Charm City. Baltimore, Maryland was my home for three days as I attended the annual United Soccer Coaches Convention. This was my first ever journey to it and it did not disappoint. I started my convention in a very unique way attending the NWSL College Draft as a member of the media. What shocked me the most? How kind the coaches and general managers of the NWSL teams. I spent time finally meeting Alyse LaHue from Sky Blue FC and getting to thank her for helping the Absegami Girls Soccer Program see one of their alums in Erica Skroski at Red Bull Arena in the fall. More than that, I spoke to Freya Coombe, Sky Blue’s new head coach, and learned more about the draft and even spoke to some of their picks. If you need a team to watch in the 2020 season, I definitely have to say pay attention to Sky Blue FC. All those in attendance at the draft were welcoming and it had an amazing atmosphere with supports from several teams in attendance cheering on their team’s new picks. I was absolutely in awe speaking to the many coaches and seeing the sheer excitement from the draft picks as they walked off the stage.
The draft was just the first five hours of my convention. After the draft, I ventured into the Baltimore Convention Center and attended some of the numerous education sessions. Learning from outstanding coaches and instructors, I felt myself rejuvenated with a stronger love of soccer and a want to do more with it. Eventually, my first night ended but not before a stop to a social for coaches of female players. This was a one stop shop for drinks and community that I have never felt before coaching the beautiful game. Even better? I got to meet Jill Ellis before the day was over. Day #1 complete.
Day #2 was just as exciting as day #1 but in a much different way. I spent most of the day in sessions learning and developing my knowledge of soccer. During the day, I heard from outstanding college coaches and even met members of the Paralympic and deafnational teams. They were tremendously inspiring and I know that I will continue to work with the Disability Allies advocacy group. As the day progressed, I met a couple of people truly amazing at what they do. I wandered down podcast row and low and behold I met The Cooligans. If you have not listened, or watched, their show what are you doing with your life? These guys are doing soccer in all the right ways and provide an insightful, funny, and truthful look at soccer. I continued to learn and observe the numerous sessions the convention had to offer and once again wound up talking to some of the best people in soccer while out a local bar. Soccer truly is a universal language. Day #2 complete.
Day #3 was finally the time for me to focus on myself as a coach. I woke up early in the morning to take part in the Coaches of Women’s Soccer Breakfast. Little did I know what I was in store for. The breakfast started with Kely Nascimento-DeLuca bringing us on a journey to Brazil and elsewhere to see the impact women’s soccer is having on the world. Does the name sound familiar? Kely is Pele’s daughter. Yes Pele the best player to have ever lived. However, in this moment the story was not about Pele. It was about what Kely was doing and traveling to see. It was about the story she was trying to tell. It is definitely one to witness. Just check out warriorwomenoffootball.com to see what she is doing. This was just the beginning. The breakfast concluded with recognition of one of the top coaches in the women’s game. Jill Ellis, former USWNT coach, was recognized for her achievement in soccer. Hearing her firsthand, talk about the game and what it meant to her was truly inspiring. Perhaps the best statement, “Soccer is not a sport. It is a gift.”. This rang so true to me. As she described all that soccer has given to her, I reflected on all soccer has given me. Now, it is not even remotely close but soccer has given me passion and the courage to keep fighting even in the bad moments. To say it is a gift is an understatement.
As the day continued, I went once again to numerous education sessions before having the chance to listen to some more influential women’s players speak. Glenn Crooks moderated this session with Brandi Chastain, Samantha Mewis, and Carli Lloyd. To hear them speak about all things soccer, specifically the women’s national team, is something I will remember for years. Carli talked about how she never stops training. She has taken the utmost responsibility for her career and it shows. Brandi talked about how far the game has come since her iconic goal in the World Cup. Samantha talked about being one of the young ones and how this outstanding athletes have influenced her. The one common theme? Women’s soccer is every bit as exciting and influential. How much longer must we wait for the women to be recognized the same way men are? Day #3 complete.
If you would have told me all the things I would experience while in Baltimore, I probably would have laughed at you. Heck, I think I am still trying to figure out if it all really happened. One thing I can tell you is that United Soccer Coaches put on one amazing convention. To learn and meet some of the best coaches and players in the world is something I could have only ever dreamed of. For me, soccer has never become a means to life. Soccer brought me some extraordinary moments but it has not, yet, brought me a career. Soccer, to me, has always been my release but after this, I have a new found passion for the sport. I realize how impactful I can be as a coach and how much the right coach can change an athlete’s life. I realize how much more the game can give me and how to make it happen. Most importantly, I realize that soccer is a universal language and it adds to the saying that sport unites us. It is about time it finally does.
Kicked in the Grass 