About
Together, Brook and Emily founded Play On, Nashville! to build a platform to reach and encourage children and youth of the Nashville and surrounding areas to participate and enjoy sports and athletics of all kinds. Each went on to earn collegiate athletic scholarships at universities, competing at the highest levels of their respective sports. They experienced first-hand what athletics can provide in their lives, and they believe it is an opportunity that all children should have access to, no matter their financial situation.
Play On, Nashville is an non-profit, exempt organization as described in Section 501(c)3 of the IRS since October 2018.
Meet Brook
Brook is Brazilian-born, adopted as an infant by a family residing in Franklin, Tennessee. He began playing soccer by the age of 5, and soon his passion took him to play with his team around the world, including London and Scotland. It was through these experiences that he realized that he wanted soccer to be a major part of his life. Brook was fortunate to be invited to train at the elite Bollettieri Soccer Academy in Bradenton, Florida (now IMG Academy). Later he went on to earn a scholarship to play Division I soccer at the University of Kentucky.
For the past several years, Brook has enjoyed coaching rec soccer with HYSA/NFC, and is now coaching U9/U10 select soccer teams at NFC. He enjoys volunteering in the local public schools, bringing his energy and infectious laughter and personality to lift spirits, ignite passion, and engage children, as part of outreach to the community.
Meet Emily
Emily hails from the Tidewater/Hampton Roads area of Virginia. She began swimming competitively at the age of 5. Emily qualified for Junior Nationals by age 14, placing as high as 2nd place in the 200 butterfly. At age 16, she qualified and competed at Senior Nationals. She has traveled and competed all over the country at the highest level in other elite events such as the US Open National Swimming Championships. Through committed training and dedication, she earned a scholarship to swim Division I at the University of Kentucky.
Emily has always had a passion for children, and earned her degree in Elementary Education. She taught elementary school for many years, tutored children, and also coached local swim teams and gives swim lessons each summer. She is involved with her children’s soccer teams and school communities as well, as they have begun finding their own passions.
Donations
Building a better future is a team effort.
Every donation you do, is highly appreciated and will help to provide the kids, better tools to face life.