Abby Dahlkemper Named to 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Program

Dahlkemper focuses on giving back, partners with The Animal Pad in San Diego 

The National Women’s Soccer League, in partnership with Nationwide, announced today details around the 2023 Nationwide Community Impact Program, a season-long, civically-focused initiative promoting community partners and advancing local service projects chosen and led by each NWSL team.  

San Diego Wave FC’s Abby Dahlkemper was chosen to represent the club through her community Partnership with The Animal Pad, a non-profit, all breed dog rescue that focuses on saving dogs from high kill shelters. 

Prior to the Wave’s home match on July 8 against the Washington Spirit at Snapdragon Stadium, San Diego walked out onto the field with adoptable puppies from The Animal Pad to help promote the organization. 

The program, which officially kicked off this month, will feature appreciation games recognizing each club’s community partner during a home match with September 3rd being San Diego’s Animal Pad recognition night. 

“Service and activism are some of the principal tenets of our incredible league and remind us that athletes and fans alike have the power to support causes, inspire change and uplift communities far beyond the pitch,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman. “We’re excited to once again partner with our friends at Nationwide as we continue leveraging our respective platforms and resources to support this season’s exceptional community partners.”  

At the end of the season, one team-community partnership will be selected as the winner of the Nationwide Community Impact Award. Their efforts will be honored during the 2023 NWSL Championship weekend in November, with the winning community partner receiving a $25,000 donation from Nationwide to further their organization’s efforts.  In addition, each participating community partner will receive a $5,000 grant. 

A full list of the 2023 player ambassadors, community partners and team appreciation nights can be found below.