What motivates you to be a coach and what are your goals for the U16 Sabres? 

I choose to coach because I want to share the soccer I know and love with others. Playing soccer has and still brings me so much joy. It had a significant impact on me growing up and I want to make that possible for others. I also believe that it is important to have women athletes and soccer players as coaches. 

One of my goals for this season was simply to get to know the girls and be approachable. Since this was my first season with a team that has played together for a very long time, I needed to learn how the team interacted to bring the best possible coaching. Another of my goals was for the girls to improve their technique and mechanics. I especially encourage them to use their left foot!

How would your players describe you as coach?

No clue what they would actually say but they could say something like concise, quiet, approachable, technique driven, calm and goofy. I want to be approachable, inclusive and to lead by example. I am focused and have high expectations, but I also want them to enjoy playing and feel like they are successful. 

What is you favorite coaching memory or experience?

It is impossible to choose a favorite memory or experience however  one thing that I always love is when one of the girls comes off the field and asks me if I saw them do the thing that we were just talking about or had been practicing.

What should parents know about traveling soccer before they commit their children and families?

I think that group sports have a positive impact on lives and that travel soccer provides opportunities for increased competitiveness and skill development. It is important for parents and youth to find a team and club that fits their needs and development goals and understand that these goals can change as players age. I experienced this as a player and have seen it now as a coach.

There can come a time when a player looks to another club or team for more of a challenge. Further, as players age there is greater pressure for them to specialize in a sport or activity.  I believe it is good for youth to have focus and narrow their activities down to a balanced amount, but there is also a lot to be gained, mentally, physically and emotionally, from maintaining a diversity of sports and activity.