First off, thank you for visiting my site and bienvenido!  My name is Melissa, a former professional soccer player annd Olympian turned Broadcaster, Analyst, On-Camera Host, entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and social media influencer, through my 350,000+ following on my social media channels.

​

I was born in West Palm Beach, Florida to Colombian parents who immigrated from Colombia to New York City forty years ago. Raised in the USA, my roots and culture have made me a proud Colombian-American #latina. 

​

During my freshman year of college,  I was given the opportunity of a lifetime to try out for the Colombian Women's National team. After a 3-week trial, I made the team pool and was called-up to a U20 camp just a year later to play in the FIFA U20 Women's World Cup where we made it to the Semifinals.  From there on, my soccer career accelerated in which I went on to compete in the Olympics, Copa America, Central American Games, as well as professionally in the Icelandic, American, and Colombian leagues. 

​

Although these experiences were some of the most life-changing and moments one can only dream of living, there were also bitter sweets times and rollercoaster rides. From major injuries (an achilles tear just 4 days before the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup) to enormous inequalities in the women's game, I took away great knowledge surrounding this sport that has inspired me to continue working alongside the game as well as being a female advocate.  After stepping away from the professional game and national team in 2017, I have fought tirelessly for better conditions for the Colombian Women's National Team.

 

I am currently based in New York City where I work full-time as a Broadcaster for Warner Bros Discovery as a Sideline Reporter and Analyst on TNT covering all US Women’s and Men’s National Team matches. I am also the host of a Warner Bros prime time show called U.S. Soccer Stories on TruTV. I have had the honor to cover two FIFA World Cups, the 2022 FIFA World Cup Qatar and 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup NZ & Australia with Fox Sports where we won a Webby Award (LFG!).  In addition, I have also been an analyst for the MLS on Apple TV and was selected to be the host Lionel Messi’s presentation / welcoming to Inter Miami which gained a record 3.5 BILLION views.  VAMOSSSSS! 

 

As a natural creative, you can also call me a #Influencer. I have a passion for creating content and partnering with AMAZING brands that align with my values, brand, and life. I have been in campaigns for Nike, Adidas, BMW, Coca Cola, Pepsi, La Liga, Gympass (Wellhub), HBO, Carnival Cruise, Michelob Ultra, AT&T, Verizon, Gatorade, VISA, and many more. 

​

And just when I thought my schedule was pretty slammed… just wait until I share with you about my entrepreneurial side of things!  In 2021, I co-founded Kickoff Coffee Co, the only soccer specific and specialty e-commerce coffee brand on the market! What makes Kickoff Coffee so special? For one, the coffee beans are all top-quality goal-scoring beans rated by the Coffee Association. Secondly, we bridge the two passions of coffee and soccer into one “kickass” brand. And, most importantly, we donate 10% of our coffee profits to soccer foundations that utilize soccer as a tool for social justice and development. 

​

My mission is led by a quote I saw at the 2012 Olympics which said "Inspire a Generation." I want to continue being a role model for young girls, empower others, and inspire our next generations to come. 

​

​

​

​