Interview with Izzy Triandafilou

A woman with long brown hair stands smiling in front of a colorful stained glass window, wearing a black dress with white trim and gold buttons.

Izzy Triandafilou is currently a senior at Richard Montgomery High School. She is one of the recipients of the Hyman M. and Phillip D. Perlo High School Athlete Award at the 2025 Dinner of Champions. Izzy has played soccer her whole life, and during a trip to Israel in 2023, she had a transformative experience with Hapoel Shavim, an inclusive soccer program.

What inspired you to create Shavim, an inclusive soccer program for children and young adults?
Hapoel Shavim, the soccer team with which I was involved in Tel Aviv, was so welcoming of adults of all abilities. While there, I worked with the creator of Hapoel Shavim to create the first-ever kids’ Hapoel Shavim team in Israel. When I returned home, I knew I had to recreate that inclusive experience for kids here. I established the league One Pitch, made up of Shavim teams, with the belief in equality, inclusion, and love for the sport as the foundation.

What is the significance of the name “Shavim”?
Shavim means “equals” in Hebrew, reflecting the concept that every member of our Shavim teams are equals. The purpose of Shavim is to enhance the lives of kids with disabilities by offering the feeling of true competitiveness through the sport of soccer. There are not a lot of other opportunities like this.

On November 22, you will be one of the recipients of the Hyman M. and Philip D. Perlo High School Athlete Award at the Dinner of Champions. How does that tie into your creation of One Pitch/Shavim?
The mission of Shavim aligns with the Bender JCC and Lessans Camp JCC’s commitment to inclusion. I’m happy we were able to work together to create an opportunity to enable all people feel the challenges and rewards that competition brings. I’m so happy this was brought to life, and the Bender JCC is the perfect place to make it happen.

Besides establishing and overseeing the league, what role do you play at Shavim games each week?
Whatever is needed! Sometimes, I stand in the middle of field and help both teams play the best they can, sometimes I play, I cheer, I coach…it’s always soccer-focused. Most players have a disability and some are typically-developing, but everyone is an equal member of the team.

How has Shavim impacted you as a person?
I don’t think the players and their families realize that this program affects me much more than it does them. This is always the greatest part of my week. No matter what, it puts a smile on my face.

Is there anything else you’d like readers to know?
Shavim goes beyond soccer; it’s about connecting in so many ways. I hope to expand the program, possibly recreating it in other locations. Everyone should have the opportunity to experience inclusive competition.