Transitioning from grassroots soccer coaching to club soccer was not an easy decision. For months, I was recruited by The Cleveland Force Soccer Club to coach in the U9/U10 and Juniors program. Despite the opportunity, I hesitated—torn between work-life balance concerns and lingering doubts about my ability.
An internal voice kept whispering: You’re not ready. You don’t know enough. You’ll be the only woman, and that will be hard. These fears weren’t just about coaching. They stemmed from deep-seated beliefs shaped by childhood experiences—messages that told me I wasn’t enough. Growing up, I played on boys’ teams, but I had to work harder to prove myself. I sat on the bench. I was limited in opportunities to bat in baseball, pushed to the outfield, and told football was too dangerous for me. These doubts followed me into adulthood, making me question whether I was capable of stepping into a more competitive coaching environment.
After voicing my concerns, a trusted mentor helped me recognize my abilities and encouraged me to take the leap. Coaching at the club level brought a new level of pressure—parents investing significant money for top-tier training meant expectations were high. But instead of letting fear dictate my journey, I embraced the challenge. I became a sponge, absorbing knowledge from experienced colleagues—all men at the time. I was fortunate to have a knowledgeable directors who spent hours after training, and at the YMCA gym during workouts, discussing tactics, training methods, and teaching philosophies. Those conversations revealed what I needed to learn and reinforced what I already knew. With the support of mentors like Chris Mueller and Denzil Antonio, I gained the confidence to coach at one of the most competitive clubs in the region—as the only woman in my group.
Recognizing this lack of female representation, I took action. Over the next year, I recruited two women from my co-ed soccer league. Another joined the following year. Eventually, a female director, Lauren Wilson, who I have also learned so much from, was hired, and I was promoted to a leadership role. Last year, two more women joined our staff, bringing the total to eight female coaches at the U9/U10 level.
This past weekend was a testament to the leadership, dedication, and expertise our team has built. The Ohio State Cup Tournament—one of the longest-standing competitions in the state—was a stage for our hard work. We supported four teams through the tournament, and we walked away with three State Cup Championship titles and one finalist plaque. The games were intense, with two ending in PK shootouts.
This achievement is more than just trophies. It reflects the effort and commitment of our coaches—week after week, season after season—to create a culture of passion, teamwork, sportsmanship, and quality training. Through this work, we instill grit, tenacity, and resilience in our players—lessons that extend far beyond soccer.
Each of us brings a unique dynamic to this coaching team, but we share a common goal: to positively influence, guide, and mentor young athletes for their future—both in sports and in life. We support and uplift one another, working seamlessly as a unit. Watching our coaches evolve, finding their voice, and growing in confidence has been one of the most rewarding experiences.
This weekend marked an unforgettable milestone for many. And it’s only the beginning.
Best,
Kelly
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