A female perspective is important for boys

I’m no stereotype

As a female leader, I was able to corral the children like a classroom teacher to earn the respect that all coaches deserve. 

My players quickly realized that, even though I was a woman, I certainly did not fit any stereotype. I was not meek or quiet, afraid to speak my mind, or a follower rather than a trend-setter. 

They also saw that I collaborated seamlessly with my partner male coach to respect his skillsets and contributions to the leadership of our team. I required that my players show my fellow male coach the same respect.

Socially, my words and actions demonstrated to the team that my gender did not impact my ability to collaborate harmoniously with my male colleague or to lead with any less strength or confidence. 

They were just as, if not more, comfortable coming to me with questions or needs as they were their male coach. 

Psychologically, I set the example for them that their sisters, mothers and future partners were perfectly capable of the same leadership in sports that I was displaying for them at every practice or match on the pitch. 

 

"My players quickly realized I was not meek, quiet or afraid to speak my mind..."

Following my outdoor assistant coaching season last fall, I took on the role of head coach of my son’s indoor/arena soccer team from November until March. 

I have displayed my knowledge and execution skills as a coach by running technical practices on things such as communication between players, successful passing, dribbling, ball control, and possession. 

With the help of friends and colleagues in the sport, I have the resources I need to make the practices I run and my style of coaching support during games more successful with each opportunity. 

 

We can change how everyone views the role of women in coaching

For any women considering an opportunity to coach boys in soccer, my advice is to take on the challenge without hesitation. 

As women, we have the passion, grit and determination to leave a positive impact on the trajectory of young boys in the sport. We can change how everyone views the role of women in sports coaching by simply showing up.

I am grateful to have spent more than a decade playing soccer, the sport that brought me so much joy, along with good physical health and life lessons on the power of teamwork. 

Having the opportunity to now channel that passion into mentoring the next generation of young boys who have a love for the sport has been incredibly fulfilling and uplifting. 

I look forward to what the future holds for me as a female soccer coach.