2022 40 Under Forty Awards
Kia McNeill, 36
Head women’s soccer coach, Brown University
How has COVID-19 changed your industry? It is great to be back on the field coaching. Not having a competitive season in 2020 along with all the other struggles the pandemic brought to the table was tough. I think the pandemic made both players and coaches start to really evaluate what was important to them in life – some people delved deeper into their profession or sport, and others took a step away from it
What is the best advice you have ever received? You were given one mouth but two eyes and two ears for a reason.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Still coaching at Brown! But hopefully with some kids of my own running around on the field.
What was your first job? Playing professional soccer in Sweden for a club called Kristianstad DFF. The day I graduated college, I was on a plane to Sweden to play pro there.
What advice would you give your 22-year-old self? Try to start saving money now. Even if it’s only $10 a month, just start!
What is your favorite Rhode Island food or drink? Rhode Island-style calamari, and to be honest all seafood here.
What was your last streaming or cable binge watch? “Ozark” was my last binge watch – during the pandemic.
Fox or MSNBC? MSNBC.
What led you to pursuing a career in your current industry? It was a way to give back to a game that has given so much to me.
