Until two years ago, soccer was a prominent force in Robyn Freiheit’s life.

Playing seven days a week and travelling for tournaments left little time for anything else.

It was when the 17-year-old acquired an ACL injury that she began to explore other interests.

“I took it as a positive and it gave me a chance to try new things.”

One of those opportunities was the White Rock Youth Ambassador Program.

In fact, if it hadn’t been for the desire to broaden her scope, the South Surrey resident may not be in the position she finds herself today – as the reigning Miss White Rock.

Freiheit, who will be graduating from Earl Marriott Secondary next year, was crowned July 31, after being judged on an essay, speech, impromptu question period and personal interview, as well as her community knowledge and formal wear presentation.

“I think she distinguished herself quite early on as the leader,” program co-ordinator Debbie Ward said. “She definitely is a person who is very capable in taking on a leadership role and multi-tasking and organizing.

“She was always willing to take on something. She really embraced all the opportunities we gave her.”

Freiheit made her debut as Miss White Rock at the Spirit of the Sea Festival last weekend, where she took part in the pancake breakfast, kids’ parade, teddy bear picnic and Torchlight Parade.

This weekend, she and three of the 10 other ambassadors will travel to Penticton for the Peach Festival.

She will also be looking ahead to monthly travelling opportunities as a representative for the city.

Receiving the crown has been a surreal experience, she said.

“I came into the program not for a title, I came into it just for the experience. It was a shock, but I always hope for the best.”

Freiheit first heard of the program from past ambassadors, and subsequently attended an information meeting.

“It was one of those things I was curious about,” she said. “I was a little bit timid to look into it at first because it is a big commitment.”

Factoring in her love for volunteering, being involved in the community and making a difference, Freiheit soon recognized the ambassador path as an avenue to pursue her aspirations.

She is already heavily involved with Earl Marriott, where she was editor of the school yearbook last year and will be student council co-president next year.

And a stint volunteering for the school’s Wheelhouse Theatre has now turned into a part-time job for Freiheit – lighting, sound and stage/house managing for renters who use the theatre.

She is also a part of the school’s jazz band, having played alto sax since Grade 7. Some of her most memorable performances have been in Austria, Czech Republic and Italy, during a two-week tour with the EMS concert band.

“It was a really, really neat experience. We performed for different people in the community, went to a seniors home in Austria, performed in a huge church in Prague. It was pretty spectacular.

“That was my first taste of Europe and I’m addicted to it.”

Freiheit, who was born in Richmond and moved to the Peninsula months later, hopes to eventually visit Portugal and Croatia, where her family originates.

In the meantime, she plans to study sciences and human kinetics at UBC after graduation with the goal of working in physiotherapy.

“I’ve lived in physiotherapy most of my life through soccer injuries,” she said. “I’ve seen that and it’s kind of a big part of me. I feel like I could take my experiences I’ve gone through and give back because I understand that whole realm of sports medicine.”

While Freiheit has found other interests – such as wakeboarding, badminton, scrapbooking and animals – she still misses the camaraderie of soccer.

“I miss the whole atmosphere of travelling and being with a team.”

Through working with other young women in the ambassador program, however, she rediscovered that sense of companionship.

“We connected really quickly,” she said. “It’s really neat to see how we’ve grown as a group.”

Freiheit hopes to see the team be a positive force for teens, and organize more events such as Republic, a musical talent show organized by last year’s ambassadors.

“I would love to be a part of the community and be more of a positive voice for youth... and have the power to speak to youth and get more programs out here for youth,” she said. “Just do what I can to help the community and maybe change some stuff for the better.”