What makes you, YOU? What sets you apart from the masses? What is your untapped gift? Last year, Alric, a young Madison soccer player in need of financial assistance, was directed to the Zinovae Foundation. He applied for a scholarship so his two working parents could focus their income on essentials like food, rent, utilities and caring for their family of six, rather than a costly team registration fee.
“What defines me is my kind and gentle personality. I always strive to be kind to everyone I meet,” Alric wrote in his application. “My untapped gift is my growth mindset. It opens my ears to advice and suggestions from others. It encourages me to try new things every day and helps me become the best version of myself.”
The Zinovae Foundation, created by Ashante “Ziggy” Odogun in December 2024, is dedicated to developing not only great players, but extraordinary human beings. Its youth scholarship program provides equitable access to soccer resources, mentorship, and skill development opportunities.
Helping athletes like Alric is the foundation’s mission—and Odogun’s passion.
“We provide money for registration fees, kits, transportation, food and equipment,” she explained. “The foundation lowers barriers and lends a hand up.”
For the love of the game
Through Zinovae LLC, Odogun offers motivational speaking, workshops, seminars, coaching and photography, all rooted in her love for soccer.
She chose the name Zinovae because it combines her nickname, Ziggy, with two words that reflect her personality: innovative and nova.
“I’m a problem solver and disruptive, in a good way,” she said. “I’m also slow-moving with a fast rate of change—high energy, tenacious, resilient and radiating light.”
Odogun began playing sports as a child in England. Born to a 16-year-old mother in foster care, she grew up in a poor neighborhood and moved frequently. She started rugby at age 8 at Robert Browning Primary School in South East London. A few years later, at age 11, she was sent to live with her aunt and attend Blackfen School for Girls in Kent.
“My new school didn’t have rugby, so I joined football (soccer) to stay active,” she recalled. “I had never played before and was terrible at first.”
Her coach at Long Lane Junior Football Club, Mick Northwood, became a father figure and mentor.
“He was amazing, like a dad to me, since I didn’t have a dad in my life,” she said.
When she asked to join the team despite having no experience, Northwood told her she wouldn’t start right away and needed to develop her skills. Odogun accepted the challenge.
Setting the course
While she practiced hard, coming early and staying late, repeating drills over and over, she found herself on the sidelines handing out snacks and water rather than playing in the game. It took about six months before the coach sent her onto the field.
“He called me over during an intense game and asked, ‘Are you ready?’ I stood there holding oranges and water and replied, ‘For what?’” She recalled with a laugh.
Northwood placed her at center midfielder. She was nervous and didn’t play well, but her coach reassured her that improvement would come with time. He continued to challenge her, putting her in situations that demanded growth and helped shape her integrity, character, and professionalism.
That expectation set the course for her future.
“My decision to join a team changed the trajectory of my life,” she said. “Sports made me more disciplined, but also happy and full of joy.”
Forced to pivot
Odogun went on to play professional soccer in London for Crystal Palace Academy, then Chelease Academy and Millwall Lionesses. She moved to the United States in 2013 and played soccer for Ohio Valley University in West Virginia and in 2015 for Delta State University in Mississippi.
However, a series of injuries—including a torn Achilles and meniscus—led to three surgeries and ultimately ended her playing career.
“I thought I’d be playing my whole life, and here I was at 22, trying to figure out who I was without this sport,” she said.
Instead of walking away, she pivoted, channeling her passion into coaching.
She has since coached in 24 states, eventually landing in Wisconsin in 2020 by chance.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was working for Challenger Sports in West Virginia and planning to return to Boston, where she had coached the previous season. However, going to Massachusetts would have required a two-week unpaid quarantine at her own expense.
Unable to afford that option, she asked about alternatives. Her manager offered Wisconsin, where no quarantine was required.
“I’d never been to Wisconsin and was interested in checking it out,” she said. “I came here believing it was a temporary stop on my way back to Boston, and I never left.”
Finding home and purpose
Odogun began coaching in Oregon, Wisconsin, and quickly grew to appreciate the community’s strong soccer culture. Over time, she made Wisconsin her permanent home.
“Wisconsin fits the bill for what I want to do: motivational speaking, life coaching, soccer coaching,” she said. “I love being part of a child’s life as both a mentor and a friend.”
Over the years, she stayed in contact with her greatest mentor, Mick Northwood. Sadly, in late 2024, she learned that Northwood had terminal pancreatic cancer. She was filled with anger and sorrow.
While she was processing her grief, she found inspiration.
“One day, I had the idea to start a nonprofit in his honor,” she said. “My partner encouraged me, and within a month I began the paperwork.”
The Zinovae Foundation was officially formed on December 19, 2024. Northwood passed away the following summer.
“Zinovae was inspired by Mick Northwood, my father figure for 22 years,” she said. “He was kind and loving and taught me so much about soccer and discipline.”
Providing opportunities
In just 16 months, the foundation has raised thousands of dollars and awarded scholarships to more than 80 local soccer players. These scholarships cover kits, clinics, registration fees and more, while also helping increase awareness of the sport and visibility of local teams.
Odogun believes soccer develops far more than athletic ability.
“A soccer team holds you to high standards and keeps you accountable,” she said. “It builds integrity and character.”
This month, Odogun is gearing up for summer clinics, which will be held Monday, June 22 through Friday, 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Monday, July 13 through Friday, July 17, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Warner Park on Sherman Avenue. Students and families can visit zinovaefoundation.org/event-list for more information.
Through Zinovae, Odogun continues to make a meaningful impact, helping young athletes like Alric pursue their dreams, both on and off the field.
She emphasizes that the foundation supports youth “past the grass.”
More than a game
“Soccer was created to bring communities together. It should be fun and inclusive,” Odogun said. “It has the power to save children, grow communities and unite people.”
She offers three key pieces of advice for athletes—and for anyone navigating life’s challenges:
First, ask for help when you need it. Don’t struggle in silence. Second, take action to repair and grow. Think about who you want to be beyond the sport and make a plan. Third, accept who you are in the present moment.
“Know you are valued and have purpose,” she said. “Dream big, and don’t listen to the naysayers. Work hard to achieve your dreams.”
For more information contact: Ashante “Ziggy” Odogun, ziggy@zinovae.com.
