Sadaf Sharifzada was sheltered from the outside world every time she stepped on the soccer field in her home city of Kabul, Afghanistan.
Sadaf Sharifzada, left, and Fereshta Qasemi wait for their turn in a drill during practice at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam. The pair played soccer in Afghanistan before they fled, and now they're advocating for women's rights in their home country.
People are also reading…
“Soccer literally saved my life,” says Fereshta Qasemi, pictured at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam.
“Playing soccer every time we got a chance actually helped me navigate this journey and give me a little bit of happiness,” says Sadaf Sharifzada, shown at left during drills at Wayland Academy in Beaver Dam.
Sadaf Sharifzada and Fereshta Qasemi continue to advocate for women in Afghanistan, using the tools available at their new school.
“We are so grateful for this opportunity,” says Fereshta Qasemi, as she prepares for a selection camp for Afghan Women United.
Photos: Brewers wrap up road trip with series finale against Cubs
Milwaukee Brewers second baseman Brice Turang hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras hits a single against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Edward Cabrera throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is safe at second base with a double as Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers stands nearby during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner is safe at second base with a double as Milwaukee Brewers first baseman Jake Bauers stands nearby during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton tags out Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner at third base during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Kyle Harrison throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton tags out Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner at third base during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton tags out Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner at third base during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton tags out Chicago Cubs second baseman Nico Hoerner at third base during the first inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras steals second base as Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson can’t handle the throw during the third inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras steals second base as Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson can’t handle the throw during the third inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers catcher William Contreras is greeted in the dugout after scoring against the Chicago Cubs during the third inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Chicago Cubs pitcher Hoby Milner throws the ball against the Milwaukee Brewers during the fifth inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton hits a triple against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton hits a triple against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton runs to third base with a triple against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton runs to third base with a triple against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton is safe at third base with a triple as Chicago Cubs third baseman Alex Bregman makes a late tag during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
Milwaukee Brewers third baseman David Hamilton, right, is greeted by second baseman Brice Turang after scoring against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning Wednesday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.
