Whether volunteering time to a civic, mentoring children or working behind a cause many with local ties are making our neighborhoods a better place to live.
Walter Stewart
Walter Stewart teaches enthusiastic fourth graders at Germantown’s The DePaul Catholic School, so he often proffers praise. As the head coach of the West Passyunk-based Soccer Sisters United Inc., he has become the recipient of rampant renown, leading what many laud as the nation’s first and only competitive soccer club for inner city African-American girls to numerous titles and doing so without monetary compensation.
Stewart considers his girls’ success his currency, as it gives him figurative wealth. His teams, whose origins date back to 1998 and a single squad at Marian Anderson Recreation Center, 744 S. 17th St., are filled with skilled athletes, many coming from financially forlorn families.
A former lawyer, he cannot beat charges that he would make any sacrifice to keep his soccer pupils believing they could play for a college unit or a higher outfit. He has eased travel by offering rides to practices and games and has shared the contents of his wallet for the young ladies to purchase food.
“He is fantastic,” Germantown’s Cierra Gordon, a new player and a member of his class, said of Stewart.
“He is sensational,” Olney’s Marie Christelle Sahou added. “A genius.”
For seven years, Stewart and his stars have used Smith Playground, 2100 S. 24th St., giving local onlookers samples of lively limbs and precise perception. The country has begun to learn his leadership produces victories and, more importantly, promotes confidence, as a Texas University professor is finalizing a documentary on the youngsters and first lady Michelle Obama hosted them and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team Oct. 6 at a White House gathering to advance her Let’s Move! fitness initiative.
“It’s an honor and I appreciate it,” Stewart said of his selection. “I appreciate the nomination probably as much as the honor. It’s great to have parental recognition of the sacrifices that go on to make something like this work.”
Contact Staff Writer Joseph Myers at jmyers@southphillyreview.com or ext. 124.
More 2011 Difference Makers:
Madeline Brinkman Louis DiRenzo Bonney DosSantos Andrew Emma Darren Fava
Sara Feinstein Greg Frangipani Gary Harkins Kelly Hile Mitch Little
Robert Malara Jessica Mammarella Chris Menna Anton Moore John Murawski
Cassie Plummer Sue Posternock Michelle Rumbaugh Letty Santarelli Christy Santoro
Marianne Squillaciotti Jennifer Swain Angelica Victoriano Joe Whelan
Rain rushed the Soccer Sisters United Soccer Club off Smith Playground, 2100 S. 24th St., Friday evening, sending 17 sets of talented legs scampering. Securing shelter mattered more than converting kicks for one night, but the nation next year will learn the girls have forged quests with setting and netting literal and figurative goals.
When Walter Stewart created the Anderson Monarchs Girls’ Soccer Club 12 years ago, he never envisioned one day he would be taking some of his players to Orlando, Fla., for a national competition.
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