Mia Bhuta didn't necessarily want to be the first...
“I’m really honored to have the title, but soccer is a game that’s been going on for a while,” she says. “I feel like there should’ve been someone before me. That just goes to show how much we can advance in cultural diversity in the sport.”
The 17-year-old Mt. Lebanon grad and standout soccer player is the first Indian-American to represent the US at a FIFA world cup, at any level, male or female. She was co-captain of the U17 women's national team, leading them to the quarter finals in India with her family in the stands.
A full circle moment for Mia's father, Voym, who left India at just 16 years old to pursue new opportunities in America.
“To be finally at that stage and see all of my hard work pay off was amazing,” she says. “And to have my family there watching me was also incredible.”
But Mia's trip to India wasn't just about what happened on the pitch. Her team worked with the Indian team to bring soccer gear to a local girls team. In that small gesture, Mia realized her impact.
“They aren’t really given the same opportunities that we are in the United States to succeed,” she says. “To see people who come from a similar background succeeding at their goals is really amazing.”
And Mia's story is far from over. After graduating early from Mt. Lebanon, she enrolled at Stanford to play soccer. She has already qualified for the US U-20 team and the Olympics.
While her family's journey and soccer are opening doors around the world, her Pittsburgh support system remain a driving force.
“Being able to play at the highest level and recognize everything that they’ve done for me, and play for them, and for the next group of young girls growing up in Pittsburgh and following their dreams, I think that’s really special,” she says.
While Mia may wish she wasn't the first, if she has anything to say about it, she won't be the last.
“It’s just super important to continue to be this role model and inspiration, to show them what they’re capable of doing, and giving them something to look up to, so that they can chase their dreams, too.”