girls and women living near a small city to see that the answers to those questions are no longer limited by lack of resources or opportunities. As the first and only pre-professional women’s soccer club in Tallahassee’s long history, the conditions for success could hardly be more favorable. The Reckoning are an organization born from necessity, with strong, visionary leadership, located in a place well known as a magnet for talent and competition - Florida State University, one of the most storied women’s college soccer programs in the country, lives large in everyone’s front yard. Reckoning Founder and CEO Dr. Ashlee Fontes, a record-setting FSU soccer alum herself, has an impressive resume in the worlds of soccer and sports management, with years of executive leadership experience. Her sporting and business connections and networks in the youth and professional ranks will continue to prove invaluable. Working with the coaching staff of the Youth Academy, I have been fortunate to experience the special sauce of TLH Reckoning first hand. I have witnessed the deep caring and thoughtfulness that stems from Dr. Fontes and filters through to the players on a daily basis. In the Tallahassee soccer landscape, from youth to pre-professional levels, the Reckoning are offering a uniquely high-quality product. They are leveraging the experience of elite coaches, maximizing the benefits of the latest technologies in sports science, and with holistic athlete welfare in mind, working with sports psychologists on a regular basis. The proof is already showing up in player performances from the youth to pre-pro groups - in two short years, on-field team and individual accolades are starting to pile up, including two pre-professional players that have signed pro contracts. Women’s sports and soccer specifically are experiencing a long overdue boom period but it’s still early, with so much room to run. From the moment I was introduced to the Reckoning and their story, I wanted to know how I could support. When the offer to invest arose, my response came naturally, from within. It was an easy yes. And to be able to get in near the ground floor? SIGN ME UP.