The award, presented by San Francisco Examiner and Nob Hill Gazette, honors Kundananji for her work with Bay FC and personal foundation
SAN FRANCISCO (February 25, 2025) – Bay FC, the professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), today announced Racheal Kundananji has been nominated as one of 2025’s Most Inspiring Women of the Bay Area, presented by San Francisco Examiner and Nob Hill Gazette for her important work furthering access to sport, HIV/AIDS awareness, and being a positive role model to young women and girls. Kundananji will be honored at the Inspiring Women’s Luncheon taking place on Wednesday, March 26 in San Francisco.
Kundananji founded the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation, through which she supports underprivileged female football players around the world. She was recently named a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador, joining the likes of Victoria Beckham and Naomi Watts to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, reduce stigma and discrimination surrounding the diseases, and advocate for policies and resources to combat the epidemic.
“I’m truly honored to be recognized as one of the Most Inspiring Women of the Bay Area,” said Kundananji. “Sport has the power to change lives, and I’m passionate about using my platform to create opportunities through the Racheal Kundananji Legacy Foundation and Bay FC, raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, and inspire young women and girls to dream big. This nomination is a testament to the incredible support of my community, and I’m excited to keep pushing for positive change.”
Kundananji joined Bay FC in 2023 setting the then-record for the largest transfer fee ever paid for a women’s player. A native of Zambia, Kundananji turned professional at age 18, and has represented her nation internationally at the 2023 Women’s World Cup and at the 2020 and 2024 Olympics.
Since joining Bay FC, Kundananji has spent time after every match meeting and engaging with the club’s young female fans. Through her foundation she has led programs to benefit underprivileged girls soccer players and youth in her home nation of Zambia, including:
- Collaborating with international organizations UNAIDS and UNESCO to host free soccer events, advancing access to the game in underprivileged communities
- Being named a UNAIDS Goodwill Ambassador to raise awareness about HIV/AIDS and support bridging the gap between global awareness and local action
- Partnering with government officials on programs supporting the promotion of equitable governance, the ending of unethical practices and promotion of girls’ education in Zambia
- Partnering with NOWSPAR Women in Sport to put on a gender and safeguarding workshop, advocating for women’s rights and an inclusive and space sports environment for female athletes
The 2025 Bay FC season kicks off March 15 when the club travels to face the Utah Royals. The home schedule begins March 22 as Bay FC hosts Racing Louisville at 7 p.m. PT. Tickets for Bay FC’s 2025 season at PayPal Park in San Jose are now available for purchase at bayfc.com. Fans can also follow @wearebayfc on social channels for more exciting announcements to come.
About Bay Football Club
Bay Football Club (Bay FC) is the professional soccer franchise representing the Bay Area and the 14th team to join the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Bay FC was established in April 2023 and co-founded by USWNT legends Brandi Chastain, Leslie Osborne, Danielle Slaton, and Aly Wagner in partnership with global investment firm Sixth Street and an investor group of leading tech, business and sports executives. Sixth Street’s investment is the largest institutional investment to date in a women’s professional sports franchise. Bay FC is changing the face of women’s soccer as we know it. The Club began play in the 2024 season. Tickets are now on sale for Bay FC at bayfc.com and fans can follow Bay FC’s social channels (@wearebayfc) for the latest news, merchandise, and events.
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