Dolores Abernathy’s soccer journey began as a volunteer with her sons’ teams and eventually led to a full-time role with Arizona Soccer Association in 2015. She finds fulfillment in helping clubs, parents, and players throughout the soccer community. Dolores is especially passionate about expanding opportunities for girls through after-school soccer programs in underserved areas. She hopes to inspire young women through her work ethic, service, and commitment to making a positive impact.
1. Can you share your journey into your current role?
My path began by volunteering at my sons’ elementary school in the teachers workroom when my oldest son began kindergarten. I then began to volunteer with my sons’ soccer teams. My volunteering expanded to becoming a club registrar and helping out with the club tournaments. I started to volunteer with ASA to help my son’s teams with the State /President bond. As the saying goes one thing led to another. I began working part time at ASA in June 2013 and transtioned to a full time staff in May 2015.
2. What does being a part of the soccer community mean to you?
It brings me happpiness/satisfaction to be able to help clubs and parents.
3.What’s a soccer event you would love to host if resources weren’t a barrier?
An afterschool program for young women to learn and play soccer.
4.Who has been a role model or mentor for you in this space?
My son’s coach who was a volunteer while being a professor at ASU.
5.How do you inspire others especially young women and girls to get involved in soccer?
Hopefully I inpire young women by my work ethic.
6.An angel investor has offered you $1m to grow the game of women’s soccer, how would you invest this money?
Establish afterschool programs in underserved areas for girls to learn and play soccer.
7. You have two tickets to the 2027 Women’s World Cup. Who would you bring with you and why?
I would give away my tickets to 2 deserving female players.
8.What’s the best soccer experience you have had?
Going to a 2026 World cup game with my youngest son.
9.What’s your go‑to snack or drink during long tournament weekends?
Trail mix
10.Favorite motivational quote or mantra?
Try not to become a person of success, but rather try to become a person of value.
11.Best book, movie, or TV show about soccer you’ve ever seen?
Goal
12.What’s your favorite piece of soccer gear or memorabilia you own?
My sons’ soccer photos