Nancy Watson’s journey in soccer began with her father’s influence and grew through coaching her son, where she discovered a passion for developing not just players, but people. To her, leadership is about shared experiences and knowing when to lead or step back to let others grow. Her greatest reward comes from seeing former players become coaches, continuing the cycle of inspiration. She’s driven by a vision for women’s soccer that includes more investment in female academies, coaching opportunities, and structural support. Rather than personal accolades, Nancy wants to be remembered for the legacy she builds through others. From dreaming of coaching the U.S. Deaf Women’s National Team to donating half her liver to her father, her story is one of service, passion, and purpose. She encourages future generations to stay true to their values, embrace every step of their journey, and always find joy in the game—living by her favorite quote: “Expectation cannot exceed effort.”
1 What inspired you to first get involved in soccer, and what keeps you passionate about it today?
I Grew up playing and watching the game. My dad coached and when I got the opportunity to coach my son, it became something I truly enjoyed. Knowing you make an impact on the field is nice but impacting lives is much more valuable. Watching players grow up, find their own paths and getting to be a part of those journeys is the reward.
2. What does leadership in soccer mean to you personally?
Good leadership is a collective of experiences and moments. Its learning from others while passing on knowledge. It’s knowing when to take the reins and when to allow others to lead and find their own voice.
3. What’s your standout moment either as a player, coach, administrator or in other role?
So many little moments, when you are more on the development side you embrace the moments when you can see the understanding come to light in any of your players. I now see some of my former players on the field coaching, seeing the cycle come full circle and knowing the next generation finds the passion is probably the thing that brings the biggest smile to my face.
4. If you weren’t actively participating in the development of youth soccer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I can’t imagine not having found coaching. It takes a certain kind of person to coach, and I really believe i would be coaching in some way even if it wasn’t soccer.
5. What are you most excited about for the future of women’s soccer?
We are finally looking at women’s soccer as a separate entity. Its unique, comes with a different kind of energy. Watching more women become coaches and stay coaching will have a huge impact on the game.
6. Who has been the most influential person in your soccer journey, and why?
Coaches should take little and big influences from everyone they met on their journey. My dad and my grade school soccer coach (Steve Goetz) probably had the biggest impact. Steve had the compassion, and my dad had the knowledge and passion.
7.If you had to form a 3v3 team of past and present female soccer players, what would be your pick?
Honestly, coaches/older players would be fun to watch… Jill Ellis, Emma Hayes, Julie Foudy, Marta, Mia Hamm, Amy Griffin (Now coaching the Deaf National Team)
8.An angel investor has offered you $1m to grow the game of women’s soccer, how would you invest this money?
For Women’s Soccer to grow we have to start at the roots. Female Academies matter, solid leadership, coaching opportunities, and a national support system would be keys. We lose a lot of support because there is top level and bottom level coaching, but no real pathway paved with support.
9.Can you share a piece of advice for the future generation of women who are passionate about a career in soccer?
Know who you are and what you believe. Learn to stay on a path, while you should be willing to learn and grow, you need to have a core set of beliefs on which to build your foundation. This grounding allows you to stay strong when you face adversity. Make sure you don’t skip steps in your learning and always make sure you find the enjoyment.
10.If you could be remembered for one contribution to the game, what would it be?
I think having players I coached become coaches. Inspiring the next generation and making sure they carry on the legacy.
11.What’s one change you would love to see in women’s soccer in the next 5 years?
Investment in the sport: Exposure, education, salaries, structure etc.
12.If you could play a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
England, I would love to go back and play there again.
13.If you could switch places with any player ‘past or present’ for a day, who would it be?
Amy Griffin, I would love to coach the National Deaf Women’s team. This would be full circle for myself.
14.If you could invent a new soccer rule for fun, what would it be?
Goal Keepers take all penalty kicks (Goofy but it would be fun to see the rivalries)
15.What’s a fun fact about yourself that most people don’t know?
I donated half my liver to my dad.
16.What song would you choose as a soundtrack to your life right now?
Welp I am deaf but defiantly the clown car music “doot doot doodle-oodle oot doot do do”
17.What’s your favorite quote?
Currently “Expectation can not exceed effort”