Her journey in youth soccer began when she enrolled her three boys in a recreational program and soon took on team management to help families with registration and uniforms. She finds the soccer community deeply rewarding, valuing its unity and shared support. Inspired by mentors like Candy Moore, Bel Haouala, and Billy Petty, she’s proud of helping lead the club’s breast cancer awareness fundraiser supporting families in need. Passionate about empowering young women, she encourages her nieces and other girls to play with confidence and pride. If given $1 million, she’d invest in affordable programs to grow girls’ soccer statewide. Guided by her mantra “Live, Love, Laugh,” she treasures her sons’ jerseys and medals as symbols of their journey and the joy soccer brings to families on and off the field.
1. Can you share your journey into your current role?
My journey began when I enrolled my three boys in a recreational soccer program. Soon after, the program director approached me to see if my boys would be interested in playing competitively. Once they joined the competitive league, the coaching staff asked if I could assist with managing the team’s administrative tasks. As I learned more about player registration, uniform ordering, and the various requirements needed to get players on the field, I took it upon myself to help other families who were struggling with the process or had questions about uniforms and the competitive program. It’s incredibly rewarding to see those families on the field and their players playing joyfully and confidently.
2. What does being a part of the soccer community mean to you?
Being part of the soccer community has been a truly rewarding experience. I’ve seen firsthand how families and friends come together to support one another, creating a strong sense of unity. There’s always someone on the team willing to lend a hand—whether it’s giving rides to games or helping in other ways—to make sure every player has the opportunity to be on the field.
3.If you weren’t actively participating in the development of youth soccer, what do you think you’d be doing instead?
I would likely spend more time with my parents as they are getting ready for retirement, reading more books, and getting involved in any activities that interest my children.
4.Who has been a role model or mentor for you in this space?
In this organization, I believe everyone—from the administrative staff to the coaching staff—serves as a role model. Each person dedicates significant time and effort to ensure that every player who signs up is placed on a team and has the opportunity to play on the pitch. I especially believe that Candy Moore, Bel Haouala, and Billy Petty consistently go above and beyond to support the success of every player who joins our soccer community. I’ve truly cherished their guidance and have learned a great deal through their ongoing support.
5.What initiatives, programs, or events have you been part of that made a real difference?
Each year, the club organizes breast cancer awareness t-shirt sales, and this year, enough funds were raised to support families within our organization who are currently battling cancer. It was a meaningful and heartfelt effort, as the entire community came together—selling and purchasing shirts—to provide much-needed support to these families.
6.How do you inspire others especially young women and girls to get involved in soccer?
I currently have three nieces who play competitive soccer, and I truly admire their drive and determination to compete in a sport that is both challenging and rewarding. One of the ways I hope to inspire them—and other girls—to get involved is by encouraging their passion for the game, motivating them to keep pushing forward, and building their confidence in knowing that what they’re doing is meaningful. I want them to feel proud of their efforts and to understand that the soccer community values and celebrates their participation.
7.An angel investor has offered you $1m to grow the game of women’s soccer, how would you invest this money?
I would invest the money in creating and expanding opportunities for girls in youth soccer. Currently, there are not enough girls taking advantage of the chance to play, and by supporting these programs and spreading awareness, we can inspire more young girls to join the soccer community. This could include offering affordable clinics and camps specifically designed to help girls learn the game, build their skills, and grow in their development—both on and off the field.
8.If you could watch a match anywhere in the world, where would it be?
I would love to take my boys to watch a match at the Bernabeu stadium.
9.What’s one change you would love to see in women’s soccer in the next 5 years?
I would love to see greater growth in the participation of young girls in soccer. I believe the same energy, resources, and support given to boys’ soccer should also be directed toward girls’ programs. Girls are ready, willing, and fully capable—they just need to be given the opportunities to get involved and thrive in the sport.
10.Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
Live, Love, Laugh those are the key things you need in life.
11.Best book, movie, or TV show about soccer you’ve ever seen?
She’s the man and Bend it like Beckham
12.What’s your favorite piece of soccer gear or memorabilia you own?
I cherish my boys’ jerseys, tournament pins, medals, and trophies, as they represent the journey of both their challenges and successes throughout the years of playing the sport.