It has been said that girls who play sports become women who lead, and while it may sound cliché, it is true. Jen Peeples-Hampton currently serves as a US Army captain, proving that girls who play sports can use those skills to advance in life and become confident and resilient.
“As a former student-athlete, I have applied what I learned on the soccer field to my life. I was always a quiet leader during my sports career, leading confidently, which remains true for me today. I channel my leadership skills by being a good listener and considering everything before I speak, which helps me be an effective leader,” said Jen.
Growing up, Jen played soccer, and it became her first love. While she also played basketball and ran track, soccer instilled in her leadership traits. Jen was the captain of her high school varsity team for four years at Hope Academy in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which helped shape her into who she is today.
“There’s something about the strategy and teamwork in soccer that’s different from other sports. I love basketball and respect track, but God called me to soccer, which has helped me navigate life better and build connections,” Jen reflects.
She recently hosted an event through her initiative, ATHLiteracy, “The Showcase,” a free pop-up soccer exhibition in Atlanta as part of her master’s program at SCAD for Business Leadership Innovation to advocate for greater exposure of women’s soccer, particularly for those without traditional opportunities to gain visibility or compete at higher levels. The team that won the showcase received a prize of $1,800.
Says Jen, “Today’s event emphasizes women in sports. The World Cup will be here next year, so I wanted to create an event to get Atlanta excited about soccer and reimagine what passion looks like on the field.”
Atlanta, Georgia, will host eight FIFA World Cup 2026 matches next year, including one of the Semifinals. Atlanta’s current mayor, Andre Dickens, actively promotes sports and wrote a letter supporting the AthLiteracy event. He also backs sports initiatives that address youth issues and foster community engagement.
Says Tiffany Zeledon-Eggleston, “I had an incredible time playing in the women-only soccer tournament. It was such a fun, competitive, and empowering experience.” She was the tournament’s MVP, recognized for her teamwork, leadership, and skills on the field. “I’m grateful beyond words to the organizers for creating a space in Atlanta where women can show up, show out, and support each other.”
